We're not all sheep farmers and 18 other things you need to know about the Falkland Islands

Myths debunked and Falklands facts - your instant guide to the islands.Nearly 30 years on from the Falklands War, the islands are a hot topic once again as Argentina ups the sabre-rattling.

Falklander Rob Burnett fills you in on the islands...

Falklands myths debunked

1. The Falkland Islands are in Northern Scotland

Wrong. The Falkland Islands are located off the southern tip of South America, some 300 miles from the coast or Argentina.

2. There are lots of Argentineans in the Falklands.

Wrong. The population is made up of around 61 per cent Falkland Islanders (mostly of British descent), 29 per cent British, 6.5 per cent Chilean and 3.5 per cent other.

3. It is always cold and bleak

Wrong. The climate is similar to that of the UK, but with, on average, less rainfall and more hours of sunshine. The prevailing westerly wind is the most dominant characteristic of Falklands weather.

4. They cost the UK tax-payer millions of pounds to maintain.Wrong. The Falklands are entirely financially self-sufficient, except for the cost of defence, which is only necessary in light of the threat from Argentina - the cost of which amounts to some 0.177% of the total UK defence budget.
  Read the rest  HERE