Falkland Islanders

Falkland Islanders, also called Falklanders and nicknamed Kelpers, are the people of the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands.

Identity

The Islanders are British, albeit with a distinct identity of their own:

They also see themselves as no different from other immigrant nations including those of neighbouring South America:

Kelpers is a nickname given to Falkland Islanders because the islands are surrounded by large seaweeds called kelp.

Demographic statistics

The following demographic statistics are from the CIA World Factbook, unless otherwise indicated.

Population

Nationality

With retrospective effect from 1 January 1983, as provided in the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983, the Falkland Islanders have been full British citizens. From the Argentine position, the Falklanders are Argentine citizens and may request an Argentine birth certificate, Documento Nacional de Identidad, and Argentine passport, if they wish so.

Ethnic groups

About 70 percent are of British descent, primarily as a result of Scottish and Welsh immigration to the islands. The native-born inhabitants call themselves "Islanders"; the term "Kelpers", from the kelp which grows profusely around the islands, is no longer used in the Islands. People from the United Kingdom who have obtained Falkland Island status are known locally as 'belongers'.