South-Georgia-and-the-Islands

SOUTH-GEORGIA-AND-THE-ISLANDS

Information about travelling to South-Georgia-and-the-Islands

South-Georgia-and-the-Islands is located in Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

Facts about South-Georgia-and-the-Islands
Populationno indigenous inhabitants
Capital
Time zone
Location Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

General info about South-Georgia-and-the-Islands
The islands, which have large bird and seal populations, lie approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration since 1908 - except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey. Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island.
Climate
variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow
Resources
fish
Economy
Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels. Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.    Communications    South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Top of Page
Environment
NA

Cities in South-Georgia-and-the-Islands




Explore countries around the world