Charitable Islands The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has given almost £100,000 to over 30 charitable organisations in the last 12 months. To support the UK farming community, in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis, FIG gave £5,000 to a national agricultural charity, the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) - Addington Fund. The Government also actively supports charities connected with the British Forces and recently gave £5,000 to a London-based charity which assists ex-servicemen and women to locate affordable housing and avoid homelessness. The Islands were also quick to support Tristan da Cunha, another UK Overseas Territory, and raised £40,450 following a devastating storm in June this year. The Government matched the amount raised by its 2,379-strong population, as well as donating a further £5,000 to the appeal.	Census Reveals a Young, Internet-Aware Population The Falkland Islands is a young, dynamic UK Overseas Territory as confirmed by its 2001 Census figures. The resident population, excluding civilian residents at the military base at Mount Pleasant, was found to be 2,379 people. It is estimated that 112 residents were temporarily absent on Census night. Nearly 94% of the population holds British or UK Overseas Territories citizenship. Census Facts: Over 50% of The Population Owns Computers Household Internet penetration is 43%, almost 10% more than the UK (source: The Office for National Statistics). 80% of the Population is Under 55 An explanation for the Islands’ willingness to embrace technology might be its youthful population - 23% (438 people) of the population is below 15 years of age. Education - The Highest Priority The population is becoming more qualified with 1,338 residents claiming secondary school qualifications (a rise of 39% on 1996 figures) and 454 claiming vocational qualifications (a 31% rise). These figures confirm the effectiveness of the strong educational drives by the Falkland Islands Government (FIG). Education Watch Falklands students have once again achieved praise-worthy GCSE and A Level results. Of particular note was Sophie Greenland who achieved one of the highest marks in the UK for her psychology A-Level. This year, 18 students will be continuing their education in the UK on A-Levels or vocational courses and 13 students have confirmed University places to study a range of courses in the UK. The Falkland Islands Government funds further education courses in the UK. DIARY DATES... Election Date, 22 November 2001. Eight Councillors will be elected to serve for four years on the Legislative Council. Visitors Centre
New Visitors Centre A new tourism centre has opened to cater for the 40,000 plus visitors the Islands expects to welcome to its shores this year. The centre, located at the head of the Public Jetty in Stanley, is designed to be the first point of arrival for visitors and provides an introduction to Falklands’ history, culture, wildlife and environment.

For further information on any aspect of the Falkland Islands please visit: www.falklandislands.com www.falklands.gov.fk

Falkland Islands Government Office, Falkland House, 14 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH Tel: 020 7222 2542 Fax: 020 7222 2375 E-mail: rep@falklands.gov.fk