13 June 2012 Last updated at 07:20 ET

Falkland Islands profile

Street scene in Stanley, Falkland Islands The Falklands are a self-governing British overseas territory

Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by a governor.

Chief Executive: Keith Padgett

Mr Padgett, a former financial secretary in the Falkland Islands Government, took over from Dr Tim Thorogood in March 2012.

The islands are self-governing, although foreign affairs and defence matters are handled by the British government.

There is no party-political activity on the islands.

A new constitution to enhance the powers of the Executive Council came into force on 1 January 2009.

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