f age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UK since 6 February 1952)
is a hereditary monarch
head of government: Governor R. RALPH (since NA) was appointed by
the queen
cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative
Council, two ex-officio members (chief executive and the financial
secretary), and the governor

Legislative branch: unicameral
Legislative Council: elections last held 11 October 1989 (next was
to be held NA October 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA;
seats - (10 total, 8 elected) independents 8

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: NA

International organization participation: ICFTU

Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the
UK)

US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk
centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a
white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) above the
sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a
scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

Economy
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Economic overview: The economy was formerly based on agriculture,
mainly sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs most of
the work force. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops
furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool
to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. Rich stocks of
fish in the surrounding waters are not presently exploited by the
islanders. So far, efforts to establish a domestic fishing industry
have been unsuccessful. The economy has diversified since 1987, when
the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers
operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license
fees total more than $40 million per year and support the island's
health, education, and welfare system. To encourage tourism, the
Falkland Islands Development Corporation has built three lodges for
visitors attracted by the abundant wildlife and trout fishing. The
islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British
Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around
the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial
reserv