Question
Here is the question : ON WHAT REMOTE ISLANDS DO SHEEP OUTNUMBER PEOPLE 167 TO 1?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Falkland Islands
- Pitcairn Islands
- Kerguelen Islands
- Keeling Islands
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
The rearing of sheep is the primary economic activity of the Falkland Islands, and as a result, the islands are home to a large flock of fluffy sheep numbering close to 500,000. That works out to one sheep for every 167 people that live there permanently. The human dwellers are going to be in a lot of trouble if those sheep decide to start a rebellion! On these chain of islands located off the coast of Argentina’s southernmost tip, the quantity of sheep is not the only animal that outnumbers humans. In addition, there are five different kinds of penguins that call the Falkland Islands their home: kings, gentoos, Magellanics, rockhoppers, and macaronis. In fact, it is one of the few places on the planet where a large settlement of humans lives so close to these flightless birds.
The Falkland Islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, have a very small human population but a remarkably large sheep-to-human ratio. With only around 3,000 residents, the Falklands have over 500,000 sheep, outnumbering people by 167 to 1. The islands’ sparse population and sheep-dominated economy stem from their geographical isolation and history as a British colony.
The Falkland Islands comprise over 700 islands with a total area of about 5,000 square kilometers. They are located northeast of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, 300 kilometers from Antarctica and 750 kilometers from South America. Sea lions and penguins inhabit the coastlines, while sheep overgraze the inner grasslands. Harsh winters, salty soil, and lack of roads pose challenges to development.
Originally inhabited by indigenous Fuegians, the Falklands were first claimed by Spain in 1516 and later settled by Britain in the 1700s. Britain established the Falklands as a colony for strategic naval control and penal settlement. Sheep farming was introduced in the early 1800s and became the dominant economic activity. Little developed beyond agriculture due to the islands’ isolation.
the Falklands remain a British Overseas Territory with their own elected government. Tensions with Argentina, which claims the islands, have at times impacted economy, trade and security. However, the majority of Falkland Islanders wish to maintain British sovereignty. Tourism related to the islands’ pristine environment and penguin colonies is a growing industry. Fishing also provides some economic opportunity, though resources are limited.
Life on the Falklands moves at a slow pace, centered around farms, families and community. Social life revolves around localized gatherings, sports days, charity events and seasonal festivals. Most residents live rurally and know each other well from an early age given the small population size. Emigration is common for education, work and adventure, leading to a shortage of younger residents.
The Falkland Islands may be small, isolated and sparsely populated but their unique history, culture and landscape leave a lasting impression. Steeped in British colonial tradition yet forging their own path, the islands and their hardy sheep herding communities represent perseverance against challenging circumstances. With stunning coastlines, of penguins and cautious optimism for the future, the Falklands stand out as a place of quiet wonder amidst a vast and sometimes uncaring sea. Their story is one of small-town solidarity, close-knit communities and a timeless resilience of the human spirit.
The 167 sheep to 1 human ratio of the Falkland Islands is shocking yet speaks to their solitary, slow-paced way of life surrounded by nature. It is a quirk of history and geography that cements the islands’ place as an offbeat yet compelling destination, forever dominated by woolly companions rather than people.