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Falkland Islands — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in the Falkland Islands is

2017: 2,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in the Falkland Islands is

2017: 62.101

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Number of Registered Firearms

ChartThe number of registered guns in the Falkland Islands is reported to be

2017: 1,7051
2015: 1,7052

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered guns per 100 people in the Falkland Islands is

2015: 60.043

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Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

ChartUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,4 but in the Falkland Islands there are estimated to be

2017: 2951
2015: 1715 2

Government Guns

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in the Falkland Islands are reported to have 306 firearms

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In the Falkland Islands, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence7

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In the Falkland Islands, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law8 9 10

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from the Falkland Islands is reported by Customs to be US$94811 (2006)

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Firearm Imports

In the Falkland Islands, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law12 9 10

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In the Falkland Islands, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law13

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in the Falkland Islands do not include13 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in the Falkland Islands is categorised as restrictive14

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in the Falkland Islands includes the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 200915

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in the Falkland Islands are regulated by the Chief Police Officer16

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Right to Possess Firearms

In the Falkland Islands, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law17 18

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In the Falkland Islands, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic weapons19 20

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In the Falkland Islands, only licensed gun owners21 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in the Falkland Islands are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm22

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in the Falkland Islands is 17 years, or as young as 12 years while under supervision23

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in the Falkland Islands must pass a background check which considers undefined13 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In the Falkland Islands, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required13

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Partner to be Advised or Interviewed

In the Falkland Islands, licensing authorities are not required13 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in the Falkland Islands does not stipulate13 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In the Falkland Islands, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required13 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In the Falkland Islands gun owners are licensed for an indefinite period or until the licence is revoked or otherwise terminated21

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Licensing Records

In the Falkland Islands, authorities maintain a record16 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in the Falkland Islands are permitted to possess any number of firearms13

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in the Falkland Islands are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition13

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In the Falkland Islands, the law requires16 24 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In the Falkland Islands, licensed firearm dealers are required25 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In the Falkland Islands, licensed gun makers are required25 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In the Falkland Islands, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited unless registered by the chief of Police26 27 28

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In the Falkland Islands, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful29

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In the Falkland Islands, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined13

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In the Falkland Islands, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated13 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in the Falkland Islands do not include13 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in the Falkland Islands include29 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in the Falkland Islands do not include13 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Carrying Guns

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Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In the Falkland Islands, carrying a gun in a public place is not regulated by law13

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Gun Free Zones

In the Falkland Islands, private guns are prohibited in any public place or any other place specified by the Governor30

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In the Falkland Islands, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm31 is three months and/or a fine32

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, the Falkland Islands are not a Member State of the United Nations33

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list34 the Falkland Islands as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal Profile

Link
About SDG 16

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part. SDG 16,35 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2). In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing.

Marking and Tracing

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Firearm Marking

In the Falkland Islands, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is not required by law13

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Firearm Tracing

In the Falkland Islands, state authorities do not carry out13 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In the Falkland Islands, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally13 recorded in a register

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where the Falkland Islands ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on the Falkland Islands on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation

2.

Webb, Gary.2015.‘Number of Registered Firearms.’ Personal E-mail correspondence.Stanley:Falkland Islands Police,9 January. (Q9051)Full Citation

3.

GunPolicy.org.2015.‘Calculated Rates - Falkland Islands.’ Population - CIA The World Factbook.Stanley:Central Intelligence Agency,28 January. (Q9052)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org. 2019. ‘Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 24 January. (G14) Full Citation

5.

GunPolicy.org. 2016. ‘Number of Privately Owned Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 12 December. (G1) Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation

7.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Manufacture of Firearms and Ammunition.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9049)Full Citation

8.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Firearms and Ammunition Export Licence.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9035)Full Citation

9.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Declaration on Importation or Exportation.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9036)Full Citation

10.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Penalties for Wrongful Importation or Exportation.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9037)Full Citation

11.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

12.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Firearms and Ammunition Import Licence.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9034)Full Citation

13.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q12074)Full Citation

14.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

15.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9030)Full Citation

16.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Register of Firearms and Licences.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9032)Full Citation

17.

Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation

18.

Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation

19.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Prohibited Weapons and Ammunition.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9047)Full Citation

20.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Prohibited Modification.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9048)Full Citation

21.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Firearm Licence.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9041)Full Citation

22.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Grant, Variation and Revocation of Licences.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9033)Full Citation

23.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Restrictions on Possession by Young Persons.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9045)Full Citation

24.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Registration of Firearms.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9040)Full Citation

25.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Records, Returns and Inspection.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9039)Full Citation

26.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Procedure on Transfer.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9043)Full Citation

27.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Temporary Loans.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9044)Full Citation

28.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Prohibition of Transfer to Intoxicated or Insane Person.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9046)Full Citation

29.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Firearms and Ammunition Dealer's Licence.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9038)Full Citation

30.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Restrictions on Discharge of Firearms.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9050)Full Citation

31.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

32.

Falkland Islands.2009.‘Offence of Possession of Firearm Without Licence.’ Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance No. 4 of 1987, as Amended 2009.Stanley:Falkland Islands Government,1 October. (Q9042)Full Citation

33.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

34.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation

35.

United Nations.2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation