Should The Falklands Actually Belong To Uruguay?

Posing this question 35 years after the terrible Falklands War, which cost the lives of around 650 Argentinians, 255 Britons and three Falkland Islanders, might seem frivolous. Far from that, a book titled Las Malvinas, Are They Uruguayan?, written by Uruguayan architect Juan Ackermann and Argentinian engineer Alfredo Villegas Oromí, was published last January adding more spark to the ongoing controversy: the possibility that Uruguay could claim the islands that Argentina still demands from England today.

An unearthed treaty

The basis for the authors’ argument is a contentious treaty signed in 1841 between Spain and Uruguay, in which Spain gives Uruguay the territories of the islands. The polemic lies in the fact that, according to the authors, Spain signed a similar document with Argentina 17 years later, promising the territories that they had already given to Uruguay.

Who wouldn’t want to claim this little guy?

As if this wasn’t enough, it is stated that Britain had dominance over the Islands since 1833, but they only became an official crown colony in 1841… the same year as the Spanish treaty with Uruguay was signed.

Maybe the Albatross should claim sovereignty next

But, what relationship did the Falklands even have with Uruguay?

Throughout the 19th century, the links between Uruguay and the islands are surprisingly many. The Uruguayan entrepreneur Samuel Lafone, for example, bought a region called Lafonia that corresponds to almost half of one of the islands. There, he raised sheep and brought over a lot of Uruguayan gauchos that added to the Spanish words the Kelpers speak. Many islanders traveled to Uruguay to study in the schools of Montevideo, and even now retain a good relationship with Uruguayans.

They both have fantastic beaches, although Uruguay’s way warmer

What does this mean for the future?

The Falklanders had a sovereignty referendum in 2013, in which they were asked if they supported the continuation of their status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. The vast majority of the population (an overwhelming 99.8 percent) voted “yes,” with a total of only three islanders voting against it.

In their book, the authors speculate on what Uruguay could do with all this researched information. They propose that Uruguay could start conversations with England and the islanders, that it could take a third part in the ongoing claim for co-sovereignty, or could even pressure Argentina. Of course, they also state Uruguay could do nothing with this information, which is most likely to happen since Uruguay has never shown any signs of wanting the territory in the first place.

In their interview with El Observador, the authors state that they “haven’t uncovered anything. Just inquired deeper into documents that already existed. Juridically, the islands belong to Uruguay.” Villegas admitted, “For me, that I’m Argentinian, it was really hard to realize that all of this is true.”

There are more penguins than humans in the Falklands, and these are the King

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.