Where are the Falkland Islands?
The 4,700-square-mile archipelago of nearly 200 islands is 400 miles northeast of the southern tip of South America, giving it a climate similar to Scotland. Most of the area is in two islands, East and West Falkland.
What is the history of the dispute?
Argentina has maintained since its independence in 1816 that it inherited a Spanish claim to the islands. But Britain discovered the islands in 1592, established a temporary colony in 1765 and has had a permanent colony since 1833. Both are adamant about their sovereignty.
Are the islands valuable?
The 1,800 inhabitants raise 600,000 sheep. But beneath the waters off the cool, rocky islands there are ''red hot'' oil prospects. Argentina has found oil off its coast but further exploration has apparently been delayed by the territorial dispute.
What do residents want?
The residents all speak English and are of British descent, and their natural ties are with Britain rather than Spanish-speaking Argentina. It is assumed they would want to remain a British colony.
Who would have the military advantage?
Britain has a far larger navy, including such advanced ships as the nuclear attack submarine dispatched last week. But Britain is about 9,000 miles away, while the islands are only 450 miles from Argentina. It could take three weeks for British ships to reach the area.
Have there been other clashes?
The last one was in February 1976 when an Argentine destroyer fired over the bow of a British ship in the disputed waters. A month earlier both countries recalled their ambassadors, and ties were only re-established in 1980.