Of 1,517 votes cast in the two-day referendum - on a turnout of more than 90% - 1,513 were in favour, while just three votes were against. 

 

It follows pressure from Argentina over its claims to the islands, 31 years after the Falklands War with the UK.

 

The UK government welcomed the result and urged "all countries" to accept it and respect the islanders' wishes.

 

The referendum had asked: "Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?"

 

 

There was a turnout of more than 90% from 1,672 British citizens eligible² to vote in a population of about 2,900. 

 

Nigel Haywood, governor of the Falkland Islands, said: "Obviously it is a major principle of the United Nations that a people have their right to self-determination, and you don't get a much clearer expression of the people's self-determination than such a large turnout and such a large 'yes' vote."

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