National holiday:
Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
Constitution:
adopted 3 October 1985
Legal system:
the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply; the senior magistrate
from the Falkland Islands presides over the Magistrates Court
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)
Flag description:
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and
the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands coat of arms
centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a
shield with a golden lion centered; the shield is supported by a fur
seal on the left and a penguin on the right; a reindeer appears
above the shield, and below it on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM
PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)
Economy South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Economy - overview:
Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. Fees from fishing
licenses and related activities traditionally account for around 90%
of South Georgia's revenue (about $5.6 million in 2004). There is a
potential source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The
islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale
of fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist
vessels. Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing
rapidly. Annual tourist volume hovers around 3,000 arrivals.
Communications South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: NA international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken