Population Boom

Seven weeks after the end of the Falklands War the islands' 1,800 "kelpers" are trying to return to the quiet life they enjoyed before Argentina's invasion. But not everything is as it was, largely because the 40-man force that had previously defended the islands has been replaced by a 3,000-man British garrison. On their time off, the soldiers have little to do but socialize and spend money in the small local shops, buying up Port Stanley's supply of postcards and objects carrying the Falklands' motto, "Desire the Right." One storeowner has already sold out a supply of watches and jewelry that would previously have lasted half a year. Meanwhile, Britain announced it would relax the 200-mile "total exclusion zone" imposed at the height of the Falklands crisis. But Britain, still wary of Argentina's intentions, asked that country's military ships and aircraft to stay 150 miles away.