only town and, since 1842, capital of the Falkland Islands, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic Ocean. It lies on the northeast coast of East Falkland, along the southern shore of Port William inlet. Its fine inner and outer harbours attracted the early British settlers because of the protection afforded their sailing vessels. Stanley was an important base for Antarctic whaling operations and a British naval base during World War II, but its port now serves mostly merchant ships.

About two-thirds of the people of the Falklands reside in Stanley. Wool is the main export. The principal imports are foodstuffs, petroleum, clothing, and timber. The town is the site of Christ Church Cathedral (1892) and the islands' only hospital. The Town Hall houses a library, as well as public offices and a chamber for the Town Council. A large garrison of British troops has been stationed near Stanley since 1983, following the Falkland Islands War. In the environs are penguin rookeries. A small international airport is located near Stanley. Pop. (2001) 1,989.

town, northwestern Tasmania, Australia, on the eastern shore of Circular Head, a promontory extending into Bass Strait. From 1826 it was the hub of the settlement of the Van Diemen's Land Company in that part of the state. First called Circular Head, the town was renamed in 1833 for Lord Stanley, then colonial secretary. It was the birthplace of Joseph Aloysius Lyons, the first Tasmanian to become prime minister of Australia (1931–39). Just off the Bass Highway and terminus of a rail line from Launceston (105 miles 【170 km】 southeast), Stanley serves a region yielding timber, fish, dairy products, potatoes, and turnips. Pop. (2001) locality, 455.