Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, lying approximately 160km (100 miles) south of the coast of England and 23km (14 miles) from the coast of Normandy in France. The island is roughly 14.5km (9 miles) by 8km (5 miles). Jersey has over 20 bays, many small harbours and magnificent beaches bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. St Helier is the capital and by far the biggest town on the island. Elizabeth Castle withstood Oliver Cromwell and his army for seven weeks in 1651, and was later used by the occupying German forces during World War II. Fort Regent is built on an outcrop above the town. It has been converted into a leisure complex with sports and conference facilities. King Street-Queen Street is the main luxury shopping area on the island. The best beach in the north is at Plémont, with a sheltered bay, rock pools and caves. The coast of France can be seen on a clear day from this side of the island. The main beach in the south is at St Brelade’s Bay, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. In St Lawrence, the former German Military Underground Hospital contains exhibits of Jersey’s occupation. The two main beaches in the east cover almost the whole of the eastern coast. Tourists also visit to buy pottery from the village of Gorey and visits to the workshop can be arranged. The west coast consists almost entirely of an 8km- (5 mile-) beach on St Ouen’s Bay. This area of the island is known for its locally made crafts – decorative candles, leatherwork and pottery.

116 sq km (45 sq miles).

90,800 (2005).

753 per sq km.

St Helier. Population: 28,310 (2001).

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, lying approximately 160km (100 miles) south of the coast of England and 23km (14 miles) from the coast of Normandy in France. The island is roughly 14.5km (9 miles) by 8km (5 miles). It slopes from north to south and often appears to visitors to be largely composed of pink granite. Jersey has over 20 bays, many small harbours and magnificent beaches bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

Dependency of the British Crown. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by the Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Cheshire. Head of Government: Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache since 1995. Recent history: As a direct dependency of the British crown, Jersey has its own legislative and taxation systems which are an intriguing blend of Norman and English. The Jersey States Assembly, one of the oldest legislative bodies in the world, is composed of 12 Constables, 12 Senators and 29 Deputies (none of whom receives any remuneration for their services), as well as several non-voting officials, some of whom are appointed by the crown. The island’s laws are subject to ratification by the Privy Council, although this is little more than a formality. Jersey has jealously guarded its independence since the war, manifested in strict criteria governing rights of residency and a marked reluctance to accept controls over its thriving financial services industry. In recent years, however, under pressure from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Jersey authorities have been forced to cede some controls over the industry. The island’s antique political system has also come under scrutiny. A process of public consultation began in November 2003; this is intended to produce a more democratic system, including a blueprint for a wider franchise and a wholly elected government.

English is the official language. A dialect of Norman-French is still spoken by some people. French is still used in courts.

Each of Jersey’s parishes has its own Anglican church, but some parishes, particularly St Helier, have been subdivided to provide more than one centre for Church of England worship. There are 12 Roman Catholic and 18 Methodist churches, as well as a wide range of free churches.

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Similar to the rest of the UK, with French influences (see the United Kingdom section).