Bailiwick of Jersey

Bailliage de Jersey
Bailiwick of Jersey

British Crown Dependency

Anthem
God Save the Queen

German Military Government of the Channel Islands (1940-45)

Region

Normandy

Capital

Saint Helier

Government

Constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy

Duke of Normandy

- From 1952

Elizabeth II

Lieutenant Governor

- From 2006

Andrew Ridgway

Chief Minister

- From 2008

Terry Le Sueur

Legislature

States of Jersey

History

- 1204

Separation from Normandy

- 1279

Bailiwick established

- July 1, 1940

Occupation by Germany

- May 9, 1945

Liberation from Germany

- August 25, 1945

Civilian rule restored

Area

116 km²

Population

- 2003

91,626

Density

789.8/km²

GDP

2003 (PPP)

- Total

US$ 3.6 billion

- Per capita

US$ 40,000

Currency

Pound sterling

Lordship of the Isles

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The Bailiwick of Jersey is a constitutional monarchy and a British crown dependency in the English Channel.

Background

Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. Jersey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.^[1]

Economy

Jersey's economy is based on international financial services, agriculture, and tourism. In 2005 the finance sector accounted for about 50% of the island's output. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export income earner. Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. Tourism accounts for one-quarter of GDP. In recent years, the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey with the result that an electronics industry has developed, displacing more traditional industries. All raw material and energy requirements are imported as well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. Light taxes and death duties make the island a popular tax haven. Living standards come close to those of the UK.^[2]