Channel Islands: Jersey and Guernsey

Updated September 9, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

Map of Channel Islands: Jersey and Guernsey Map of Channel Islands: Jersey and Guernsey Status: Crown dependencies Lieutenant Governor of Jersey: John McColl (2011) Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey: Air Marshall Peter Walker (2011) Total area: 45 sq mi (117 sq km) (Jersey), 25 sq mi (64.7497 sq km) (Guernsey) Populations (2014 est.): Jersey, 96,513 (growth rate: 0.816%); birth rate: 11.65/1000; infant mortality rate: 3.86/1000; life expectancy: 81.66; Guernsey, 65,849 (growth rate: 0.36%); birth rate: 9.89/1000; infant mortality rate: 3.47/1000; life expectancy: 82.39 Capital of Jersey (2003 est.): St. Helier, 28,600 Capital of Guernsey (2003 est.): St. Peter Port, 16,488 Monetary units: Guernsey pound; Jersey pound Major sources and definitions

Flag of Jersey

Flag of Guernsey

This group of islands, lying in the English Channel off the northwest coast of France, belonged to the Duchy of Normandy until it passed to the English Crown with the Norman conquest of 1066. It was the only British possession occupied by Germany during World War II. English and French are commonly spoken (though use of the latter is declining), and a Norman-French patois survives.

For administrative purposes, the islands are divided into the Bailiwick of Jersey (45 sq mi; 116 sq km), including the Ecrehous rocks and Les Minquiers, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey (30 sq mi; 78 sq km), including Alderney (3 sq mi; 7.8 sq km), Sark (2 sq mi; 5.2 sq km), Herm, Jethou, Brechou, and other smaller islands. The Channel Islands enjoy tax sovereignty, and their exports are protected by British tariff barriers. Financial services, tourism, market gardening, and dairy farming are important industries.

See also Encyclopedia: Channel Islands.