Overview of Guernsey

Profile

The Bailiwick of Guernsey comprises Guernsey Island, Alderney, Sark, Herm, and several other islands, with the capital St. Peter Port located closer to Normandy, France than mainland UK. As a Crown Dependency, it has the British monarch as its head of state while maintaining its own parliament, tax system, and judiciary, never having been part of the EU. Renowned as an offshore financial center, while dairy farming of Guernsey cattle, cut flowers, horticulture, and tourism are also vital industries, covering a total area of only 78 km², the mild maritime climate creates a comfortable living environment with average life expectancy exceeding 80 years. Under German occupation from 1940-1945, Liberation Day on May 9 remains the biggest celebration.

Official name: Bailiwick of Guernsey
Common name: Guernsey
Numeric code: 831
Alpha-3 code: GGY
Alpha-2 code: GG
Population: approximately 64,000 (2023)
Population density: approximately 820 per km2
Primary languages: English, Guernsey Norman (Guernésiais)
Major religions: Church of England, Catholic
National anthem: Sarnia Cherie (unofficial)
Calling code: +44-1481
Internet TLD: .gg

History

From Norman duchy rule through English conquest to becoming a British Crown Dependency, maintaining unique autonomy to the present.

Since the Duke of Normandy annexed the Channel Islands in 933, the islands have been strongly influenced by Norman culture. With William the Conqueror's English coronation in 1066, while remaining Norman territory they became English Crown Dependencies, and when mainland Normandy became French royal territory in 1204, the islands continued pledging loyalty to the English monarch. Since medieval times, they prospered through privateering and trade, and in the 19th century became known as poet Victor Hugo's exile refuge. World War II German occupation was the only ground occupation of British territory, with fortress ruins and underground tunnels remaining today. Post-war development in finance and tourism, and even after UK EC membership in 1973, chose external treatment. Position unchanged post-Brexit, maintaining independent legal system and low taxation.

Geography & climate

Gentle hills and steep granite cliffs alternate, with vast tidal flats and intertidal zones appearing at low tide.

Temperate oceanic climate

Area: Europe / 78 km²
Capital: St. Peter Port
Largest city: St. Peter Port
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fishery resources, Granite, Fertile flower bed soil, Tidal energy, Seaweed (edible kelp), Wind energy potential

Politics

Government: Crown Dependency with parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: Guernsey Pound (equivalent to British Pound) (GGP / GBP)

GDP (nominal): approximately 3.6 billion USD (2019)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Guernsey Norman (Guernésiais)

Time zone: GMT, BST (summer time)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

British, Norman French, Portuguese, Jersey people, Other Europeans

Life expectancy

82.4 years (average male/female, 2022)

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Cricket, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Cycling