Overview of Jersey

Profile

Jersey is a Crown Dependency centered on an island located approximately 22km from the French coast and 140km from Britain's southern coast. Possessing independent parliament, legal system, and tax regime, financial services and tourism are main industries. Known for its mild maritime climate, abundant nature, historic fortresses, and World War II-era fortress remnants, along with Jersey cattle and Jersey Royal potatoes. Not part of the EU or UK, while the UK handles defense and foreign affairs, internal governance maintains high autonomy.

Official name: Bailiwick of Jersey
Common name: Jersey
Numeric code: 832
Alpha-3 code: JEY
Alpha-2 code: JE
Population: approximately 103,000 (2021)
Population density: approximately 860 per km²
Primary languages: English, French, Jersey Norman (Jèrriais)
Major religions: Church of England, Catholic
National anthem: Ma Normandie (My Normandy)
Calling code: +44-1534
Internet TLD: .je

History

Influenced by Norman culture, it became a Crown Dependency in medieval times maintaining autonomy to present. Occupied by German forces during World War II.

Vikings arrived in 9-10th centuries, incorporated into Duchy of Normandy in 933. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, maintained unique legal customs amid delicate Anglo-French royal relations. Remained English Crown Dependency after 1204 Anglo-French separation, granted many privileges. In the 1640s became Royalist stronghold during Puritan Revolution, and in the 19th century Jersey knit sweaters became fashionable in Britain. Occupied by Nazi Germany 1940-45, Liberation Day still celebrated. Post-war expanded financial industry as tax haven and developed as tourist destination.

Geography & climate

Gentle highland plateaus and cliff coastlines combine, with sandy beaches on south coast and granite cliffs continuing on north. Extensive tidal flats and coral reefs exposed at low tide.

Maritime temperate (Cfb)

Area: Europe / 119.5 km²
Capital: St. Helier
Largest city: St. Helier
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fertile loam soil, Grouville granite, Tidal energy, Abundant crustacean resources, Seaweed (kelp species), Underground freshwater aquifer, Wind power potential, Coastal dune ecosystem, Historic fortress groups as tourism resources, Migratory bird flyway

Politics

Government: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy (British Crown Dependency)

Economy

Currency: Pound Sterling / Jersey Pound (GBP / JEP)

GDP (nominal): approximately 7.5 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, French, Jersey Norman (Jèrriais)

Time zone: GMT (winter), BST (summer)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

British, Native Jersey, Portuguese (Madeira Island), French, Irish, Polish, Other Europeans, Asian, African

Life expectancy

82.6 years (2020 estimate)

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Cricket, Rugby, Football, Sailing, Cycling, Athletics