Fact sheet: The Channel Islands

Channel Islands

Although not strictly part of the UK, the Channel Islands still make it onto our list of Great British holiday destinations.

  • The Channel Islands are an archipelago off the north coast of France

  • They are classed as being Crown Dependencies, meaning they are self-governing and not part of the British Isles but the inhabitants are classed as British Citizens

  • The group consists of a number of islands, eight of which are inhabited

  • They are split into two jurisdictions, or bailiwicks - the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Bailiwick of Jersey

  • Guernsey and Jersey are the two largest and most populous of the islands

  • The official language of the Channel Islands is jointly English and French

  • Jersey is the largest island at 46 square miles, with a population of nearly 100,000

  • Of the two, Jersey is the closest to France; just twelve miles from the mainland

  • Tourism and agriculture are big contributors to the economies of both Jersey and Guernsey, although by far the largest is 'financial services' - they are renowned for their relaxed taxation systems

  • The Channel Islands are known for their unique mix of English and French cultures, with better weather than much of the UK

  • The capitals of the largest islands, St Helier on Jersey and Saint Peter Point on Guernsey, are the focus for many holidays

  • Post boxes and telephone boxes on Guernsey are the same as they are in the UK, except for the colour - they're blue, not red

  • The other main islands of the Channel Islands are Alderney, Sark and Herm

  • Sark is 'car-free' - the only vehicles allowed are bicycles, tractors, horse-drawn vehicles and battery-powered buggies for the elderly or disabled

 

Date: 31/07/2012

Join the conversation

This will be displayed with your message

Max 2500 characters

From My Smooth

More from Smooth Radio