Guernsey

Guernsey is a self-governing Crown dependency located in the English Channel, near the coast of Normandy, France. It forms part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which also includes Alderney, Sark, and several smaller islands. The island covers about 78 square kilometers and has a population of around 63,000. The capital and main port is St Peter Port.

Government and law: Guernsey maintains its own elected legislature, the States of Guernsey, and its own legal and fiscal systems, based on Norman law. The United Kingdom handles defense and foreign affairs, while Guernsey manages most internal matters. The Lieutenant Governor represents the Crown, and the Chief Minister leads the government.

Economy and society: The economy centers on financial services, including banking, trusts, and funds administration, complemented by tourism and agriculture. Guernsey is known for horticulture and products such as tomatoes grown in glasshouses, and it maintains a historic cattle breed, the Guernsey. The currency is the Guernsey pound, pegged to the British pound, with local banknotes issued by the States of Guernsey and widely accepted alongside sterling.

History and culture: Guernsey has remnants of Neolithic and medieval settlement. It was occupied by German forces during World War II (1940–1945), and wartime fortifications and tunnels remain as historical sites. The island has its own language, Guernésiais, a Norman dialect, though English is predominant. Cultural influences reflect its French and British connections, visible in place names and traditions. Notable sites include Castle Cornet in St Peter Port, Candie Gardens, and the Little Chapel.

The island maintains a distinct identity within the Channel Islands, balancing autonomy with its relationship to the Crown and the United Kingdom.