Channel Islands are a group of islands in the English Channel. They are British crown dependencies that lie between 10 and 30 miles (15 and 50 kilometers) off the French coast. Crown dependencies are largely self-governing, but the British government takes responsibility for their defense and foreign affairs. The four main islands are Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark. The group also includes several smaller islands and a number of tiny, rocky isles.
The Channel Islands have a total land area of 75 square miles (194 square kilometers) and a population of about 172,000. English is the official language. The islands serve as offshore tax havens, where tax rates are low. As a result, financial services dominate the Islands’ economy, followed by tourism. The mild climate and fertile soil help make farming important as well. Farmers grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers for export. Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney have long been famous for their fine breeds of dairy cattle.
England gained control of the Channel Islands during the 1000’s, and the islands have remained British territory ever since. However, they have been largely self-governing since the 1200’s. Although the United Kingdom is responsible for defense and foreign affairs, its laws do not apply to the Channel Islands.
