Wight << wyt >>, Isle of, lies off the southern coast of England. A strait called The Solent separates the island from the mainland county of Hampshire. Ferries and hovercraft provide transportation between the island and the mainland. The island covers 147 square miles (381 square kilometers) and has a population of 140,459.
The Isle of Wight is famous for its mild, sunny climate and its scenery, which attract tourists. The island’s administrative center is Newport. Cowes, its leading port, is known for its sailing and yacht races. Many people work on farms or in light industry.
The Isle of Wight was administered as part of the county of Hampshire until 1890, when it became a separate county. In 1974, following a local government reorganization, services for island residents began to be managed by a county council and two district councils. In 1995, the councils were replaced by the Isle of Wight unitary authority. Unitary authorities are the primary units of local government in the United Kingdom.
