The Guernsey reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Guernsey

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The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British crown dependency off the coast of France. As well as the island of Guernsey itself, it also includes Alderney, Sark, Herm and other smaller islands. Together with the Bailiwick of Jersey, it is included in the collective grouping known as the Channel Islands, which were occupied by German forces during World War II. It is known in French as Guernesey.

Bailiwick of Guernsey
Image:Guernsey_flag_medium.png Image:Guernsey_Coat_of_Arms.png
Official languagesEnglish, French
CapitalSt Peter Port
Duke of NormandyElizabeth II
Lieutenant Governor and Commander in ChiefSir John Coward
Bailiff De Vic G Carey
CurrencyGuernsey pound (on par with pound sterling)
Time zoneUTC (DST +1)
National anthemSarnia Cherie, God Save the Queen
National holidayLiberation Day, 9 May
Internet TLD.GG
Calling Code44 (UK area code 1481)

Table of contents
1 History
2 Politics
3 Geography
4 Economy
5 Demographics
6 Culture
7 See also
8 External links

History

Main article: History of Guernsey

The island of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Guernsey

The States of Guernsey, officially called the States of Deliberation, consists of 59 members, of whom 45 are Deputies, elected from multi- or single-member districts every four years, and 10 are parochial douzainiers representing parish authorities. There are 2 representatives from Alderney; and Sark, which are self-governing dependencies of the Bailiwick. There are also 2 non-voting members - the Attorney General and the Solicitor General both appointed by the monarch. Laws passed by the States are known as 'Ordinances'.

There is no system of cabinet or ministerial government, as government responsibilities are exercised by Committees of the States, each headed by a President, who holds the equivalent of a ministerial portfolio. The legal system is derived from Norman French and English common law, justice being administered by the Royal Court.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Guernsey

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Map

Economy

Main article: Economy of Guernsey

Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance, etc. - account for about 55% of total income in this tiny Channel Island economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Light tax and death duties make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration of the European Union nations is changing the rules of the game under which Guernsey operates.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Guernsey

Culture

Main article: Culture of Guernsey

See also

External links