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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.
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 45 People's Deputies, elected from multi- or
single-member districts every four years. There are also 2 representatives from Alderney, a self-governing dependency of the Bailiwick, but Sark sends no
representative. 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'.
Parochial douzeniers representing parish authorities were removed from the
States in 2004, as part of constitutional reform which also introduced ministerial government under a Chief Minister.
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
Lihou is attached to Guernsey by a causeway at low tide.
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
- Communications in Guernsey
- Transportation in Guernsey
- Military of Guernsey
External links
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