Channel Islands

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Group of islands in the English Channel, off the northwest coast of France; they are a possession of the British crown. They comprise the islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Great and Little Sark, with the lesser Herm, Brechou, Jethou, and Lihou; area 194 sq km/75 sq mi; population (2002 est) 150,000. Chief industries are farming, fishing, and tourism; flowers, early potatoes, tomatoes, butterflies, and dairy cattle are exported. It has a very mild climate and productive soil. The official language is French (Norman French) but English is more widely used. The islands are a tax haven. The currency is the English pound, as well as local coinage.

Originally under the duchy of Normandy, the islands are the only part still held by the UK. The islands came under the same rule as England in 1066, and are dependent territories of the British crown. Germany occupied the islands between June 1940 and May 1945, the only British soil to be occupied by the Germans during World War II.

The main islands have their own parliaments and laws. Unless specially signified, the Channel Islands are not bound by British acts of Parliament, although the British government is responsible for defence and external relations.

The stars symbolize hope and equality between the ten parishes. Green reflects the island's lush vegetation. The red disc has socialist connotations. Effective date: 3 November 1990. >>