Country Summary
Introduction
Background
Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. The Bailiwick of Jersey is a British Crown dependency, which means that it is not part of the UK but is rather a self-governing possession of the British Crown. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.
Geography
Area
total: 116 sq km
land: 116 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
temperate; mild winters and cool summers
Natural resources
arable land
People and Society
Population
102,146 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Jersey 44.4%, British 30.5%, Portuguese/Madeiran 9.4%, Polish 3%, Irish 2.1%, other 10.6% (2021 est.)
Languages
English (official) 94.5%, Portuguese 4.6%, other 0.9% (includes French (official) and Jerriais)
(2001 est.)Religions
Protestant (Anglican, Baptist, Congregational New Church, Methodist, Presbyterian), Roman Catholic
Population growth rate
0.64% (2022 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Assembly of the States of Jersey)
Capital
name: Saint Helier
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Stephen DALTON (since 13 March 2017)
head of government: Chief Minister John LE FONDRE (since 8 June 2018); Bailiff Timothy Le COCQ (since 17 October 2019)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Assembly of the States of Jersey (49 elected members; 8 senators to serve 4-year terms, and 29 deputies and 12 connetables, or heads of parishes, to serve 4-year terms; 5 non-voting members appointed by the monarch include the bailiff, lieutenant governor, dean of Jersey, attorney general, and the solicitor general)
Economy
Economic overview
British territorial island economy; strong offshore banking and finance sectors; low asset taxation; strong tourism sector prior to COVID-19 and Brexit; one of the most expensive places to live; minimal welfare system; historical cider industry
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$5.569 billion (2016 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$56,600 (2016 est.)
Agricultural products
potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products
Industries
tourism, banking and finance, dairy, electronics
Exports - commodities
light industrial and electrical goods, dairy cattle, foodstuffs, textiles, flowers
Imports - commodities
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals
Exchange rates
Jersey pounds (JEP) per US dollar
Page last updated: Friday, October 21, 2022
