General Information
Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, between England and France. A self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom, with a mix of British and French cultures, it’s known for its beaches, Cliffside walking trails, inland valleys and historic castles. The Jersey War Tunnels complex, in a former hospital excavated by slave labor, documents the island’s 5-year German occupation during WWII.
Population
Jersey has a population of 100,080.
Political Structure
Jersey’s unicameral legislature is the Assembly of the States of Jersey. It includes 51 elected members: 10 senators (elected on an island-wide basis), 12 Connétables (often called ‘constables’, heads of parishes) and 29 deputies (representing constituencies), all elected for four-year terms as from the October 2011 elections. There are also five non-voting members appointed by the Crown: the Bailiff, the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General and Solicitor General. Jersey has one of the lowest voter turnouts internationally, with just 33% of the electorate voting in 2005, putting it well below the 77% European average for that year.
Infrastructure and Economy
Jersey’s economy is based on financial services (40% of GVA in 2012), tourism & hospitality (hotels, restaurants, bars, transport & communications totaling 8.4% of GVA in 2012), retail and wholesale (7% of GVA in 2012), construction (6.2% of GVA in 2012) and agriculture (1.3% of GVA in 2012). Thanks to specialization in a few high-return sectors, at purchasing power parity Jersey has high economic output per capita, substantially ahead of all of the world’s large developed economies. Gross national income in 2009 was £3.7 billion (approximately £40,000 per head of population). However, this is not indicative of each individual resident’s purchasing power, and the actual standard of living in Jersey is comparable to that in the United Kingdom outside central London. The island is recognized as one of the leading offshore financial centers.
Languages
Jersey official Languages include English and French
Currency
Pound sterling (GBP)
Exchange Controls
Jersey Does not have Exchange Controls