Country Summary
Introduction
Background
Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The Bailiwick of Guernsey consists of the main island of Guernsey and a number of smaller islands including Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, and Lihou. The Bailiwick is a self-governing British Crown dependency that is not part of the UK, but the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.
Geography
Area
total: 78 sq km
land: 78 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast
Natural resources
cropland
People and Society
Population
67,491 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Guernsey 53.1%, UK and Ireland 23.9%, Portugal 2.2%, Latvia 1.5%, other Europe 2.8%, other 4.4%, unspecified 11.4% (2020 est.)
Languages
English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts
Religions
Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic
Population growth rate
0.23% (2022 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation)
Capital
name: Saint Peter Port
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Ian CORDER (since 14 March 2016)
head of government: Chief Minister Peter FERBRACHE (since 16 October 2020); Bailiff Richard McMAHON (since 11 May 2020); note - the chief minister is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee and is the de facto head of government; the Policy and Resources Committee, elected by the States of Deliberation, functions as the executive; the 5 members all have equal voting rights
Legislative branch
description: unicameral States of Deliberation (40 seats; 38 People's Deputies and 2 representatives of the States of Alderney; members directly elected by majority vote to serve 4-year terms); note - non-voting members include the bailiff (presiding officer), attorney-general, and solicitor-general
Economy
Economic overview
high-income English Channel island economy; strong financial sector but stressed due to COVID-19 disruptions; manufacturing, tourism, and construction industries suffered but expected to recover; stable inflation; maintains independent taxation authority
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$3.465 billion (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$52,500 (2014 est.)
Agricultural products
tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle
Industries
tourism, banking
Exports - commodities
tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables
Imports - commodities
coal, gasoline, oil, machinery, and equipment
Exchange rates
Guernsey pound per US dollar
Page last updated: Monday, September 12, 2022
