Jersey
Full Name: Bailiwick of Jersey
Capital: Saint Helier
Population: 90,812
National Holiday : Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)
Dependency Status: British crown dependency

Executive Branch of Government:
Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952 )

Head of Government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Air Chief Marshall Sir John CHESHIRE (since 24 January 2001 ) and Bailiff Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since NA February 1995)
cabinet: committees appointed by the Assembly of the States
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch

Legal System: English law and local statutes

Legislative Branch: unicameral Assembly of the States (55 voting members - 12 senators (elected for 6-year terms), 12 constables or heads of parishes (elected for 3-year terms), 29 deputies (elected for 3-year terms); the bailiff and the deputy bailiff; and 3 non-voting members - the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General all appointed by the monarch)

Judicial Branch: Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)

History: The island of Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both France and England . These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II.

Economic Overview: The Channel Island economy is based on international financial services, agriculture, and tourism. In 1996 the finance sector accounted for about 60% of the island's output. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK . The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export income earner. Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. Tourism accounts for 24% of GDP. In recent years, the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey , with the result that an electronics industry has developed alongside the traditional manufacturing of knitwear. All raw material and energy requirements are imported, as well as a large share of Jersey 's food needs. Light taxes and death duties make the island a popular tax haven. Living standards come close to those of the UK .

Currency: GBP (also Jersey Pound)

GDP: £2.205 billion (2003 est.)

GDP By Sector: agriculture: 5%, industry: 2%, services: 93% (1996)