​​​ Lost Paradises Travels - Europe  

Channel Islands

Jersey and Guernsey islands

The Channel Islands are an archipelago in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy. They include two Crown dependencies: the Bailiwick of Jersey, which is the largest of the islands; and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, consisting of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and some smaller islands. They are considered the remnants of the Duchy of Normandy and, although they are not part of the United Kingdom, the UK is responsible for the defence and international relations of the islands. The Crown dependencies are not members of the Commonwealth of Nations or of the European Union. They have a total population of about 170,00 and the bailiwicks' capitals are Saint Helier (Jersey) and Saint Peter Port (Guernsey).
The two bailiwicks have been administered separately since the late 13th century. Each has its own independent laws and citizen have specific passports (not the UK one) : good to know when most people thinks Channel Islands are british.