Background: 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. Jersey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.
Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government but there are 12 parishes: Grouville Saint Brelade Saint Clement Saint Helier Saint John Saint Lawrence Saint Martin Saint Mary Saint Ouen Saint Peter Saint Saviour and Trinity
Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the States of Jersey (58 seats; 53 are voting members of which 12 are senators elected for six-year terms 12 are constables or heads of parishes elected for three-year terms 29 are deputies elected for three-year terms; the 5 non-voting members include the bailiff and the deputy bailiff the Dean of Jersey the Attorney General and the Solicitor General appointed by the monarch)
Judicial branch: Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff); Court of Appeal of Jersey
Flag description: white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of the flag; in the upper quadrant surmounted by a yellow crown a red shield with three lions in yellow; according to tradition the ships of Jersey - in an attempt to differentiate themselves from English ships flying the horizontal cross of St. George - rotated the cross to the 'X' (saltire) configuration; because this arrangement still resembled the Irish cross of St. Patrick the yellow Plantagenet crown and Jersey coat of arms were added
Economy overview: Jersey's economy is based on international financial services agriculture and tourism. In 2005 the finance sector accounted for about 50% 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 one-quarter of GDP. In recent years the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey with the result that an electronics industry has developed displacing more traditional industries. 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.
Broadcast media: multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts are received via a transmitter in Jersey; satellite packages available; BBC Radio Jersey and 1 other radio station operating (2009)