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Guernsey
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Capital: Saint Peter Port
Population: 63,026
Brief History of Guernsey:
Guernsey is an island nation located in the English Channel between England and France. Together with the Channel Islands, Guernsey is the last surviving portion of the Dukedom of Normandy, an important Dukedom during much of English and French history. During World War II the island was occupied by German troops. It was the only part of British soil that was occupied during the war.
Today, Guernsey is a British dependency, however it is not part of the UK nor the European Union. It is still strongly tied to the United Kingdom as the UK is responsible for the island's defense and foreign relations.
The Geography of Guernsey
Total Size: 78 square km
Size Comparison: about one-half the size of Washington, DC
Geographical Coordinates: 49 28 N, 2 35 W
World Region or Continent: Europe
General Terrain: mostly level with low hills in southwest
Geographical Low Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Geographical High Point: unnamed location on Sark 114 m
Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast
Major cities:
The People of Guernsey
Type of Government: NA
Languages Spoken: English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts
Independence: none (British crown dependency)
National Holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)
Nationality: Channel Islander(s)
Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist
National Symbol: Guernsey cow; donkey
National Anthem or Song: Sarnia Cherie (Guernsey Dear)
Economy of Guernsey
Major Industries: tourism, banking
Agricultural Products: tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle
Natural Resources: cropland
Major Exports: tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables
Major Imports: coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment
Currency: British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Guernsey pound
National GDP: $2,742,000,000
** Source for population (2012 est.) and GDP (2011 est.) is CIA World Factbook.
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