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Welcome to the Channel Islands
The Channel Islands are a group of islands off the Cotentin Peninsula in the Normandy region of France. The islands comprise two jurisdictions. The Bailiwick of Jersey includes Jersey and two groups of islets, the Ecréhous and the Minquers. Guernsey and its dependencies of Alderney, Herm, Jethou and Sark form the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Because of a unique relationship, Channel Islanders may be known as citizens of the United Kingdom, Islands and Colonies if they so desire even though the Channel Islands are not a part of the United Kingdom. They are, however, included under the United Kingdom on this web site for practical reasons.
Because of the beaches and other amenities that appeal to families, these islands are popular destinations for visitors from the United Kingdom, Ireland and continental Europe.
The State of Guernsey and the State of Jersey web sites are very good sources of information for visitors.
The Guernsey Tourist Board, the Guernsey Visitor Information, Sark Tourism, the Jersey Tourist Board and the Jersey Heritage Trust web sites have information for visitors to these islands.
Although these islands are limited in size, they have very interesting histories with the occupation by German forces during World War II being one of the more recent major events. There are several sites in Jersey and Guernsey related to this occupation that will be of interest to students of this war.
The Jersey Zoo and Wildlife Trust was established by the late Gerald Durrell, author, naturalist and animal collector, to save wildlife from extinction and is one of the major places of interest for visitors.
The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery and Hauteville House, where Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile, are among the many interesting places to visit on Guernsey.
Currency: The British pound (£) is the official currency. For the current rates of exchange visit the Olson and Anderson web site.
Language: English is the official language. In some of the smaller villages a Norman-French patois may still be heard.
Visit the Country Reports site for a large variety of particulars regarding Guernsey and Jersey.
Go to the airports and ferry pages for related travel planning information.
Recommended Reading: The Blue Guide to the Channel Islands
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