Guernsey is a British Crown dependency in the English Channel, located about 30 miles west of the Normandy coast of France. The island has a population of around 63,000 people and covers an area of approximately 30 square miles.

Guernsey is a self-governing jurisdiction with its own parliament, legal and fiscal systems, and a distinct culture. However, the island's defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the United Kingdom. The island has a prosperous economy based on finance, tourism, and agriculture.

The island has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period, and has been occupied by the Celts, the Romans, and the Normans throughout the centuries. During World War II, Guernsey was occupied by German forces and was heavily fortified with bunkers and gun emplacements, many of which can still be seen today.

Guernsey is known for its stunning coastal scenery, picturesque villages, and historical sites, such as the German Occupation Museum, the Castle Cornet, and the Little Chapel. The island is also famous for its dairy products, such as Guernsey milk and cheese, which are highly prized for their rich flavor and quality.

The official languages of Guernsey are English and French, and the island has a unique dialect known as Guernésiais, which is a blend of French and English. The island's currency is the Guernsey pound, which is not legal tender in the United Kingdom but is accepted there at par value.

Telephone Code
44

Local Emergency Phone
112, 999

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Currency (Code)
Guernsey pounds (GBP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Major Religions
Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Little Chapel; Castle Cornet; Hauteville House; Fort Grey & Shipwreck Museum; Dehas Dolmen; German Occupation Museum; Sausmarez Manor

Major Sports
Soccer, cycling, tennis, squash, cricket

Cultural Practices
In some British and Channel Islander's households, people remove their shoes before entering their home. It is polite to ask your host's preference.

Tipping Guidelines
A service charge is not normally added to the bill, unless it is a large party; therefore, it is acceptable to leave 10% of the total. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. It is acceptable to tip hotel staff a small amount if they provide excellent service. Leave the extra change at a bar or nightclub.

Souvenirs
Hand-knit sweaters, copper decorative items, hand-embroidered items; duty-free fashion, jewelry, alcohol, and tobacco

Traditional Cuisine
Bean jar — a one-pot dish typically made with pig’s trotter, haricot beans, butter beans, bay leaves, onions, and carrots; the dish is baked for 6-8 hours and typically served with crusty bread and Guernsey butter

Geography
Area
total: 78 sq km
land: 78 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Natural resources
cropland

People and Society
Population
67,642 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Guernsey 53.1%, UK and Ireland 23.9%, Portugal 2.2%, Latvia 1.5%, other Europe 2.8%, other 4.4%, unspecified 11.4% (2020 est.)

Languages
English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Religions
Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic

Population growth rate
0.22% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation)

Capital
name: Saint Peter Port

Economy
Economic overview
high-income English Channel island economy; strong financial sector but stressed due to COVID-19 disruptions; manufacturing, tourism, and construction industries suffered but expected to recover; stable inflation; maintains independent taxation authority

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$3.465 billion (2015 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$52,500 (2014 est.)

Agricultural products
tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle

Industries
tourism, banking

Exports - commodities
tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables

Imports - commodities
coal, gasoline, oil, machinery, and equipment