Channel Islands facts for kids

The Channel Islands are a group of islands near the coast of France. The five largest islands are:

Map of the Channel Islands

The main industries are tourism, horticulture (growing plants for food) and financial services (businesses to do with money). Most people speak English, although some people in Guernsey, Jersey and Sark still speak the traditional language of their island.

Constitutionally, the islands are part of the British crown, but are not part of the United Kingdom. Being part of the mediaeval duchy of Normandy, allegiance is owed to the Queen but not to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which cannot pass laws for the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Bailiwick of Jersey except for defence and diplomatic matters, except if the bailiwicks ask it to. In general, the bailiwicks are self-governing, but they often pass laws which are like United Kingdom laws. However some of their laws are still based on Norman law.

Images for kids

upright
During the German occupation of Jersey, a stonemason repairing the paving of the Royal Square incorporated a V for victory under the noses of the occupiers. This was later amended to refer to the Red Cross ship Vega. The addition of the date 1945 and a more recent frame has transformed it into a monument.
Crowds cheer as the Channel Islands are liberated at Saint Peter Port in 1945
Entrance to the public gallery of the States Chamber in Jersey
ATR 42-500 of Aurigny Air Services
A sea festival advertised using Dgèrnésiais
This statue of a crapaud (toad) in St Helier represents the traditional nickname for Jersey people