History: The island was part of the Duchy of Normandy when William the Conqueror invaded England. When the King of England surrendered his rights on the Duchy, negotiators forgot the Channel Islands. Despite numerous French attempts to invade the island, it remained a possession of the English monarch until today.
The island and its dependencies (Ecrehous and Minquiers) have their own parliament, the States of Jersey. The Bailiwick of Jersey is headed by a lieutenant-governor appointed directly by the crown, but is part of neither the United Kingdom nor the European Union. Like other Channel Islands, Jersey is associated to the UK for diplomacy and defence.
Situation: Jersey essentially lives from the mild financial climate its peculiar status provides it with. Therefore, many companies settle in Jersey to benefit from fiscal advantages. Conveniently, a Jersey pound is exactly a sterling pound and both are accepted indifferently in the island.
However, the island also relies on tourism as a second economic pillar. Only 100,000 continental visitors make the trip, whereas 550,000 Britons come each year to visit the island, and benefit from its mild climate, its soothing countryside and its attractive beaches. Welcome to the British Isles' Riviera!
