The island has a large financial services industry, as well as agriculture and tourism. Its currency is thePound sterling with a local issue of banknotes and coins.British cultural influence on the island is evident in its use of English as the main language and its participation in British sporting leagues, but the island also has a strong Norman-French culture, reflected by its historic dialect of theNorman language,Jèrriais.
TheChannel Islands are mentioned in theAntonine Itinerary as the following:Sarnia,Caesarea,Barsa,Silia andAndium, but Jersey cannot be identified specifically because none corresponds directly to the present names.[26][full citation needed] The nameCaesarea has been used as theLatin name for Jersey (also in its French versionCésarée) sinceWilliam Camden'sBritannia,[27] and is used in titles of associations and institutions today. The Latin nameCaesarea was also applied to the colony ofNew Jersey asNova Caesarea.[28][29]
Andium,Agna andAugia were used in antiquity.[30][31]
Scholars variously surmise thatJersey andJèrri derive fromjǫrð (Old Norse for 'earth') orjarl ('earl'), or perhaps the Norse personal nameGeirr (thusGeirrsey, 'Geirr's Island').[32] The ending-ey denotes an island,[33][34] as inGuernsey orSurtsey.
Christianity was brought to the island by migrants from Brittany in c. fifth – sixth century CE.[27] In the sixth century, the island's patron saintHelier lived at the Hermitage on L'Islet (nowElizabeth Castle). Legend states that Helier was beheaded by raiders and subsequently lifted his head and walked to shore.[37]
In the ninth century the island was raided byVikings and in 933 it was annexed toNormandy byWilliam Longsword.[38]: 22 When DukeWilliam the Conqueror became King of England in 1066, the island remained part of the Norman possessions. However, in 1204, when Normandy was returned to the French king, the island remained a possession of the English crown, though never incorporated into England.[39] Traditionally it is said that Jersey's self-governance originates from theConstitutions of King John, however this is disputed.[38]: 25 Nevertheless, the island continued to follow Norman customs and laws. TheKing also appointed aBailiff and a Warden (nowLieutenant-Governor). The period of English rule was marked by wars between England and France, as such a military fortress was built atMont Orgueil.[40]
During theTudor period, the split between theChurch of England and the Vatican led to islanders adopting the Protestant religion. During the reign ofElizabeth, French refugees brought strictCalvinism to the island, which remained the common religion until 1617.[27] In the late 16th century, islanders travelled across the North Atlantic to participate in theNewfoundlandfisheries.[41]
In 1769, the island suffered food supply shortages, leading to an insurrection on 28 September known as theCorn Riots. The States met at Elizabeth Castle and decided to request help from the King. However, in 1771 the Crown demanded reforms to the island's governance, leading to the Code of 1771 and removed the powers of the Royal Court to make laws without theStates.[27]
The 19th century saw the improvement of the road network under General Don,[45] the construction of two railway lines, the improvement of transport links to England, and the construction of new piers and harbours in St Helier.[27] This grew a tourism industry in the island and led to the immigration of thousands of English residents, leading to a cultural shift towards a more anglicised island culture.
Island politics in this period was divisively split between the conservative Laurel party and the progressive Rose party, as the lie of power shifted increasingly to the States from the Crown.[27] In the 1850s, the French authorVictor Hugo lived in Jersey, but was expelled for insulting theQueen, so he moved on toGuernsey.[27]
During theSecond World War, 6,500 Jersey residents were evacuated by their own choice to the UK out of a total population of 50,000.[46] Jersey wasoccupied by Germany from 1 July 1940 until 9 May 1945, when Germany surrendered.[47] During this time the Germans constructed many fortifications usingslave labour imported onto the island from many different countries occupied or at war with Germany.[48] After 1944, supplies from France were interrupted by theD-Day landings, and food on the island became scarce. TheSS Vega was sent to the island carryingRed Cross supplies and news of the success of the Allied advance in Europe. During theNazi occupation, a resistance cell was created by communist activistNorman Le Brocq and theJersey Communist Party, whose communist ideology of forming a 'United Front' led to the creation of the Jersey Democratic Movement.[49]
The Channel Islands had to wait for the German surrender to be liberated. 9 May is celebrated as the island'sLiberation Day, where there are celebrations in Liberation Square. After Liberation, the States was reformed, becoming wholly democratically elected, anduniversal franchise was implemented. Since liberation, the island has grown in population and adopted new industries, especially the finance industry.[27]
Jersey is aCrown Dependency.[50] It is not part of the United Kingdom, but it is part of the 'British Islands', a legal definition encompassing the UK and the Crown Dependences.[51] As a Crown Dependency, Jersey is autonomous and self-governing, with its own independent legal, administrative and fiscal systems.[52] Jersey's government has described Jersey as a "self-governing, democratic country with the power ofself-determination".[53] Jersey andits people have historically been described as a nation.[54][55][20]
Because Jersey is a dependency of theBritish Crown,King Charles III reigns in Jersey.[56] "The Crown" is defined by the Law Officers of the Crown as the "Crown in right of Jersey".[57] The King's representative and adviser in the island is theLieutenant Governor of Jersey – Vice-AdmiralJerry Kyd since 8 October 2022. He is a formal point of contact between Jersey ministers and the UK Government and carries out some ceremonial functions in relation to immigration control,deportation,naturalisation and the issue of passports.[58]
In 1973, theRoyal Commission on the Constitution set out the duties of the Crown to the island as including: ultimate responsibility for the 'good government' of the Crown Dependencies; ratification ofisland legislation by Order-in-Council (royal assent); international representation, subject to consultation with the island authorities before concluding any agreement which would apply to them; ensuring the islands meet their international obligations; and defence.[59]
TheStates Assembly is Jersey's legislature. It is aunicameral body formed of 49elected members: 12connétables (often called "constables", heads ofparishes) and 37 deputies, all elected for four-year terms.[60] Since the2022 elections, the 37 deputies are elected from nine constituencies. Prior to this election, there were alsosenators, who were elected by voters across the island. At the time of this reform, some efforts were made the remove theconnétables from the Assembly, but this was not passed.[61]
Jersey has a lower voter turnout. Over the last 30 years, turnout at elections in Jersey has averaged 44.1%, which is lower than any OECD country and the lowest of the three Crown Dependencies. Surveys conducted following the 2022 election found that the most common reasons for not voting wereapathy, mistrust and disinterest in the political system.[62]
There are also five non-voting members of the States, all of which are appointed by the Crown: thebailiff, theLieutenant Governor of Jersey, theDean of Jersey, the attorney general and solicitor general.[63] The Bailiff is thepresiding officer of the States Assembly,[64] head of thejudiciary and, as civic head of the island, carries out various ceremonial roles.[65]
Jersey is a distinctjurisdiction for cases in multiple jurisdictions (conflict of laws). It is separate from the other jurisdictions in the British Islands, including the other Channel Islands andEngland and Wales.[71]
The principal court is theRoyal Court, with appeals to theJersey Court of Appeal and, ultimately, to theJudicial Committee of the Privy Council.[74] TheBailiff is head of the judiciary; the Bailiff and the Deputy Bailiff are appointed by the Crown. Other members of the island'sjudiciary are appointed by the Bailiff.[65] The convening of the Assize d'Heritage is that of the Royal Court of Jersey, the oldest surviving land court in Europe.[75][76]
Although diplomatic representation is reserved to the Crown, Jersey has been developing its own external relations, especially since in 2007 the UK and Jersey signed an agreement for the development of the international identity of Jersey.[2] It negotiates directly with foreign governments on various matters: for example,tax information exchange agreements have been signed directly by the island.[77][78]
Jersey independence has in the past been discussed in the States Assembly. Former external relations minister SirPhilip Bailhache has at various times warned that the island may need to become independent.[87] It is not Jersey government policy to seek independence, but the government has stated that the island is prepared if needs to do so.[88][89][90]
Jersey'srelationship with the European Union is governed by theEU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. It was not part of the EU prior toBrexit. Under this agreement, goods trade between the island and the EU are not subject to tariffs, and Jersey retains sole responsibility for its territorial waters. This latter point has led to tensions between France and Jersey over the permits of French fishermen to fish in Jersey waters.[91]
Jersey also has close relations with Portugal, including the exchangement of tax information; these relations are specifically strong with theAutonomous Region of Madeira, where St. Helier has one of its sister cities,Funchal.[92]
Jersey is divided into twelve parishes (which have civil and religious functions), the largest beingSt Ouen and the smallestSt Clement. They are all named after their parish church. Theconnétable is the head of the parish. They are elected at island general elections and sitex oficio in the States Assembly.[70]
The parishes have various civil administrative functions, such as roads (managed by the Road Committee) and policing (through theHonorary Police). Each parish is governed through direct democracy at parish assemblies, consisting of all eligible voters resident in the parish. TheProcureurs du Bien Public are the legal and financial representatives of these parishes.[70]
The parishes of Jersey are further divided intovingtaines (or, in St Ouen,cueillettes).[93]
Jersey is an island measuring 46.2 square miles (119.6 km2) (or 66,436vergées),[9] includingreclaimed land andintertidal zone. It lies in theEnglish Channel, about 12nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) from theCotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France, and about 87 nautical miles (161 km; 100 mi) south of Great Britain.[f] It is the largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands and part of the British Isles, with a maximum land elevation of 143 metres (469 ft) above sea level.[94]
About 24% of the island is built-up. Land area dedicated to cultivation is 52% of the island, and around 18% is natural environment.[95]
It lies within longitude-2° W and latitude49° N. It has a coastline that is 43 miles (70 km) long and a total area of 46.2 square miles (119.6 km2). It measures roughly 9 miles (14 km) from west to east and 5 miles (8 km) north to south, which gives it the affectionate name among locals of "nine-by-five".[96]
The island is characterised by a number of valleys which generally run north-to-south, such as Waterworks Valley, Grands Vaux, Mont les Vaux, although a few run in other directions, such as Le Mourier Valley. The highest point on the island is Les Platons at 136 m (446 ft).[97]
There are several smaller island groups that are part of the Bailiwick of Jersey, such as Les Minquiers and Les Écrehous, however unlike the smaller islands of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, none of these are permanently inhabited.[98]
The largest settlement is the town of St Helier, including the built-up area of southern St Helier and neighbouring areas such as Georgetown, which also plays host to the island's seat of government. The town is the central business district, hosting a large proportion of the island's retail and employment, such as the finance industry.[99]
Outside of the town, many islanders live in suburban and rural settlements, especially along main roads leading out of town, and even the more rural areas of the island have considerable amounts of development (St Ouen, the least densely populated parish, still has 270 persons per square kilometre[100]). The south and east coasts fromSt Aubin toGorey are largely urbanised. The second smaller urban area is the Les Quennevais area inSt Brelade, which is home to a small precinct of shops,[101]a school, a park, and a leisure centre.[102]
Most people across Jersey regularly travel from the rural settlements to St Helier and from the town to the rural areas for work and leisure purposes.[103]
Housing costs in Jersey are very high. The Jersey House Price Index has at least doubled between 2002 and 2020. The mix-adjusted house price for Jersey is £567,000, higher than any UK region (UK average: £249,000) including London (average: £497,000; highest of any UK region).[104]
Jersey has anoceanic climate (Koppen: Cfb), with cool to mild winters and lukewarm to warm summers, both greatly moderated and extremes reduced by the relatively stablesea surface temperatures surrounding the island.[105] The highest temperature recorded was 37.9 °C (100.2 °F), on18 July 2022,[106] and the lowest temperature recorded was −10.3 °C or 13.5 °F, on 5 January 1894. 2022 was the warmest (and sunniest) year on record; the mean daily air temperature was 13.56 °C (56.41 °F).[107] Typical wind speeds vary between 12 miles per hour (20 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h). During the cooler months,extratropical cyclones can producegales somewhat regularly. Snow is very rare in Jersey. The last significant snowfall event occurred in March 2013, when 14 centimetres (5.5 in) fell,[108] and most recent measurable snowfall occurred on 8–9 January 2024, when 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2.0 in) fell.[109]
Extreme weather is rare due to the island's mild climate, but Atlanticwindstorms are fairly common in autumn and winter. In November 2023, Jersey was hit byStorm Ciarán, causing heavy rainfall, extremely high winds with gusts of up to 104 mph (167 km/h)[110] and asupercell thunderstorm, producing unusually large hail and the strongesttornado in the British Isles since 2005.[111]
The following table contains the official data for 1981–2010 at Jersey Airport, located 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from St. Helier.
Climate data forJersey Airport, elevation 84m, 1981–2010
The central business district of St HelierAerial view of fields inSaint Clement
Jersey's economy is highly developed and services-focused, with aGDP per capita of £45,320 in 2019.[114] It is amixed market economy, withfree market principles and an advancedsocial security infrastructure.[115] 53,460 people were employed in Jersey as of December 2010[update]: 24% in financial and legal services; 16% in wholesale and retail trades; 16% in the public sector; 10% in education, health and other private sector services; 10% in construction and quarrying; 9% in hotels, restaurants and bars.[9]
Thanks to specialisation in a few high-return sectors, atpurchasing power parity Jersey has high economic output per capita, substantially ahead of all of the world's large developed economies.Gross national income in 2009[needs update] was £3.7 billion (a mean of about £40,000 per head of population).[9] However, there is wide variation, and the typical (median) individual resident's purchasing power and standard of living in Jersey is comparable to that in the UK outside central London.[117]
Jersey is one of the world's largest offshore finance centres. The UK acts as a conduit – an intermediate financial services market which funnels funds onwards[g] – for financial services between European countries and the island.[119] This sector has attracted controversy: Some critics and detractors have called Jersey a place where the "leadership has essentially been captured by global finance, and whose members will threaten and intimidate anyone who dissents."[120]
Tourism is an important economic sector for the island, however travel to Jersey is very seasonal. Accommodation occupancy is much higher in the summer months, especially August, than in the winter months (with a low in November). The majority of visitors to the islandarrive by air from the UK.[121] On 18 February 2005, Jersey was grantedFairtrade Island status.[122]
In 2017, 52% of the Island's area was agricultural land (a decrease since 2009).[95] Major agricultural products are potatoes and dairy produce.[9]Jersey cattle are a small breed of cow widely known for their rich milk and cream; the quality of their meat is also appreciated on a small scale.[123][124] The herd total in 2009 was 5,090 animals.[9] Fisheries and aquaculture make use of Jersey's marine resources to a total value of over £6 million in 2009.[9]
Jersey is not a tax-free jurisdiction. Taxes are levied on properties (known as 'rates') and there are taxes onpersonal income,corporate income andgoods and services.[126] Before 2008, Jersey had no value-added tax (VAT). Many companies, such asAmazon and Play.com, took advantage of this and a loophole in European law, known aslow-value consignment relief, to establish a tax-free fulfilment industry from Jersey.[127] This loophole was closed by the European Union in 2012, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs.[127]
There is a 20% standard rate for Income Tax and a 5% standard rate for GST. The island has a 0% default tax rate for corporations; however, higher rates apply to financial services, utility companies and large corporate retailers.[126] Jersey is considered to be atax haven. Until March 2019 the island was on theEU tax haven blacklist, but it no longer features on it.[128] In January 2021, the chair of the EU Tax Matters Subcommittee,Paul Tang, criticised the list for not including such "renowned tax havens" as Jersey.[129] In 2020,Tax Justice ranked Jersey as the 16th on theFinancial Secrecy Index, below larger countries such as the UK, but still placing it at the lower end of the 'extreme danger zone' for offshore secrecy. The island accounts of 0.46% of the global offshore finance market, making it a small player in the total market.[130] In 2020, the Corporate Tax Haven Index ranked Jersey eighth for 2021, with a haven score (a measure of the jurisdiction's systems to be used for corporate tax abuse) of 100 out of 100; however, the island only has 0.51% on the Global Scale Weight ranking.[131]
The primary mode of transport on the island is themotor vehicle. Jersey has a road network consisting of 346 miles (557 km) of roads and there are a total of 124,737 motor vehicles registered on the island as of 2016.[132] Jersey has a large network of narrowcountry lanes, some of which are classified as 'Green Lanes', which have a 15 mph speed limit and where priority is afforded to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.[133]
The public bus network in Jersey has been regulated by the Government since 2002, replacing a de-regulated, commercial service. It is operated on a sole-operatorfranchise model, currently contracted toLibertyBus, a company owned byKelsian Group. LibertyBus also operate the school bus services.[134]
Jersey has anairport and a number of ports, which are all operated by Ports of Jersey.[135]
Jersey stamps commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of GeneralWilliam Mesny
Jersey's monetary policy is linked to theBank of England. The official currency of Jersey is thepound sterling. Jersey issues its own postage stamps, banknotes (including a £1 note which is not issued in the UK) and coins that circulate alongside all other sterling coinage. Jersey currency is notlegal tender outside Jersey; however it is "acceptable tender" in the UK and can be surrendered at banks in exchange for UK currency.[136]
In July 2014, the Jersey Financial Services Commission approved the establishment of the world's first regulatedBitcoin fund, at a time when thedigital currency was being accepted by some local businesses.[137]
Censuses have been undertaken in Jersey since 1821. In the 2021 census, the total resident population was estimated to be 103,267, of whom 35% live in St Helier, the island's only town.[138] Approximately half the island's population was born in Jersey; 29% of the population were born elsewhere in the British Isles, 8% in continental Portugal or Madeira, 9% in other European countries and 5% elsewhere.[139]
Jersey people are the native nation on the island;[54][55][20] however, they do not form a majority of the population.[139] Jersey people are often called Islanders or, in individual terms, Jerseyman or Jerseywoman. Jersey people did not generally identify themselves as English prior tothe Union of Britain. Jersey was culturally and geographically much closer to Normandy and there were limited cross-Channel links. However, wars with France, including invasions of Jersey, grew loyalty to Britain over time and the French came more and more to be seen as a distinct people. By the start of the 19th century, Jersey people generally identified as British, which can be seen through the treatment of the Breton immigrants of the time as a distinct nation. The growth of the British migrant population strengthened the role of English and the British cultural influence. Finally, the introduction of compulsory education – which was exclusively in English – and the period of the Occupation reduced the traditional and Norman cultural influences and increased British cultural practices and pride in British nationhood among the island population.[140]
Nationality law in Jersey is conferred by the British Nationality Act 1981 extended to the island by an Order in Council with the consent of the States of Jersey.British nationality law confers British citizenship onto those with suitable connections to Jersey.[141][25] The Lieutenant Governor's office issuesBritish passports (specifically theJersey variant) to British citizens with a connection to Jersey by residency or birth.[142][143]
Jersey is constitutionally entitled to restrict immigration[144] by non-Jersey residents, but control of immigration at the point of entry cannot be introduced for British, certain Commonwealth and EEA nationals without change to existing international law.[145]
Jersey is part of theCommon Travel Area (CTA),[146] a zone which encompasses the Crown Dependencies, the United Kingdom and theRepublic of Ireland. This means that for citizens of the Common Travel Area jurisdictions a passport is not required to travel from Jersey to any of these jurisdictions (or vice versa). The Government recommends all travellers bring photo ID, since it may need to be checked by customs or police officers and is generally required by commercial transport providers into the island.[147] Due to the CTA, Jersey-born British citizens in the rest of the CTA and British and Irish citizens in Jersey have the right to access social benefits, access healthcare, access social housing support and to vote in general elections.[148]
For non-CTA travel, Jersey maintains its own immigration[149] and border controls (although most travel into the Bailiwick is from the rest of the CTA), however UK immigration legislation may be extended to Jersey (subject to exceptions and adaptations) following consultation with Jersey and with Jersey's consent.[150]
To control population numbers, Jersey operates a system of registration which restricts the right to live and work in the island according to certain requirements. To move to Jersey or work in Jersey, everyone (including Jersey-born people) must be registered and have a registration card. There are a number of statuses:
Until the 19th century, there was generally limited immigration to the island, especially by English people. Jersey was quite far from Britain (taking days to travel between England and the islands)[citation needed] and culturally distinct (the locals predominantly speaking Norman French).[140] However, from the 16th to 19th centuries, Jersey became home to French religious refugees, particularly Protestants after the repeal of theEdict of Nantes.[152]
From the early 19th century, the island's economic boom attracted economic migrants. By 1841, of the 47,544 population, 11,338 were born in the British Isles outside of Jersey. From the 1840s onwards, agricultural workers came from neighbouring Brittany and mainland Normandy, both due to the booming economy of Jersey and the economic situation in northern France. The new potato season coincided with the time of least agricultural activity in Brittany and Normandy. While many returned to France, some settled in the island.[152]
Between 1851 and 1921, the Jersey population fell by 12.8% (possibly up to 18%). The economic boom ended in the 1850s leading to significant emigration, including to British colonies. A 1901 report by the States concluded that by 1921, the number of births to foreign-born fathers would be equal to those to Jersey-born fathers, describing the immigration situation as a "formidable invasion, although peaceful", and predicted this would have a large impact on the island's socio-political situation.[152]
AfterWorld War II, when the island had only 55,244 residents, it saw a period of rapid population increase. By 1991, the population was 84,082. The booming tourism industry required a large volume of relatively low cost labour, so the island turned toMadeira for seasonal staff. Between 1961 and 1981, the Portuguese-born population grew 0.2% to 3.1% of the population. In 2021, this figure was 8%. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the new source of cheap labour for the island has been Polish people, whose population has grown from non-existent to 3%.[152]
Immigration has helped give aspects of Jersey a distinct urban character, particularly in and around the parish of St Helier. This has led to ongoing debates about the incompatibility of development and sustainability throughout the island.[153]
Jersey's patron saint isSaint Helier, after whom the capital town is named.[154] From the fifth century, the island was under the Bishop of Coutances, until being transferred to theDiocese of Winchester in 1568.[155] Jersey became "formally attached" to theDiocese of Salisbury in November 2022.[156] The established church is theChurch of England, presided over in the island by theDean, who isex officio a States Member, but has no vote.[155] The primary churches are the parish churches, which are 12 ancient Anglican churches, one in each parish centre, though other churches do exist.[157]
According to a 2015 survey of islanders, 54% of adults have a religion. Christianity is the predominant religion in the island, with over half of islanders identifying as Christian in some form. The largest belief demographic is "no religion" with 39% of the population.[158]
Jèrriais road sign ("The black road") inSaint Ouen
British cultural influence on the island is evident in its use of English as the main language and thepound sterling as its primary currency. Additional British cultural similarities include: driving on the left, access to British television, newspapers and other media, a school curriculum following that of England,[159] and the popularity ofBritish sports, includingfootball andcricket.[18] The island also has a strong Norman-French culture, such as its historic dialect of theNorman language,Jèrriais, being one of only two places inNormandy with government status for the language (the other beingGuernsey), as well as the use of standard French in legal matters and officially in use as a government language, strong cultural ties tomainland Normandy as a part of theNormandy region, and place names with French or Norman origins. The island has very close cultural links with its neighbouring islands in theBailiwick of Guernsey, and they share a good-natured rivalry.[54][55]
TheBattle of Flowers is a carnival that has been held annually in August since 1902.[160] Other festivals includeLa Fête dé Noué[161] (Christmas festival),La Faîs'sie d'Cidre (cidermaking festival),[162] theBattle of Britain air display,[163] Weekender Music Festival,[164] food festivals, and parish events.
TheJersey Eisteddfod is an annual festival celebrating local culture. It is split into performing arts (e.g. dance, music, modern languages) and creative arts (e.g. needlework, photography, craft).[165]
Archaeologists have discovered stone planquettes with abstract designs made by the Magdalenians and dating to theUpper Palaeolithic; these are the oldest pieces of art discovered in the British Isles as of 2023.[166][167]
The island has produced a number of notable artists.John St Helier Lander (1868–1944) was aportrait painter born in St Helier in 1868; he was a portraitist for the Royal Family.[168]Edmund Blampied also lived around the same period; he was known for hisetchings anddrypoint.[169] Other famous historic artists includeJohn Le Capelain,John Everett Millais and Philip Ouless. There are also several contemporary Jersey artists, such as Ian Rolls, known for painting quirky landscape paintings.[170]
BBC Radio Jersey provides a radio service, and BBCChannel Islands News provides a joint television news service with Guernsey.ITV Channel Television is a regionalITV franchise shared with the Bailiwick of Guernsey but with its headquarters in Jersey. Radio services are also provided byChannel 103, among other companies.
Bailiwick Express is one of Jersey's digital online news sources. Jersey has only one newspaper, theJersey Evening Post, which is printed six days a week, and has been in publication since 1890.[174]
The Band of the Island of Jersey play at many events.[175]
Little is known of the history of music in the islands, though fieldwork has recordedfolk songs from the Channel Islands, mostly in French.[176] The folk songChanson de Peirson is unique to the island.[177]
In contemporary music,Guru Josh, who was born in Jersey, producedhouse andtechno music. He was most notable for his internationally successful debut hitInfinity and its re-releases, reaching number one in numerous European countries.[178] Rock and pop artistNerina Pallot was raised on the island and has enjoyed international success, and has written songs for famous artists likeKylie Minogue.[179]
The island has a summer music festival scene stretching from mid-June to late September including Good Vibrations, Out-There, the Weekender (the largest festival in the Channel Islands) and Electric Park.[180]
There are two theatres on the island: theJersey Opera House and the Jersey Arts Centre.[181]Lillie Langtry is probably the most famous actress from the island. She was born in Jersey and became an actress on theWest End in the late 19th century. She was the first socialite to appear on stage and the first celebrity to endorse a commercial product.[182][183] She was also famous for her relationships with notable figures, including the Prince of Wales, laterEdward VII.[184] She is buried inSt Saviour's Church graveyard.[185]
In 1909, T. J. West established the first cinema in the Royal Hall in St. Helier, which became known as West's Cinema in 1923 and was demolished in 1977. The firsttalking picture,The Perfect Alibi, was shown on 30 December 1929 at the Picture House in St. Helier. The Jersey Film Society was founded on 11 December 1947 at the Café Bleu, West's Cinema. The large Art Deco Forum Cinema was opened in 1935; during the German occupation this was used for German propaganda films.[186]
TheOdeon Cinema was opened 2 June 1952 and was later rebranded in the early 21st century as the Forum cinema. Its owners, however, struggled to meet tough competition from the Cineworld Cinemas group, which opened a 10-screen multiplex on the waterfront centre in St. Helier on reclaimed land in December 2002, and the Odeon closed its doors in late 2008. The Odeon is now alisted building.[187][188]
Jersey wonders, ormèrvelles, are a favourite snack consisting of fried dough, found especially at country fêtes. According to tradition, the success of cooking depends on the state of the tide.
Jersey milk being very rich,cream and butter have played a large part in insular cooking.[191]Jersey Royal potatoes are the local variety ofnew potato, and the island is famous for its early crop of Chats (small potatoes) from the south-facing côtils (steeply sloping fields). They were originally grown usingvraic as a natural fertiliser, giving them their own individual taste; only a small portion of those grown in the island still use this method. They are eaten in a variety of ways, often simply boiled and served with butter or when not as fresh fried in butter.[192]
Apples historically were an important crop.Bourdélots are apple dumplings, but the most typical speciality is black butter (lé nièr beurre), a dark spicy spread prepared from apples,cider and spices. Cider used to be an important export. After decline and near-disappearance in the late 20th century, apple production is being increased and promoted. Besides cider,apple brandy is produced. Other production of alcohol drinks includes wine,[193] and in 2013 the first commercialvodkas made from Jersey Royal potatoes were marketed.[194]
Among other traditional dishes are cabbage loaf, Jersey wonders (les mèrvelles), fliottes, bean crock (les pais au fou),nettle (ortchie) soup, and vraic buns.[190][195]
A statue of Jersey golfer,Harry Vardon, stands at the entrance to the Royal Jersey Golf Club.
In its own right, Jersey participates in theCommonwealth Games and in the biennialIsland Games, which it first hosted in 1997 and more recently in 2015.[196]
TheJersey Football Association supervises football in Jersey. As of 2022, the Jersey Football Combination has nine teams in its top division.[197]Jersey national football team plays in the annualMuratti competition against the other Channel Islands.[198]Rugby union in Jersey comes under the auspices of the Jersey Rugby Association (JRA), which is a member of theRugby Football Union of England. Amateur side,Jersey RFC, won the English Regional Two South Central Division in the 2023/24 season and will play in fifth tier Regional One South Central next campaign.[199]
For Horse racing, Les Landes Racecourse can be found at Les Landes in St. Ouen next to the ruins ofGrosnez Castle.[201]
Jersey has two public indoor swimming pools: AquaSplash, St Helier[202] and Les Quennevais, St Brelade.[203] Swimming in the sea, windsurfing and other marine sports are practised. Jersey Swimming Club has organised an annual swim from Elizabeth Castle to Saint Helier Harbour for over 50 years. A round-island swim is a major challenge: the record for the swim is Ross Wisby, who circumnavigated the island in 9 hours 26 minutes in 2015.[204] The Royal Channel Island Yacht Club is based in St Brelade.[205]
Two professional golfers from Jersey have wonthe Open Championship seven times between them;Harry Vardon won six times andTed Ray won once, both around the turn of the 20th century. Vardon and Ray also won theU.S. Open once each. Harry Vardon's brother,Tom Vardon, had wins on various European tours.
Jersey Sport, an independent body that promotes sports in Jersey and support clubs, was launched in 2017.[206]
Until the 19th century, indigenousJèrriais – avariety ofNorman – was the language of the island though French was used for official business. During the 20th century,British cultural influence saw an intenselanguage shift take place and Jersey today is predominantlyEnglish-speaking.[18] Jèrriais nonetheless survives; around 2,600 islanders (3%) are thought to be habitual speakers, and some 10,000 (12%) in all claim some knowledge of the language, particularly among the elderly in rural parishes. There have been efforts to revive Jèrriais in schools.[207]
Thedialects of Jèrriais differ inphonology and, to a lesser extent,lexis between parishes, with the most marked differences to be heard between those of the west and east. Many place names are in Jèrriais, and French and English place names are also to be found.Anglicisation of theplace names increased apace with the migration of English people to the island.[208]
Wace was a 12th-century poet born in Jersey. He is the earliest known Jersey writer, authoringRoman de Brut andRoman de Rou, among others. Some believe him to be the earliestJèrriais writer and he is known as the founder ofJersey literature, but the language in which he wrote is very different from modern Jèrriais.[19]
As Jèrriais was not an official language in Jersey, it had no standard written form, which meant that Jersey literature is very varied, written in multiple forms of Jèrriais alongside Standard English and French.[18]
Matthew Le Geyt was the first poet to publish in Jèrriais after the introduction of printing to the island in the 18th century.[209]Philippe Le Sueur Mourant wrote in Jèrriais in the 19th century.[18] Jerseyman George d'la Forge is named the 'Guardian of the Jersey Norman Heritage'. Though he lived in America for most of his life, he felt a strong attachment to Jersey and his native language. His works were turned into books in the 1980s.[210]
After the failure of the 1848 revolution, thirty-nine French revolutionaries were exiled in Jersey, including the famous French authorVictor Hugo, as Jersey's culture had a relation to their native French.[22] Gerald Durrell, the famous zoologist who set upJersey Zoo, was also an author, writing novels, non-fiction and children's books. He wrote in order to fund and further his conservation work.[24]
Education in the island is managed by the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills of the Government of Jersey. The education system in Jersey is based on theEnglish system. Full time education is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16.[211] The Government provides limited free pre-school education to parents.[212] Jersey schools must teach the Jersey Curriculum, which is based on the English National Curriculum, with differences to account for Jersey's unique position.[213]
As of 2022, there are 24 States primary schools, seven private primary or preparatory schools, four comprehensive States secondary schools, two fee-paying States secondary schools, two private secondary schools and one provided grammar school and sixth form,Hautlieu School.[214]Highlands College provides alternative post-16 and all post-18 education available on the island. However, higher education facilities are limited, so many students study off-island. In the UK, Jersey students pay the same rate as Home students.[215]
Three areas of land are protected for their ecological or geological interest as Sites of Special Interest (SSI). Jersey has four designatedRamsar sites: Les Pierres de Lecq, Les Minquiers, Les Écréhous and Les Dirouilles and the south east coast of Jersey (a large area of intertidal zone).[217]
Jersey operates aplanning system based on the discretionary system in use in the UK, where the States of Jersey passes a development plan, known as the Island Plan, which sets outzoning, development policies and sites allocated for development.[218] Planning is regulated by the Island Planning Law 1964.[219]
The Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark (AJIG) project is a local campaign supported by the Government of Jersey and Jersey Heritage to achievegeopark status for the island of Jersey. The campaign intends to submit an application toUNESCO to designate the island as aGlobal Geopark.[220] As part of this, Jersey Heritage launched a call for islanders to nominate sites of natural and cultural significance for individual nomination for geopark status.[221]
Thered-billed chough became extinct in Jersey around 1900, when changes in farming and grazing practices led to a decline in the coastal slope habitat required by this species. Birds on the Edge, a project between the Government of Jersey,Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust andNational Trust for Jersey, is working to restore Jersey's coastal habitats and reinstate the red-billed chough (and other bird species) to the island.[225]
The remaining population of agile frogs on Jersey is very small and is restricted to the south west of the island.[228] The species is the subject of an ongoing programme to save it from extinction in Jersey via a collaboration between the Government of Jersey, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG), with support and sponsorship from several other organisations. The programme includes captive breeding and release, public awareness and habitat restoration activities.[229]
Health services on the island are overseen by the Department for Health and Social Care. Jersey does not have a nationalised health service and the service is not part of theNational Health Service. Many healthcare treatments are not free at the point of use; however, treatment in the accident and emergency department is free. For residents, prescriptions and some hospital treatments are free, but GP services are paid for.[238]
The States of Jersey Fire Service was formed in 1938 when the States took over the Saint Helier Fire Brigade, which had been formed in 1901. The first lifeboat was equipped, funded by the States, in 1830. The RNLI established a lifeboat station in 1884.[244] Border security and customs controls are undertaken by theStates of Jersey Customs and Immigration Service. Jersey has adopted the112 emergency number alongside its existing999 emergency number.[245]
Water supplies in Jersey are managed by Jersey Water. Jersey Water supply water from two water treatment works, around 7.2 billion litres in 2018. Water in Jersey is almost exclusively from rainfall-dependent surface water. The water is collected and stored in six reservoirs and there is also a desalination plant that produces up to 10.8 million litres per day (around half of the Island's average daily usage). In 2017, 101 water pollution incidents were reported, an increase of 5% on 2016. Another estimated 515,700 m3 of water is abstracted for domestic purposes from private sources (around 9% of the population).[246]
Electricity in Jersey is provided by a sole supplier, Jersey Electricity, of which the States of Jersey is the majority shareholder.[247] Jersey imports 95 per cent of its power from France.[248] 35% of the imported power derives fromhydro-electric sources and 65% fromnuclear sources. Jersey Electricity claims the carbon intensity of its electricity supply is 35g CO2 e / kWh compared to 352g CO2 e / kWh in the UK.[249]
^"God Save the King" is thenational anthem by custom, not statute, and there is no authorised version. Typically only the first verse is usually sung, although the second verse is also often sung as well at state and public events.[4] The wordsKing, he, him, his, used at present, are replaced byQueen, she, her when the monarch is female.
^St Helier is the de facto capital of Jersey, being the seat of the island's government, howeverGovernment House, the official royal residence of the island, is located inSaint Saviour.
^The largest settlement in Jersey is in fact made up of parts of various parishes and is often referred to as "town" by islanders.
^Jersey does not have ade jure official language, but these are the permitted languages in the island's parliament, theStates Assembly.[5] The working and most widely spoken language is English, though French retains a historical and ceremonial working role.
^French:Bailiage de Jersey; Jèrriais:Bailiage d'Jèrri
^abTraditionally known as part of theBritish Isles, geographically Jersey does not form part of that archipelago. As the Government of Jersey's website states, the island is situated "only 22 km off the northwest coast of France and 137 km south of England".[18] In British law it constitutes one of theBritish Islands.[250]
^"Conduit-OFCs [offshore financial centres]... are 'countries that are widely perceived as attractive intermediate destinations in the routing of investments'.[118] Conduit-OFCs typically have low or zero taxes imposed on the transfer of capital to other countries, either via interest payments, royalties, dividends or profit repatriation. In addition, such jurisdictions have highly developed legal systems that are able to cater to the needs of multinational corporations. Conduits play a key role in the global corporate ownership network by allowing the transfer of capital without taxation. In this way, profit from one country can be re-invested in another part of the world paying no or little taxes."[119]
^Fact sheet on the UK's relationship with the Crown Dependencies(PDF). UK Ministry of Justice.Archived(PDF) from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved2 May 2023.The Crown Dependencies are not recognised internationally as sovereign States in their own right but as "territories for which the United Kingdom is responsible".
^abUnited Kingdom Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs; Chief Minister of Jersey (1 May 2007).Framework for developing the international identity of Jersey(PDF). Government of Jersey; Government of the United Kingdom.Archived(PDF) from the original on 31 January 2021. Retrieved2 May 2023.
"1. The UK has no democratic accountability in and for Jersey which is governed by its own democratically elected assembly. In the context of the UK's responsibility for Jersey's international relations it is understood that—
"The UK will not act internationally on behalf of Jersey without prior consultation....
"2. Jersey has an international identity which is different from that of the UK."
^"Measuring Jersey's Economy"(PDF).Government of Jersey. 28 September 2016.Archived(PDF) from the original on 8 January 2017. Retrieved28 January 2018.
^Balleine, G. R. (1951).Bailiwick of Jersey. King's Channel Islands series. London: Hodder and Stoughton.
^States of Jersey; Privy Council (2 September 2022).Attachment of Jersey to the Diocese of Salisbury Order 2022 (Unofficial extended UK law L.34/2022). Archived fromthe original on 16 May 2023. Retrieved13 April 2025 – via Jersey Legal Information Board.HER MAJESTY, in the exercise of Her prerogatives as Sovereign in right of the Bailiwick of Jersey... is pleased by and with the advice of Her Privy Council to order as follows.–..."2 Attachment of Jersey to Diocese of Salisbury "The Bailiwick of Jersey is, by virtue of this Order, as a matter of and for the purposes of the law of Jersey attached to the Diocese of Salisbury instead of to the Diocese of Winchester.
^abcIsland Identity Policy Development Board."Constitution and citizenship".Island Identity: Defining Jersey. Government of Jersey.Archived from the original on 13 November 2024.The Board concluded that Jersey is accurately described as a 'Country', or even as a 'Small Island Nation', and as such has a distinct international character. This has been agreed with the UK and by constitutional experts, and in 2007 the Lord Chancellor and Chief Minister signed an agreement entitled 'Framework for developing the international identity of Jersey', which also acknowledges that Jersey's 'international identity' is different from that of the UK.
Jersey's National and International Identity – Interim Findings(PDF) (Report). Government of Jersey. 11 May 2021. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 4 April 2025. p. 6:... unique mixture of cultural and constitutional characteristics qualifies [Jersey] as an Island nation in its own right." p. 20: "... it is therefore appropriate to describe Jersey as a Small Nation.
^Council of Ministers (October 2012).Common Policy for External Relations(PDF) (Report). States of Jersey.Archived(PDF) from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved8 December 2012.
^ab"Crown Dependencies". Royal.gov.uk. 4 June 2018.Archived from the original on 11 July 2021. Retrieved15 October 2020.
^abTorrance, David (20 June 2022).The Crown Dependencies(PDF) (Report). House of Commons Research Library.Archived(PDF) from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved16 November 2022.
^Meddick, Simon; Payne, Liz; Catz, Phil (2020).Red Lives: Communists and the Struggle for Socialism. UK: Manifesto Press Cooperative Limited. pp. 122–123.ISBN978-1-907464-45-4.
^Torrance, David (12 September 2025).The Crown Dependencies (Report). Commons Library Research Briefing. Retrieved17 October 2025.
^House of Commons, Justice Committee (23 March 2010).Crown dependencies(PDF). Vol. 8th Report of Session 2009–10. London: HMSO.ISBN978-0-215-55334-8. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 25 July 2017. Retrieved1 September 2017.
^Brexit Information Report(PDF) (Report). Jersey: States Greffe. 27 June 2016.Archived(PDF) from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved6 January 2021.
^abcQuayle, T. (1815).A general view of the agriculture and present state of the islands on the coast of Normandy. London: Board of Agriculture. p. 48.
^States of Jersey Official Report, 3 May 2011, 5.1. Statement by the Chief Minister regarding the appointment of a new Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers.
^"Ascent of Jersey High Point on 2009-09-12".Peakbagger.com.Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved23 June 2012.Sources vary on the elevation of Les Platons. Its height is often listed at 143 m, as well as 136 m.
"Jersey Met issues Orange snow warning".Government of Jersey. 9 January 2024. Retrieved25 July 2024.In terms of snowfall accumulations, there is the potential for 3–5cm on higher ground, grass, fields and smaller lanes, with 1–2cm expected at sea level.
^abLe Feuvre, David (1994).JERSEY: Not quite British. Jersey: Seaflower Books.
^"British Nationality Act 1981".Legislation, UK, Acts.Office of Public Sector Information. Archived fromthe original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved14 September 2009.the Islands" means the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man; [...] the United Kingdom" means Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Islands, taken together
^"Visas / entry clearances / work permit issue".Home Affairs, Customs & Immigration, Immigration. States of Jersey. Archived fromthe original on 10 October 2007. Retrieved14 September 2009.Passengers arriving from outside of the Common Travel Area (United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) will pass through an Immigration control.
^"The 50 greatest Kylie Minogue singles of all time, ranked".The Tab UK. 20 January 2022.Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved26 May 2022.The Nerina Pallot penned Better Than Today sounds like if Kylie decided to lay vocals down on a MIKA and Scissor Sisters lovechild track. It's camp as hell, brimming with positivity and a Stuart Price production that's difficult not to fall completely in love with.
^"When Celebrity Endorsers Go Bad".The Washington Post.Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved2 March 2022.British actress Lillie Langtry became the world's first celebrity endorser when her likeness appeared on packages of Pears Soap.
^"List of primary schools".gov.je. Information and public services for the Island of Jersey. Archived fromthe original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved17 March 2022."List of secondary schools".gov.je. Information and public services for the Island of Jersey. Archived fromthe original on 20 June 2012. Retrieved17 March 2022.
^"Interpretation Act 1978 (c.30)".The UK Statute Law Database. OPSI Office of Public Sector Information. Archived fromthe original on 7 May 2009.British Islands means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. (1889)
Previously published as:Balleine's History of Jersey. La Société Jersiaise. 1998.ISBN1-86077-065-7. Revised and enlarged edition ofA history of the Island of Jersey from cave men to the German occupation and after. Kettering, UK: Staples, 1950.
The Archaeology of the Channel Islands. Vol. 2: The Bailiwick of Jersey byJacquetta Hawkes (1939)
The Prehistoric Foundations of Europe to the Mycenean Age, 1940, C. F. C. Hawkes
The Channel Islands, An Archaeological Guide, David Johnston, 1981
The Archaeology of the Channel Islands, Peter Johnston, 1986
Jersey in Prehistory, Mark Patton, 1987
Dolmens of Jersey: A Guide, James Hibbs (1988).
Statements in Stone: Monuments and Society in Neolithic Brittany, Mark Patton, 1993
A Guide to The Dolmens of Jersey, Peter Hunt,Société Jersiaise, 1998.
Rodwell, Warwick; Patton, Mark; Finch, Olga (1999).La Hougue Bie, Jersey. A Study of the Neolithic Tomb, Medieval Chapel and Prince's Tower – including a report on the excavations of 1991–95. Jersey: Société Jersiaise.ISBN978-0-901897-29-9.OCLC915552168.ISBN0-901897-29-9.
The Archaeology and Early History of the Channel Islands, Heather Sebire, 2005.
One Hundred Years of the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society 1833–1933. Compiled from the Society's Records, by H. G. Shepard, Secretary. Eric J. Boston. Jersey Cattle, 1954
