Jersey

Jersey, island, dependency of the British Crown, one of the Channel Islands, in the English Channel. The largest and southernmost in the group, Jersey is located near France and Guernsey. Generally oblong-shaped, it is about 16 km (10 mi) long and from 6 to 10 km (4 to 6 mi) wide, with an area of 117 sq km (45 sq mi). Precipitous rocky headlands, with elevations up to 150 m (500 ft), a deeply indented coast, and an interior tableland broken by numerous valleys are the outstanding physical features. Climatic conditions are equable; precipitation averages about 863 mm (33 in) annually.

St Helier, a seaport on the southern coast, is the administrative centre and largest town. Other towns include St Aubin and Gorey. Jersey is noted for its own breed of dairy cattle: the Jersey is the smallest of the major breeds, with mature cows weighing about 450 kg (1,000 lb). They vary in colour from a light grey to a very dark fawn, usually solid in colour but sometimes with white patches. Apart from dairying, other important agricultural activities are the cultivation of potatoes, tomatoes, fruits, and flowers. Fishing and tourism are other important occupations, but banking and financial services are now the most important source of income, partly stimulated by the island's low rates of taxation. Jersey is now an important offshore financial and banking centre, and there is a growing number of firms providing global financial services on the Internet and through other electronic media. Places of interest include prehistoric megalithic monuments, an 11th-century church, and Elizabeth Castle and Mont Orgueil Castle. The Channel Islands including Jersey were the only areas of the British Isles to be occupied by the Germans in World War II, and La Hougue Bie Museum has exhibits concerning the Occupation. Population (1991) 84,082.