Isle of Man

Isle of Man, island, British Isles, self-governing Crown dependency in the Irish Sea, about midway between Northern Ireland and England. It includes the Calf of Man, a rocky islet off the south-western coast. The principal towns are Douglas (the capital), Onchan, Ramsey, Peel, and Castletown.

The shore of the Isle of Man is lined with tall cliffs and indented by bays. Most of the surface is covered with wooded glens and rounded hills that reach their greatest height in Snaefel (620 m/2,034 ft above sea level); the area of the island is 572 sq km (221 sq mi). A mild climate makes possible the growth of many subtropical plants. About 80 per cent of the land is cultivated; grassland farming is carried out principally on the fertile northern and southern plains.

Cattle and sheep are the most important agricultural produce and meat is the main agricultural export. Other exports include cereals, seed potatoes, horticultural produce, and roses. Meat is the main agricultural export, and other exports include cereals, seed potatoes, horticultural produce, and roses. The island has a fishing fleet of about 60 boats that mainly fish for scallops; herring is also caught and is the basis for the Manx kipper. Financial services are the largest sector of the economy, and account for more than a quarter of all income generated on the island. Banks and other financial organizations are attracted partly by the Isle of Man's low taxation. Native to the island is the Manx cat, characterized by the absence of a tail.

The Isle of Man is a popular tourist resort. Every June the island plays host to the most prestigious road race of the motorcycling calendar—the TT (Tourist Trophy) races, run over a course of 60.72 km (37.73 mi) since 1911; riders compete in several races of different classes, the winner having the highest cumulative total of points at the end of the week. Other attractions include the world's largest working water-wheel (the Lady Isabella), a Victorian steam railway, the Manx electric railway, and horse-drawn trams in Douglas.

During the early Celtic Christian era, the Isle of Man was closely associated with Ireland. It fell under Viking control in the 9th century and was ruled by Norway until the 13th century, when it was ceded to Scotland. The “Three Legs” symbol on the Manx flag dates from this period. During the following century it was alternately ruled by Scotland and England, finally being granted to the latter in 1346. Among the important historical remains on the island are prehistoric stone pile dwellings, runic and druidic monuments, and ancient forts, castles, round towers, and stone crossings.

One of the most notable historical sites is Tynwald Hill, a tiered mound where the island's parliament meets on Tynwald Day (July 5). The Tynwald has existed for more than 1,000 years, and is the world's oldest continuous legislature. It consists of the Legislative Council, with 11 members, and the House of Keys, with 24 elected members. Executive government is undertaken by a council of ministers led by a chief minister who is elected by Tynwald. The British sovereign is head of state under the title Lord of Man, and is represented by a lieutenant-governor. The island issues its own currency and postal stamps, and has its own laws and legal system. Taxes and duties are levied by Tynwald. The United Kingdom government is responsible for external relations and defence of the island. The Isle of Man is not a member of the European Union, but has negotiated a special status to ease the movement of goods and services.

The Manx language, one of the Goidelic group of Celtic languages, became extinct in the 20th century, although it persists as a second language among a small segment of the population. English is the principal language of the island. Population (1991) 69,788.