FACT SHEET

LOCATION: 100 miles (160 km) south of mainland Britain, 14 miles (20 km) f
rom the Normandy coast of France, situated in the bay of St Malo. The distances
from St Helier Harbour to the other Channel Islands are as follows: Guernsey -
26 miles (41.84km); Sark - 22 miles (35.40 km); Alderney - 45 miles (72.42 km)
SIZE: Jersey is 9 miles (14.49 km) East to West x 5 miles (8.05km) north to So
uth, 45 square miles, (116 km square) 360 miles (580 km) of roadway, including a
network of over 47 miles (76km) of Green Lanes where there is a speed limit of
15mph (24kph) and priority is given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Cycl
ists can also delight in 100 miles (160 km) of cycle routes, ranging from coasta
l to rural.
POPULATION: Jersey has a resident population 90,800 which consists of approx
50% Jersey, 30% British, 6% Portuguese, 10% Eastern Europe and 4% other. Approx
imately one third of the population live in St Helier.
CLIMATE: Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands consequently
has the best sunshine record in the British Isles. Warmed by the nearby Gulf S
tream, summer temperatures average 20C, in winter it rarely goes below freezing.
CURRENCY: Sterling. Jersey has its own coins and notes, the equivalent of
English money, which is also freely accepted, as are UK cheques, supported by a
banker’s card, and most credit cards. Money can be exchanged at banks and Bureaux
de Change. Euros are not widely accepted, cheques in Euros are treated as forei
gn cheques.
LANGUAGE: English speaking, though the languages of Jersey have also inclu
ded Latin, Breton, Norman French, and latterly Jersey Norman French. Known as Je
rriais, it is a blend of Norse and Norman French and is still often spoken by lo
cals (Jersiais) in country parishes. Until the 1960 s the official language was
French and it is still used by the court and legal professions.
PASSPORTS: British Citizens and those of the Irish Republic do not require
passports or entry visas for travel between their respective countries and Jerse
y. Passports are required for excursions to France. Other EU citizens require I
D cards for travel to Jersey. Citizens from non-EU countries will need a passpo
rt and should check before travelling to the Island to see if a visa is required
.
TRANSPORT: Connections with the island are plentiful:
By ferry: Condor Ferries operate fast ferry services to/from Guernsey and the so
uth of England: Poole and Weymouth, plus a traditional ferry service from Portsm
outh.
From Europe; Fast ferries are operated out of St Malo in Brittany, France, by Co
ndor Ferries and passenger only by Corsaire. Manche Iles Express operates passe
nger only services from France out of Carteret and Granville in Normandy, and fr
om Jersey to the other Channel Islands.
By air: Scheduled/charter flights operate from; The other Channel Islands of Gue
rnsey & Alderney, 30 UK airports inc Jet 2 and Belfast from N.I. and the Europea
n airports of; France – Paris, Charles de Gaulle & Nice (Flybe), Netherlands – Rotte
rdam (VLM CityJet). Germany – Düsseldorf (Air Berlin and Lufthansa) Hanover & Frankf
urt (TUI Wolters charter), Ireland –Dublin & Cork( Aer Lingus), Switzerland –Zurich
and Geneva (Blue Islands) year round.

On island services: Connex island bus service; blue buses, operate from the bus
station in St Helier. A summer leisure service - Island Explore offers 4 routes
 covering attractions, beaches and places of interest from April – early November.
Taxis are available from ranks at the airport and St Helier or by private hire;
taxis cannot be hailed in Jersey. In addition there are coach tours and Le Peti
t Train guided town & St Aubins Bay tours. Cycle hire is available in St Helier
and St Aubin.
SPEED LIMIT: The maximum speed limit is 40 miles per hour (64 km); however so
me areas are restricted to 30, 20, and 15 mph on green lanes. (48, 32, and 24km
per hour)
NO SMOKING POLICY: It is illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than
private homes. This includes restaurants, cafés, hotels, pubs, shops, public trans
port, hospitals and all clubs.
ANIMALS: There are no quarantine regulations for the transportation of do
mestic animals between mainland Britain and Jersey. Quarantine restrictions app
ly for all other countries, although a “Pets Passport” travel scheme exists which pe
rmits animals to be brought into the island as long as strict guidelines are adh
ered to. Further information available from the RVA on 00 44 (1534) 601690.
LICENSING HOURS: At the discretion of the proprietor’s public bars are open
to persons over age 18 Weekdays 9am – 11pm, Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday
11am - 11pm.
Children under age 18 are allowed in up to 9pm if accompanied by an adu
lt. Drinking and driving is not permitted - the maximum legal limit is 80mg of
alcohol per 100ml of blood as in the UK.
SHOPPING: The markets are open from 0730 – 1730 (closed on Thursday afternoo
n), otherwise normal shopping hours apply, 9.00am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. D
uring summer months some shops are open in the evenings. High Street shops are
closed on Sundays
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: Jersey has the same public holidays as the UK, with an a
dditional holiday on May 9 for Liberation Day.
Main Holidays 2010: New Year 1st January; Good Friday 2nd April; Easter Monday
5th April; May Bank Holiday 3rd May; Liberation Day 9th May; Spring Bank Holid
ay 31st May; Summer Bank Holiday 30th August; Christmas Day 25th December; Boxi
ng Day 26th December
CUSTOMS: On re-entering European Union member countries from the Channel
Islands, the customs allowance is:
• 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco.
• 1 litre of distilled beverages and spirits OR 4 litres of sparkling or f
ortified wines AND 4 litres of other wines.
• 60 cc/ml perfume
• 250 cc/ml eau de toilette
• £340 worth of other goods

HISTORY: 800 million years ago, shale, the oldest rocks in Jersey, were f
ormed; the Jersey war tunnels were hewn out of shale as it was easier to work th
an the later formed much harder granites. The much prettier pink granites, as se
en on the South west coast and dramatic cliffs of the North west coast, were use
d to build the traditional farm houses such as those at Hamptonne Country life m
useum and The Elms.
A volcanic eruption off the North coast formed rocks which, once weather
ed, produced a very fertile soil in which, together with rich soils blown in fro
m France, the famous Jersey Royal Potatoes are grown today.
.
The Channel Islands were originally part of a land mass which included France an
d England. During four ice ages sea levels rose and dropped many times cutting o
ff the higher rocks, leaving islands. Between these periods Jersey was used by N
eolithic man passing through from what is now France and England hunting woolly
mammoth. Remains of this activity 250,000 years, when they used caves at La Cott
e, can be seen in the Jersey Museum. Jersey finally became and island for the la
st time 8000 years ago, 2000 years after Guernsey. Many dolmens remain from this
his period.
The first settlers were farmers from Brittany who arrived 700. The Normans made
the greatest impact on the Channel Islands when they were annexed to the Duchy o
f Normandy in the 933 by William Longswood, Duke of Normandy. In 1066 when Willi
am the Conqueror, of Normandy, gained the English crown, after defeating the Eng
lish at the Battle of Hastings, the Channel Islands became part of the Anglo-Nor
man realm. In the 9th Century the Vikings arrived for short transient period.
In 1204 King John, of England, lost Normandy back to the French, the islanders h
ad to choose either to be loyal to Normandy or remain loyal to the English crown
. They chose the latter and gained rights and privileges which are still curren
t today including freedom from UK taxes. The constitutional relationship with th
e UK is the product of 900 years of custom and usage and is not affected by chan
ges of government in the UK. This relationship has been confirmed by successive
Royal Charters that have secured the independence of the Island s judicial syst
em from the English courts. Today Jersey is termed a “Peculiar of the Crown”.
During the 100 years war the island was attacked many times even occupied by the
French for two years in 1380, then again for seven years 1461-1468 during the W
ar of the Roses. Over centuries the island has fought off many invasions. In 17
81 the last French attack took place, when French troops attempted to take over
the island under the leadership of Baron du Rullecourt. However, a young English
officer, Major Peirson, led the local militia to victory at "The Battle of Jers
ey” in Jersey s Royal Square, in which sadly both officers were killed. Visit Eli
zabeth castle for Jersey Militia.
In 1940 the Island was again attacked, this time by the Germans. During WWII the
Channel Islands were the only part of Great Britain to be occupied by the Germa
ns this lasted for 5 years until the Liberation on 9th May 1945. Many people le
ft the island, prior the occupation, and others were deported during this very d
ifficult period.
During five years rationing and serious shortages of supplies gave rise to ingen
ious and even bizarre substitutes for all manner of everyday items. These inclu
ded acorn coffee, pea pod tea, rose leaf tobacco, potato peelings soup, and impr
ovised bicycle tyres made out of old hose pipes. The Jersey War tunnels tell the
story.
GOVERNMENT: The Bailiwick of Jersey is a dependency of the British Crown, ow
ing allegiance to the crown, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, but not the UK parliam
ent. It is not part of Great Britain but is part of the British Isles. The Isla
nd has its own legislative assembly called the "States of Jersey", a system of l
ocal administration, fiscal and legal systems and courts of law. It is self gov
erning in internal matters and only reliant on the UK government for defence and
overseas representation. The UK government is also largely responsible for inte
rnational affairs on behalf of Jersey although the island is increasingly negoti
ating on its own behalf. UK Acts of Parliament only apply to the Island if it is
expressly agreed locally that they should do so.
The constitution of the “States of Jersey” is the Bailiff, the Lieutenant Governor,
the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General and Solicitor General, together with 12
 Senators, 12 Parish Constables and 29 deputies, who are elected democratically
by islanders. Decisions are made by a Council of 10 Ministers, one of whom is th
e Chief Minister, elected by the States from among their number. A public accoun
ts committee and a number of assistant ministers and members, who sit on scrutin
y panels, scrutinise the policies of the executive. All policies are then debate
d and voted on by the 53 members of the States. Visitors are welcome to view the
States in session, they sit on Tuesdays, from the public gallery of the States
Chamber in the Royal Square, in St Helier. www.statesassembly.gov.je
EUROPEAN UNION: Jersey is not part of the European Union, but when the U
K joined the EU in 1971 special terms were negotiated for the Channel Islands co
ncerning the free movement of manufactured and agricultural goods. Under this ag
reement the island s fiscal autonomy was guaranteed.
ECONOMY: Jersey s economy, traditionally reliant on agriculture, boatbuil
ding, fishing and knitwear has changed markedly since WWII. In June 2009 the is
land had a workforce of 56,250 with just under 1,000 people registered unemploye
d. The main economic drivers today are:
Finance: The industry became established in Jersey after 1961, when the
law that had previously restricted interest rates to 5% was abolished.
Today Jersey is a recognised international finance centre due to its economic, p
olitical and fiscal stability; its proximity to both the UK and Europe; and dept
h and breadth of professional expertise. The industry employs almost 23% of the
islands work force, 13,210 people, and is home to 47 banks, including subsidiari
es of most of the UK’s major banking groups, and leading names from the US, EU, Sw
itzerland, Canada and the Middle East. They hold £170 billion in bank deposits, 6
6% of which is in non-Sterling currency. In addition, £163 billion is held in fund
s under administration and a further £19 billion in funds under management. There
are approximately 33,187 registered companies. Average earnings in Jersey are £3
1,200. For more information about the industry please visit www.jerseyfinance.je

Since Napoleonic times Jersey has attracted high earning immigrants seeking to b
enefit from the Island s low income tax (20%). They are actively encouraged toda
y through the High Value Residency initiative whereby, applicants are assessed f
or suitability according to social and economic grounds, paying taxes in excess
of £100,000 per annum www.reflectonjersey.com
Tourism
Tourism is important to the island not only for its economic contributio
n but also for contributing to the islands infrastructure and high standard of l
iving.
In 2007 over 739,300 people visited the island, spending approximately £23
4 million on island. Of these 80% came from the UK, 10% from Germany and France
, 4% from other Channel Islands and the balance from the rest of the world
The island has 113 registered hotels and guest houses, 23 self catering
premises with a total of 11,011 beds. In addition there are three camp sites wi
th spaces for 1,050 campers.
Agriculture
Agriculture provided estimated revenue of £48 million in dairy & agricultu
re in 2007. Agriculture, although important to the island s heritage, is now th
ird place behind the finance and tourism industries. The main export is the Jers
ey Royal Potato, flowers, tomatoes, peppers and cauliflowers. The beautiful Jers
ey Cow, renowned for its creamy milk is recognised around the world.
CAN ANYONE Subject to immigration requirements, yes, they can, though the a
ccommodation they can live in is restricted. Both the accommodation and resident
s are
LIVE IN JERSEY? categorised so the two need to be matched up. Key catego
ries are, persons;
• Born in Jersey, child of a Jersey born or qualified person and having lived in J
ersey for a total period of 10 years. Able to rent or purchase property.
• Not born in Jersey but having lived in the Island continuously for the previous
14 years. Able then to rent or purchase property.
• High value residents. Able to rent or purchase restricted high value property.
• Essentially employed (i.e. Teacher, Nurse or other professional post where such
skills are not available in the Island and such person having received formal ap
proval from the Housing Committee for a specified contract period.) Able to rent
/purchase restricted properties according to contract.
• All others can either reside:
o In non-Housing Committee controlled accommodation such as lodging houses
, hotels, designated staff accommodation etc.
o Reside as a Lodger of a person who has residential qualifications .
ENVIRONMENT: Small it may be, but in terms of habitat diversity the I
sland of Jersey is incredibly rich. It has managed to retain much of its rural p
attern of hedgerows and narrow country lanes, over-arched with a variety of matu
re trees. Its heavily wood valleys, marsh meadows, maritime heath and ancient sa
nd dune systems are a veritable treasure trove for birders, botanists and nature
lovers. Among the woodlands, red squirrels thrive and the drumming of great-sp
otted woodpeckers can be heard regularly during the spring and summer months. Th
ere are at least 85 pairs of barn owls working the farmland field margins and wh
ere late summer crop planting for wildlife has been introduced, bird life has in
creased considerably.
The vibrant blue/green flash of the Jersey lizard is a treat to behold i
n the sun.
On the south east coast of the Island, a 32 square kilometre area of int
er-tidal zone has been designated a Ramsar site and is recognised as one of the
richest marine habitats in North West Europe home to the famous Jersey Ormer.
On the west coast the great bay of St Ouen, is a complex mixture of sand dunes,
freshwater wetlands and salt marshes. Designated SSI sites (Sites of special int
erest) include; Les Blanches Banques, sand dunes, where 460 plant species have b
een recorded among which 16 are recorded in the ‘Red Data Book’ as endangered specie
s and La Landes du L Ouest, gorse lands by Corbiere. A third SSI site is design
ated on the North coast, Les Landes, by the race course.
Deep beds of common reed fringe La Mare au Seigneur (St Ouen’s Pond) Jersey’s larges
t area of natural fresh water. Owned and managed by the National Trust for Jerse
y, the area is filled with migratory bird species in summer and winter and regul
arly recorded species include: Cettis warbler, bearded tit, bittern, marsh harri
er and a wide variety of wildfowl arrivals during the winter months.
The marshy areas around the pond have created ideal conditions for highly specia
lised plants and perhaps the most spectacular is Les Noire Pré, a wet meadow suppo
rting no less than five species of orchid and as many hybrids during late May an
d early June.
9 Jersey beaches are recommended in 2009 Marine Conservation Good beach guide, t
he ultimate independent guide to high quality water standards.
The island has 360 miles of roads on the island, 47 miles of which have been des
ignated ‘Green lanes’; roads with a speed limit of 15mph (24 km/h). These enable loc
als and visitors alike to explore the Island at a leisurely pace, by bicycle or
on foot. Bridges for red squirrels (there are no grey squirrels in Jersey) and “To
ads crossing” signs are a feature of these tranquil leafy lanes. All the Green Lan
es are on Parish Roads.
Together with the Island s government, the National Trust for Jersey and the Soc
iété Jersiaise manage over 150 environmental and historical sites to ensure they are
protected for future generations to enjoy.
DID YOU KNOW....?
Jersey and its unusual customs and traditions customs that are not generally kno
wn:
HONORARY POLICE: In addition to its official paid and uniformed police fo
rce, Jersey also has a unique unpaid and non-uniformed police force which has op
erated since Norman times. This honorary police force is officially recognised
and has considerable authority.
NEW JERSEY: The state of New Jersey in America is named after the Island of
Jersey. During the English Civil War, King Charles II twice took refuge in Jers
ey, first a Prince of Wales and then as exiled King of England. The Island s lo
yalty was rewarded when King Charles gave Smith s Island and some neighbouring i
slets off Virginia to Sir George Carteret with permission to settle. Sir George
renamed them New Jersey. The original venture failed but a grant from the Duke
of York in 1664 gave Sir George Carteret, Lord of the Manor of St Ouen, joint o
wnership of the territory which is now known as New Jersey. The present Lord of
the Manor of St Ouen still possesses the original deeds of ownership.
TIDES: Jersey experiences tides of up to 40 feet (10 Metres). Consequently on
a daily basis the coastal landscape undergoes dramatic changes. During extreme
tidal movements it is possible to walk over two miles seaward from high watermar
k over huge areas of exposed gullies and reefs. Tidal currents are amongst the
strongest in the world. The Island s surface area increases from 45 to 63 squar
e miles at low tide. Guided “Moon walks” uncover the secrets of the amazing habitat
where woolly mammoths once crossed from France to Jersey.
SEAWEED Beaches exposed by the tide have, for over a hundred years, been harvest
ed for
COLLECTION: seaweed. The vraic , as it is known locally, is spread on the f
ields as a natural conditioner, this tradition is still practised today, particu
larly on the west coast.
SNAIL ADOPTION: The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, a market leader in worl
d conservation, has its showcase in Jersey. Maintaining and training staff for a
breeding programme for species near to extinction and securing the survival of
their habitat, are two of the main aims of this organisation, founded by the la
te Gerald Durrell. One of the unusual areas is a snailarium for endangered snai
ls. Animals at the trust can be adopted by members of the public for a financia
l donation to cover their welfare.
ORMER FARMING: A shellfish indigenous to the Channel Island waters, the ormer i
s related to the abalone but is smaller in size. Also known as a mutton fish or
oreille de mer (sea ear) it is relished as a gourmet food commodity. Jersey s
Economic development department have instituted a programme of ormer farming, so
that this delicacy may again be available in local restaurants.
THE BRANCHAGE: Any visitor to the Island in July or September is likely to see
an earnest group of men in each parish solemnly measuring the height from the gr
ound of any overhanging branches. The group consists of the Parish Constable, C
enteniers, Vingteniers, Road s Committee and Road Inspectors and they will be ch
ecking to see that no branch is nearer a footpath than eight feet and no nearer
a road than 12 feet. This bi-annual inspection is called visites du branchage
and anyone found not having cut branches on their property to the correct height
used to be fined 50p. Recent increases mean a first offence is now fined £50.00
and thereafter up to a maximum of £500.
JERSEY PULLOVER Jersey has been associated with knitting for nearly 400 years.
In the 16th century many articles of knitted apparel were exported from Jersey t
o England and France. The principle knitted articles of this time were stocking
s and men s waistcoats. There is little doubt that from this time onwards, the
name Jersey became synonymous with knitting and all knitted articles were know
n as Jerseys , a synonym which has been carried down through the years to the p
resent day. Today the Island farmers no longer rear sheep for wool.
BLACK BUTTER: This traditional preserve was made in huge quantities during the
days when the island had a cider industry. It is made from cider, apples and s
pices. Black Butter nights are still held, usually during November. The preser
ve is made by heating 700lbs of peeled apples and 10 gallons of cider in a large
copper urn (bachîn); the mixture is boiled down over an open fire to create a bla
ck preserve - a process that takes about 16 hours. Many people get involved in
this festive occasion.
BOUON APPETIT: Some traditional Jersey specialities include: Bean Crock - a Jer
sey adaptation of the French dish Cassoulet using beans and pigs trotters; Conge
r Eel soup garnished with marigold flower petals; des Boudelots - apples baked i
n a spicy dough and des Mèrvelles or Jersey Wonders - deep-fried doughnut type cak
es.
LOCAL PRICES:
(guide only as at January 2010)
Petrol Unleaded £1.04p / Diesel £1.05 per litre
Cigarettes: £5.49 for 20 / £54.90 for 200
Alcohol: litre of spirit £18
Country pub Town pub/club
Pint of beer/lager £2.80 £3.25
Bottle of beer £2.80 £3.15
25ml measure of spirit £1.90 £2.30
Spirit and mixer £3.45 £3.60
Bottle of house wine £14 - £18
Cup of regular coffee £ 1.80
Soft drink (Coke) £ 1.40
(0.85p in a shop)
Suntan lotion £ 8.70
Cycle Hire: From £12.00 per day/ £46.00 per week. Helmets to buy: £10
Car Hire: From £37.00 per day/£161 per week all inclusive
Taxi fare from Airport to St Helier £15 - £20