World Country Guide

General Information

Area
63.1 sq km (24.3 sq miles).

Population
59,807 (2001).

Population Density
947.8 per sq km.

Capital
St Peter Port.

Geography
Guernsey is situated in the Gulf of St Malo, 50km (30 miles) from the coast of France and 130km (80 miles) from the south coast of England. The cliffs on the south coast rise to 80m (270ft), from which the land slopes away gradually to the north. Guernsey is an ideal centre for excursions to the other Channel Islands and France. The islands of Alderney, Brecqhou, Herm, Jethou, Lihou and Sark are dependencies of Guernsey.

Government
Dependency of the British Crown. Although Guernsey is British, its history and constitution mean that it is not part of the United Kingdom or the European Union. Internally, Guernsey is self governing with its own parliament (the States of Guernsey) and its own laws. Only foreign affairs and defence are handled by the UK, although there are arrangements by which Guernsey laws are approved by the crown. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Foley since 2000. Head of Government: Bailiff De Vic Graham Carey since 1999.

Language
English is the official language. Norman patois is spoken in some parishes.

Religion
Church of England, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational and Methodist.

Time
GMT (GMT + 1 from March to October).

Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs in use.

Communications

Telephone
Country code: 44, followed by (0)1481. Outgoing international code: 00.

Mobile telephone
GSM 900. Main network operator is Cable & Wireless Guernsey (website: www.cwguernsey.com). Some single and triple band handsets will function. Roaming agreements are in operation. Handsets can also be hired.

Fax
Services are available in hotels and fax bureaux.

Internet
Public access is available at Internet cafes and in libraries. Local ISPs include Cable & Wireless Guernsey.

Post
Only Guernsey stamps will be accepted on outgoing mail. The main post office is at Smith Street, St Peter Port. Post boxes are painted blue.

Press
The local newspapers are The Guernsey Press and Star and The Guernsey Weekly Press. English, French, German, Dutch and Italian newspapers are also available at newsagents. All the main British newspapers are available in Guernsey on the day of publication.