Country Profile: Guernsey

Guernsey, a self-governing British Crown dependency in the Channel Islands, boasts a temperate climate and a population of approximately 67,923 (2025 est.). Its economy is characterized by a robust financial sector, though recent disruptions have impacted manufacturing and tourism. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Guernsey is unique in its legal system, which is based on Norman customary law augmented by elements of both French civil code and English common law.

Geography

Guernsey is located in Western Europe, nestled in the English Channel northwest of France. It comprises the main island and several smaller islands, exhibiting a mostly flat terrain with low hills in the southwest. The climate is temperate, featuring mild winters and cool summers, with about half of the days overcast.

Total Area: 78 sq km
Coastline: 50 km
Highest Point: 114 m (Le Moulin on Sark)
Territorial Sea Claim: 12 nm
Natural Hazards: Significant tidal variations can create dangerous local waters.

People and Society

With a total population of 67,923 (2025 est.), Guernsey's demographics are predominantly of British and Norman-French descent. The official languages are English and French, reflecting its historical ties. The society has a median age of 45.1 years and exhibits a life expectancy at birth of 83.6 years (2024 est.).

Urban Population: 31.2% (2023)
Birth Rate: 9.64 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total Fertility Rate: 1.59 children born per woman (2025 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Dependency Ratio: 56.8 (2025 est.)

Economy

Guernsey's economy is classified as a high-income regional economy, with significant contributions from the financial sector, tourism, and the manufacturing industry. The GDP is approximately $12.508 billion (2023 est.), with services accounting for an impressive 91.2% of the GDP composition. Despite recent challenges, growth is projected at 3.7% (2023 est.).

Unemployment Rate: 6.3% (2024 est.)
Real GDP Growth Rate (2022): 5.3%
Agriculture Sector Contribution: 0.6% (2023 est.)
Manufacturing Sector Contribution: 8.2% (2023 est.)
Exports Dominated by: United Kingdom.

Government

Guernsey operates as a parliamentary democracy, formally known as the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The chief of state is King Charles III, represented locally by the Lieutenant-Governor. Legislative power is vested in the States of Deliberation, with a unicameral structure consisting of 38 directly elected members.

Capital: Saint Peter Port
Suffrage Age: 16 years
Last Election: 7 July 2025
Judicial System: Customary system based on Norman law with elements of English common law.
National Holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May, commemorating the end of WWII occupation.

Military and Security

The defense of Guernsey is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, emphasizing its status as a British Crown dependency without an independent military force.

Energy

Guernsey enjoys full electrification, with 100% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022.

Environment

The island faces environmental challenges, including coastal erosion and declining biodiversity. Approximately 43.3% of land is allocated for agricultural use, highlighting the importance of farming within its economy.

Waste Generation: 178,900 tons (2024 est.)
Recycling Rate: 28.4% of municipal solid waste recycled (2016 est.).

Transportation

Guernsey has a well-connected transportation system, featuring 2 airports (2025) and a network of small ports. The island's ports facilitate regional trade and transport, with key harbors including Alderney Harbour and Saint Peter Port.

Total Ports: 3 (2024)
Heliports: 1 (2025)

Communications

The island has a developed communication infrastructure, with a high number of mobile and fixed-line subscriptions.

Total Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 75,126 (2023 est.)
Internet Users: 86.6% of the population (2021 est.)
Fixed-line Telephone Subscriptions: 32,637 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	67,923	(2025 est.)
Area	78 sq km
GDP	$12.508 billion	(2023 est.)
Unemployment Rate	6.3%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	9.64 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	83.6 years	(2024 est.)
Median Age	45.1 years	(2025 est.)
Urban Population	31.2%	(2023)
Recycling Rate	28.4%	(2016 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.59	(2025 est.)