Country Profile: Jersey

Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a British Crown dependency situated in the English Channel, northwest of France. It has a population of approximately 103,000 people and features a mild temperate climate with gently rolling plains and rugged coastal hills. The economy is characterized by a strong offshore banking sector, tourism, and agriculture, making it one of the most expensive places to live. Governance is established as a parliamentary democracy, and while Jersey is self-governing, the UK is responsible for its defense and international affairs.

Geography

Jersey, located in Western Europe, is an island in the English Channel with a temperate climate and a topography that features gentle plains and low hills. Its total land area is approximately 116 square kilometers, and it boasts a coastline of 70 kilometers. The island has no land boundaries and experiences significant tidal variations, which can pose navigational challenges.

116 sq km: Total area of the island.
70 km: Length of the coastline.
12 nm: Territorial sea and exclusive fishing zone claims.
136 m: Highest point is Les Platons.
43.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture as of 2022.

People and Society

Jersey has an estimated population of 103,387 in 2024, with a diverse ethnic makeup, predominantly Jersey and British. The island's official language is English, with a smaller percentage speaking Portuguese and traditional languages like Jerriais. The population is characterized by a healthy life expectancy of 83 years, and over 85% identify as Christian.

103,387: Estimated population in 2024.
83 years: Life expectancy at birth in 2024.
12.2 births/1,000: Birth rate in 2024.
6.3%: Unemployment rate in 2024.
54.7: Total dependency ratio in 2024.

Economy

Jersey's economy is highly developed, primarily consisting of the services sector, which accounts for over 91% of GDP. Its offshore banking and finance sectors are complemented by a strong tourism industry, although these sectors faced challenges due to COVID-19 and Brexit. The GDP (official exchange rate) is approximately $12.5 billion as of 2023.

$12.5 billion: GDP at official exchange rate in 2023.
3.7%: Estimated GDP growth rate for 2023.
91.2%: Services sector contribution to GDP in 2023.
0.6%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP in 2023.
82,400: Labor force size in 2024.

Government

The Bailiwick of Jersey is governed as a parliamentary democracy, composed of the Assembly of the States of Jersey. The head of state is King Charles III, represented locally by a lieutenant governor. Jersey has no first-order administrative divisions but is divided into 12 parishes. The legal system incorporates both local statutes and applicable UK laws.

16 years: Minimum voting age for elections.
54: Total number of seats in the unicameral legislature.
42.9%: Percentage of women in the legislative assembly.
6/22/2022: Date of the most recent election.
9 May: National holiday commemorating Liberation Day.

Military and Security

Defense is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, with Jersey having no military forces of its own. The island retains a level of self-governance but relies on the UK for external security matters.

Energy

Jersey has achieved 100% electrification across its population as of 2022, ensuring all residents have access to electricity.

Environment

Jersey faces environmental challenges including habitat loss, water pollution, and improper waste disposal. Urbanization is gradually increasing, with around 31.2% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.

Transportation

Jersey has one airport and a single port, Saint Helier Harbour, which serves as the primary maritime access point for the island. The transport infrastructure supports both local movement and connections to other regions.

1: Number of airports expected by 2025.
1: Total port operational as of 2024.

Communications

Jersey's communication infrastructure includes a robust telecommunications network with high mobile and fixed-line subscription rates. Internet usage has grown, with around 41% of the population estimated to be internet users as of 2012.

124,083: Total mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2021.
48,122: Total fixed-line subscriptions as of 2021.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	103,387	Estimated for 2024
Area	116 sq km	Total land area
GDP (official exchange rate)	$12.508 billion	Estimated for 2023
Unemployment rate	6.3%	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	12.2 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy	83 years	Estimated for 2024
Total fertility rate	1.66 children/woman	Estimated for 2024
Electrification	100%	Total population access, 2022
Labor force	82,400	Estimated for 2024
Urban population	31.2%	Percentage of total population, 2023