About Jersey

Jersey, at 45 square miles (118 square km) in size, is the largest of the British Channel Islands. The Island is located 85 miles (135 km) south of mainland Britain and 14 miles (22 km) from the coast of France.

The population of 87,700 (as at the end of 2004) includes some 13,000 professionally trained staff working within finance and support industries.

The jursidiction's main language is English. However, due to Jersey’s cosmopolitan nature, most European languages are spoken and can be used for business transactions.

Jersey is divided into 12 parishes, all with access to the sea. Each parish is presided over by the elected head of parish, the Connétable, on issues relating to civil matters and by the Rector on issues relating to ecclesiastical affairs.

The British pound (£) and Jersey pound (valued 1:1) form its retail currency, with all major currencies accepted for financial transactions.

Jersey’s status as a Crown Dependency gives the jursidiction constitutional rights of self-government and judicial independence. This offers both businesses and investors the benefits of an independent international finance centre which is close to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.