Channel Islands in United Kingdom

“Group of islands off the northwest coast of France, which became attached -in accordance to Bamber Gascoigne´ Encyclopedia of Britain about the entry Channel Islands– to the British crown at the time of the Conquest as part of the dukedom of Normandy. They have remained linked with Britain ever since (the only part of Normandy of which this is true) and are now crown dependencies. They have internal self-government, which includes making their own tax laws, and for purposes of administration they are divided into two bailiwicks.

One is Jersey (capital St Helier); and the other Guernsey (capital St Peter Port) with Alderney, Great and Little Sark, Brechou, Herm, Lihou and Jethou as dependencies. In addition each island has its own parliament, known as the States (except on Sark, where it is called the Chief Pleas). Sark is also unique in retaining a feudal system with a hereditary overlord of considerable power, known as the Seigneur when male and the Dame when female.”

There were 133,000 habitants in 1991.