Legislative branch:
unicameral Assembly of the States (55 voting members - 12 senators
(elected for 6-year terms), 12 constables or heads of parishes
(elected for 3-year terms), 29 deputies (elected for 3-year terms);
the bailiff and the deputy bailiff; and 3 non-voting members - the
Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General all
appointed by the monarch)
elections: last held NA (next to be held NA)
election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 53
Judicial branch:
Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)
Political parties and leaders:
none; all independents
Political pressure groups and leaders:
none
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (British crown dependency)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (British crown dependency)
Flag description:
white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of the
flag; in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a red
shield with the three lions of England in yellow
Economy Jersey
Economy - overview:
The Channel Island economy is based on international financial
services, agriculture, and tourism. In 1996 the finance sector
accounted for about 60% of the island's output. Potatoes,
cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export
crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is
known worldwide and represents an important export income earner.
Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. Tourism accounts
for 24% of GDP. In recent years, the government has encouraged light
industry to locate in Jersey, with the result that an electronics
industry has developed alongside the traditional manufacturing of
knitwear. All raw material and energy requirements are imported, as
well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. Light taxes and death
duties make the island a popular tax haven. Living standards come
close to those of the UK.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$3.6 billion (2003 est.)