World  > Europe  > Guernsey
For a breakdown of information on Guernsey - Europe, select from the following list(s):
Travel Information >>> Useful addresses General information Passport & visa Money Duty Free Public holidays Health Getting there Getting around Accommodation Sports and Activities Social profile Business profile Climate History & government Overview Maps	Regions and Cities >>> Resorts & Excursions - Overview
General Information Area: 63.1 sq km (24.3 sq miles). Population: 59,807 (2001). Population Density: 947.8 per sq km. Capital: St Peter Port. GEOGRAPHY: Guernsey is situated in the Gulf of St Malo, 50km (30 miles) from the coast of France and 130km (80 miles) from the south coast of England. The cliffs on the south coast rise to 80m (270ft), from which the land slopes away gradually to the north. Guernsey is an ideal centre for excursions to the other Channel Islands and France. The islands of Alderney, Brecqhou, Sark, Herm, Jethou and Lihou are dependencies of Guernsey. Government: Dependency of the British Crown. Although Guernsey is British, its history and constitution mean that it is not part of the United Kingdom or the European Union. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Lieutenant-Governor Lt-Gen Sir John Foley since 2000. Head of Government: Bailiff de Vic Carey since 1999. Internally, Guernsey is self governing with its own parliament (the States of Guernsey) and its own laws. Only foreign affairs and defence are handled by the UK, although there are arrangements by which Guernsey laws are approved by the crown. Language: English is the official language. Norman patois is spoken in some parishes. Religion: Church of England, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational and Methodist. Time: GMT (GMT + 1 from March to October). Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs in use. Communications:   Telephone Country code: 44, followed by (0)1481. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone GSM 900. Main network operator is Guernsey Telecoms (website: www.guernseytelecoms.com). Some single and triple band handsets will function. Roaming agreements in operation. Handsets can also be hired. Fax Services are available in hotels and fax bureaux. Internet Public access is available at Internet cafes and in libraries. Local ISPs include Cable & Wireless, Guernsey (website: www.gtonline.net). Post Only Guernsey stamps will be accepted on outgoing mail. The main post office is at Smith Street, St Peter Port. Post boxes are painted blue. Press The local newspapers are The Guernsey Press and Star and The Guernsey Weekly Press. English, French, German, Dutch and Italian newspapers are also available at newsagents. All the main British newspapers are available in Guernsey on the day of publication. From www.columbusguides.com, Copyright © 2004 Highbury Columbus Travel Publishing Terms and Conditions apply.