Country exposure · GG

Guernsey

Europe · Saint Peter Port · parliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation)

What Guernsey means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

68K

Population

$12.5B

GDP

U.S. exposure

Minimal direct economic exposure

Guernsey is not a significant U.S. goods-trade partner and has no tracked tariff actions. Policy changes here are unlikely to reach American prices directly.

Reference

The country itself

Europe · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil that Germany occupied in World War II. The Bailiwick of Guernsey consists of the main island of Guernsey and a number of smaller islands, including Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, and Lihou. The Bailiwick is a self-governing British Crown dependency that is not part of the UK. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography

Location: Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France
Area: 78 sq km
Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast
Terrain: mostly flat with low hills in southwest
Natural resources: cropland
Coastline: 50 km
Natural hazards: very large tidal variation and fast currents can make local waters dangerous

People & society

Population: 67,923 (2025 est.)
Nationality: Channel Islander(s)
Ethnic groups: Guernsey 53.5%, UK and Ireland 23.8%, Portugal 2.1%, Latvia 1.4%, other Europe 2.7%, other Crown Dependencies 0.7%, other 5.3%, unspecified 10.5% (2022 est.)
Languages: English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts
Religions: Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic
Median age: 45.1 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 83.6 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview: high-income English Channel island economy; strong financial sector but stressed due to COVID-19 disruptions; manufacturing, tourism, and construction industries suffered but expected to recover; stable inflation; maintains independent taxation authority
Industries: tourism, banking
Agricultural products: tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle
Exports - partners: almost entirely United Kingdom (2022)
Imports - partners: almost entirely United Kingdom (2022)

Government

Government type: parliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation)
Capital: Saint Peter Port
Independence: none (British Crown dependency)
Constitution: unwritten; includes royal charters, statutes, and common law and practice
Executive branch: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Lieutenant-Governor Richard CRIPWELL (since 15 February 2022)
Legislative branch: States of Deliberation

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction

Background

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

Consult the State Department website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in Guernsey or the U.K. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the United Kingdom and Guernsey more than 6 months.

US Embassy/Consulate

None (British crown dependency); +(44)(20) 7499-9000; US Embassy London, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US, United Kingdom

Telephone Code

Local Emergency Phone

112, 999

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/

Climate

Temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Currency (Code)

Guernsey pounds (GBP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages

English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Major Religions

Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Little Chapel; Castle Cornet; Hauteville House; Fort Grey & Shipwreck Museum; Dehas Dolmen; German Occupation Museum; Sausmarez Manor

Major Sports

Soccer, cycling, tennis, squash, cricket

Cultural Practices

In some British and Channel Islander's households, people remove their shoes before entering their home. It is polite to ask your host's preference.

Tipping Guidelines

A service charge is not normally added to the bill, unless it is a large party; therefore, it is acceptable to leave 10% of the total. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. It is acceptable to tip hotel staff a small amount if they provide excellent service. Leave the extra change at a bar or nightclub.

Souvenirs

Hand-knit sweaters, copper decorative items, hand-embroidered items; duty-free fashion, jewelry, alcohol, and tobacco

Traditional Cuisine

Bean jar — a one-pot dish typically made with pig’s trotter, haricot beans, butter beans, bay leaves, onions, and carrots; the dish is baked for 6-8 hours and typically served with crusty bread and Guernsey butter

CIA source last updated

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Geography

Location

Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates

49 28 N, 2 35 W

Map references

Europe

Area - total

78 sq km

Area - land

78 sq km

Area - water

0 sq km

Area - note

note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands

Area - comparative

about one-half the size of Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries - total

0 km

Coastline

50 km

Maritime claims - territorial sea

12 nm

Maritime claims - exclusive fishing zone

12 nm

Climate

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Terrain

mostly flat with low hills in southwest

Elevation - highest point

Le Moulin on Sark 114 m

Elevation - lowest point

English Channel 0 m

Natural resources

cropland

Land use - agricultural land

43.3% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 18.3% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 24.9% (2022 est.)

Land use - forest

5.2% (2022 est.)

Land use - other

51.6% (2022 est.)

Irrigated land

Natural hazards

very large tidal variation and fast currents can make local waters dangerous

Geography - note

large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

People and Society

Population - total

67,923 (2025 est.)

Population - male

33,760

Population - female

34,163

Nationality - noun

Channel Islander(s)

Nationality - adjective

Channel Islander

Ethnic groups

Guernsey 53.5%, UK and Ireland 23.8%, Portugal 2.1%, Latvia 1.4%, other Europe 2.7%, other Crown Dependencies 0.7%, other 5.3%, unspecified 10.5% (2022 est.)

Ethnic groups - note

note: data represent population by country of birth; the native population is of British and Norman-French descent

Languages

English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Religions

Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic

Age structure - 0-14 years

14.3% (male 4,999/female 4,717)

Age structure - 15-64 years

64.1% (male 21,937/female 21,547)

Age structure - 65 years and over

21.5% (2024 est.) (male 6,776/female 7,811)

Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio

56.8 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio

22.4 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio

34.4 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - potential support ratio

2.9 (2025 est.)

Median age - total

45.1 years (2025 est.)

Median age - male

43.8 years

Median age - female

46.2 years

Population growth rate

0.19% (2025 est.)

Birth rate

9.64 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

9.19 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Net migration rate

1.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Urbanization - urban population

31.2% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Urbanization - note

note: data include Guernsey and Jersey

Major urban areas - population

16,000 SAINT PETER PORT (capital) (2018)

Sex ratio - at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 15-64 years

1.02 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 65 years and over

0.87 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - total population

0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Infant mortality rate - total

3.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Infant mortality rate - male

3.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate - female

2.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth - total population

83.6 years (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth - male

80.9 years

Life expectancy at birth - female

86.4 years

Total fertility rate

1.59 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.78 (2025 est.)

Government

Country name - conventional long form

Bailiwick of Guernsey

Country name - conventional short form

Guernsey

Country name - former

Norman Isles

Country name - etymology

the name is of Old Norse origin; the meaning of the root "Guern(s)" is unclear but may refer to a person's name, Grani, or to the color green; the "-ey" ending means "island"

Government type

parliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation)

Dependency status

British crown dependency

Capital - name

Saint Peter Port

Capital - geographic coordinates

49 27 N, 2 32 W

Capital - time difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Capital - daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Capital - etymology

named for the patron saint of fishermen; "port" distinguishes it from the Saint Peter (sometimes called Saint Peter in the Wood) on the other side of the island

Administrative divisions

no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US government, but 10 parishes: Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint Saviour, Torteval, Vale

Administrative divisions - note

note: two additional parishes for Guernsey are sometimes listed -- Saint Anne on the island of Alderney and Saint Peter on the island of Sark

Legal system

customary system based on Norman customary law; includes elements of the French civil code and English common law

Constitution - history

unwritten; includes royal charters, statutes, and common law and practice

Constitution - amendment process

new laws or changes to existing laws are initiated by the States of Deliberation; passage requires majority vote

Citizenship

see United Kingdom

Suffrage

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch - chief of state

King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Lieutenant-Governor Richard CRIPWELL (since 15 February 2022)

Executive branch - head of government

Chief Minister Lindsay de SAUSMAREZ (since 1 July 2025)

Executive branch - cabinet

none

Executive branch - election/appointment process

the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch; chief minister, who is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee, indirectly elected by the States of Deliberation for a 4-year term

Executive branch - most recent election date

7/1/2025

Executive branch - election results

2025: Lindsay de SAUSMAREZ (independent) elected president of the Policy and Resources Committee and chief minister 2020: Peter FERBRACHE (independent) elected president of the Policy and Resources Committee and chief minister: percent of States of Guernsey vote - 57.5% 2016: Gavin ST. PIER (independent) elected president of the Policy and Resources Committee and chief minister

Executive branch - expected date of next election

2029

Executive branch - note

note: the chief minister is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee and is the de facto head of government; the Policy and Resources Committee, elected by the States of Deliberation, functions as the executive; the 5 members all have equal voting rights

Legislative branch - legislature name

States of Deliberation

Legislative branch - legislative structure

unicameral

Legislative branch - number of seats

38 (directly elected)

Legislative branch - electoral system

plurality/majority

Legislative branch - scope of elections

full renewal

Legislative branch - term in office

4 years

Legislative branch - most recent election date

7/1/2025

Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party

independent (35); Forward Guernsey (3)

Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber

20%

Legislative branch - expected date of next election

2030

Legislative branch - note

note: non-voting members include the bailiff (presiding officer), attorney-general, and solicitor-general

Judicial branch - highest court(s)

Guernsey Court of Appeal (consists of the Bailiff of Guernsey, who is the ex-officio president of the Guernsey Court of Appeal, and at least 12 judges); Royal Court (organized into 3 divisions - Full Court sits with 1 judge and 7 to 12 jurats acting as judges of fact, Ordinary Court sits with 1 judge and normally 3 jurats, and Matrimonial Causes Division sits with 1 judge and 4 jurats)

Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office

Royal Court Bailiff, Deputy Bailiff, and Court of Appeal justices appointed by the British Crown and hold office at Her Majesty's pleasure; jurats elected by the States of Election, a body chaired by the Bailiff and a number of jurats

Judicial branch - subordinate courts

Court of Alderney; Court of the Seneschal of Sark; Magistrates' Court (includes Juvenile Court); Contracts Court; Ecclesiastical Court; Court of Chief Pleas

Judicial branch - note

note: appeals beyond Guernsey courts are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)

Political parties

Forward Guernsey

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy

none (British crown dependency)

International organization participation

UPU

Independence

none (British Crown dependency)

National holiday

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Flag

description: white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed cross of William the Conqueror on top of the Saint George cross meaning: the red cross represents Guernsey's status as a British Crown dependency history: the gold cross is a replica of the one William the Conqueror carried at the Battle of Hastings in 1066

National symbol(s)

Guernsey cow, donkey

National color(s)

red, white, yellow

National anthem(s) - title

"God Save the King"

National anthem(s) - lyrics/music

unknown

National anthem(s) - history

official anthem, as a British crown dependency

Economy

Economic overview

high-income English Channel island economy; strong financial sector but stressed due to COVID-19 disruptions; manufacturing, tourism, and construction industries suffered but expected to recover; stable inflation; maintains independent taxation authority

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023

3.7% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022

5.3% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2021

9.9% (2021 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - note

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; entry includes Jersey and Guernsey

GDP (official exchange rate)

$12.508 billion (2023 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate) - note

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; entry includes Jersey and Guernsey

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture

0.6% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry

8.2% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services

91.2% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Agricultural products

tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle

Industries

tourism, banking

Industrial production growth rate

1.3% (2023 est.)

Industrial production growth rate - note

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; entry includes Jersey and Guernsey

Labor force

82,400 (2024 est.)

Labor force - note

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work;entry includes Jersey and Guernsey

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024

6.3% (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023

6.2% (2023 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022

6.2% (2022 est.)

Unemployment rate - note

note: % of labor force seeking employment; entry includes Jersey and Guernsey

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total

14.1% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male

14.2% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female

13.9% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Exports - partners

almost entirely United Kingdom (2022)

Exports - commodities

aircraft, photo lab equipment, clocks, ships, paintings (2022)

Exports - commodities - note

top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports - partners

almost entirely United Kingdom (2022)

Imports - commodities

ships, aircraft, refined petroleum, mineral manufactures, beverages (2022)

Exchange rates - Currency

Guernsey pound per US dollar

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024

0.782 (2024 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023

0.805 (2023 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022

0.811 (2022 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021

0.727 (2021 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020

0.78 (2020 est.)

Energy

Electricity access - electrification - total population

100% (2022 est.)

Electricity access - note

note: includes Guernsey and Jersey

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions

32,637 (2023 est.)

Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

51 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions

75,126 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

117 (2023 est.)

Broadcast media

multiple UK terrestrial TV broadcasts are received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey and 1 other radio station

Internet country code

.gg

Internet users - percent of population

86.6% (2021 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total

25,336 (2020 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

40 (2020 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Airports

2 (2025)

Heliports

1 (2025)

Ports - total ports

3 (2024)

Ports - large

Ports - medium

Ports - small

Ports - very small

Ports - ports with oil terminals

Ports - key ports

Alderney Harbour, Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson

Military and Security

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Environment

Environmental issues

coastal erosion, coastal flooding; declining biodiversity

Climate

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Land use - agricultural land

43.3% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 18.3% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 24.9% (2022 est.)

Land use - forest

5.2% (2022 est.)

Land use - other

51.6% (2022 est.)

Urbanization - urban population

31.2% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Urbanization - note

note: data include Guernsey and Jersey

Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually

178,900 tons (2024 est.)

Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled

28.4% (2016 est.)

Waste and recycling - note

note: data include combined totals for Guernsey and Jersey.

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