The Channel Islands are a group of islands in the English Channel, sitting just off the coast of Normandy, France. Despite being British Crown Dependencies, neither of the two bailiwicks — Jersey and Guernsey — is part of the United Kingdom. They have their own governments, laws, and tax systems, and have been part of the Duchy of Normandy since the 10th century.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey covers the main island of Guernsey along with Alderney, Sark, Herm, Lihou, Jethou, Burhou, and Brecqhou. Alderney is the closest island to France; Lihou, the westernmost, is connected to Guernsey by an ancient causeway passable only at low tide.
Sark is the most unusual of the group. Cars are banned — the only transport is by horse-drawn vehicle, bicycle, tractor, or battery-powered buggy. Until recent reforms, Sark was the last feudal state in Europe, with landholders in fief holding political privileges. The Seigneur of Sark remains the ceremonial head of the island's government, which retains some features of Norman law.
The Bailiwick of Jersey covers the island of Jersey plus two groups of islets: Les Écréhous (about 6 miles northeast) and Les Minquiers (about 9 miles south). Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and the most visited.