Situated 100 miles south of the British coast, Jersey boasts a population of 87,000 and is one of the leading global offshore centres, where financial services make up 60 per cent of the local economy.

Jersey is not strictly part of the UK although it has been governed by the crown as a separate possession for the past 800 years, and all islanders are classed as British citizens. Its legal system is based on both English law and Norman customary law and is administered by the island The island is not represented in British parliament but instead has own government known as the States of Jersey whose members are elected from the residents and comprise 53 elected members, of which there are 50 who are able to speak in the house as well as cast their vote, and three other members who may speak but are unable to vote.

As far as the rest of Europe is concerned, Jersey is classed as