Country Profile: Guernsey

Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown dependency located in the English Channel, northwest of France. The island has a population of approximately 67,787 and features a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers. Its economy is predominantly service-oriented, relying heavily on financial services, tourism, and agriculture. The governance structure is a parliamentary democracy with the UK responsible for defense and international representation.

Geography

Guernsey is situated in Western Europe, consisting of the main island of Guernsey and several smaller islands, including Alderney and Sark. The total area is 78 square kilometers, marked by mostly flat terrain with some low hills. The island features a significant maritime claim of 12 nautical miles for both territorial sea and exclusive fishing zones, along with a 50-kilometer coastline.

78 sq km: Total area
50 km: Length of coastline
12 nm: Territorial sea claim
114 m: Highest point (Le Moulin on Sark)

People and Society

The population of Guernsey is approximately 67,787, with a slightly higher number of females than males. The society is diverse, with the majority being of British and Norman-French descent, and English is the primary language spoken. The median age is 45 years, reflecting an aging population, with a life expectancy at birth of 83.6 years.

67,787: Total population (2024 est.)
45 years: Median age (2024 est.)
83.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
9.7 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.)
0.21%: Population growth rate (2024 est.)

Economy

Guernsey has a high-income economy largely reliant on the financial sector, tourism, and agriculture. The GDP is estimated at $12.508 billion for 2023, with services accounting for 91.2% of the total economic output. The unemployment rate is projected at 6.3% for 2024, and the economy is showing signs of recovery from disruptions caused by COVID-19.

3.7%: Real GDP growth rate (2023 est.)
$12.508 billion: GDP (2023 est.)
6.3%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
82,400: Labor force (2024 est.)

Government

The Bailiwick of Guernsey operates under a parliamentary democracy known as the States of Deliberation. The chief of state is King Charles III, represented locally by a Lieutenant-Governor. The government does not have first-order administrative divisions but is organized into 10 parishes. Citizenship is linked to United Kingdom regulations.

16 years: Voting age
38: Seats in the legislative assembly
Lindsay de Sausmarez: Current Chief Minister (since 2025)

Military and Security

Guernsey does not maintain its own military forces, as defense is the responsibility of the UK. The island's security relies on the protection offered by the British armed forces.

Energy

Guernsey boasts 100% electricity access for its population, ensuring that all residents have reliable energy sources.

100%: Electrification rate (2022 est.)

Environment

Guernsey faces several environmental issues, including coastal erosion and declining biodiversity. The island's temperate climate contributes to its unique ecosystem but presents challenges such as coastal flooding.

31.2%: Urban population (2023)
178,900 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
28.4%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2016 est.)

Transportation

Guernsey has a well-developed transportation network, including 2 airports and various ports. The primary ports are Alderney Harbour and Saint Peter Port, facilitating both commercial and recreational activities.

2: Airports (2025 est.)
3: Total ports (2024 est.)

Communications

Communication infrastructure in Guernsey includes fixed and mobile telephony, internet access, and broadcast media. The internet penetration is notable, with a significant percentage of the population using online services.

86.6%: Internet user rate (2021 est.)
71,485: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	67,787 (2024 est.)
Area	78 sq km
GDP	$12.508 billion	2023 estimate
Unemployment Rate	6.3% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	83.6 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	9.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median Age	45 years (2024 est.)
Electrification Rate	100% (2022 est.)
Urban Population	31.2% (2023)
Municipal Solid Waste Generated	178,900 tons (2024 est.)