Isle of Man

At a Glance

The Isle of Man is situated centrally in the Irish Sea and the British Isles. The Island spans 52 kilometres from north to south and 22 km from east to west at the widest point. The coastline, which covers 160 km in length encompasses an area of 572 sq. km.

The Island has a temperate climate due to the influence of the surrounding Irish Sea. Snowfall and frost are rare in winter. February is normally the coldest month, with an average daily temperature of 4.9 C and is often fairly dry but rather windy. April, May and June are the driest months whilst May, June and July are the sunniest. The average daily maximum temperature in the summer months is around 17.6 C and thunderstorms are rare.

Population

Population density is only 125 people per square km. The major settlements are Douglas (population 26,218 according to the 2006 census) in the east and neighbouring Onchan (8,803) and Ramsey (7,309) in the north. In 2007 the population figure was estimated at 75,831. English is the official language and a Manx dialect is also spoken.

Political Structure

The Isle of Man is not a member of the EU. Protocol No 3 of the UK's Treaty of Accession to the UK excludes the island from most of the effects of the Treaty, other than those concerning trade in goods. There is free movement of industrial and agricultural goods between the island and the UK; and between the island and EU and EEA countries. The island applies the external common customs tariff of the EU.

The Isle of Man chose to become part of the EU's VAT regime, but is not part of the EU fiscal area in any other respects. The island's VAT scheme is largely similar to that of the UK. For some types of business activity inside the EU it is an advantage to be within the scope of VAT. The Isle of Man's constitutional position in relation to the EU cannot be changed without unanimous agreement of the member states, including the UK. The island sees its current relationship with the EU as beneficial, and does not seek to change it.

The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency. The Queen of England, as Lord of Mann, is Head of State, and she is represented on the Island by the Lieutenant Governor, who is appointed by the Crown for a five year term. The Government of the United Kingdom is responsible for the conduct of the external relations and defence of the Island.

The Island's ancient parliament, Tynwald, is the oldest legislature in the world in continuous existence, dating back to Viking origins over one thousand years ago. Its Parliament has two branches: the House of Keys and the Legislative Council. The majority of Members sit as independents, and the virtual absence of party politics encourages a high degree of consensus. This has contributed to the remarkable stability of the Manx system.

Legal Structure

The island has its own courts, but the body of the law is based on English common and civil law. English precedents are often followed. Some UK legislation is adopted as such by the Isle of Man by agreement with the British Government. The ultimate court of appeal is the English Privy Council. Advocates at the Manx bar have the fused rights of solicitors and barristers.