Isle of Man
The Isle of Man (Ellan Vannin in Manx), a British crown dependency, lies in the Irish Sea almost equidistant from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. With an area of 572 km² (221 square miles) and a population of around 76,315 (2001 Census) it has the "Oldest Continuous Parliament in the World" - the Tynwald - founded in 979.
History
Main article: History of the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man formed a Viking outpost/kingdom from circa 700 A.D. to 900 A.D., and part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland. The island came under the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the once almost extinct Manx language.
The Isle of Man logo -- three bent legs each with a spur -- does not appear to have an official definition. Government publications, currency, flags, the tourist authority and others all use different variants. Most, but not all, are rotationally symmetric. Some run clockwise, others counter clockwise. Some have the uppermost thigh at 12 o'clock, others at 11:30 or 10:00 etc. Some have the knee bent at 90 degrees, some at 60 degrees, some at closer to 120 degrees. Also the degree of ornamentation of the legwear and spur varies considerably.
However, the three legs are directly related to the motto -- "Quocunque Jeceris Stabit" -- Whithersoever you throw it, it will stand. This sufficiently shows that -- 'whichever way you throw the Manx/Isle of Man/Manx Community', they will perservere through it. This is commonly adapated by many schools on the Island as a motto, to show perserverence and 'hard work' pays off.
Politics
Main article: Government of the Isle of Man
It is a common misconception that Man forms part of the United Kingdom; under British law it does not, though the United Kingdom takes care of its external and defence affairs. The Isle of Man does not have membership of the European Union either.
Man is in fact a British Crown Dependency, although the party Mec Vannin advocates the establishment of Man as a sovereign republic.
Geography
Main article: Geography of the Isle of Man
Economy
Main article: Economy of the Isle of Man
Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy of the Isle of Man. The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GDP. Banking and other services now contribute the great bulk of GDP. Trade is mostly with the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man has access to European Union markets.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of the Isle of Man
Culture
Main article: Culture of the Isle of Man
Miscellaneous topics
See also
References
