Isle of Man: Country and Government

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Isle of Man Population, Language and Culture

Population density is only 148 people per square km. The major settlements are Douglas (population 26,218 according to the 2006 census) in the east and neighbouring Onchan (9,172) and Ramsey (7,309) in the north. The 2006 Census recorded a resident population of 81,952 representing an increase of almost 5% since 2001. This increase occurred mainly within the working age range through the immigration of economically active people, which reflected the expansion in the Manx economy over the previous 5 years. Estimates for 2011 put the population at just over 84,600.

English is the official language and a Manx dialect is also spoken. The Manx Iron Age lasted from around 500 BC to 500 AD and the Celtic traditions established during this period are fundamental to the culture today. Manx Gaelic was the everyday language of the people until the nineteenth century and is currently enjoying a revival. Sea trade developed and flourished due to the Island's strategic location in the heart of the Irish sea. Cultural influences from Scandinavia in the north, Europe in the south, Britain and Ireland have all touched the Island. Christianity was introduced as early as the sixth century and became integrally linked to the lives of the Manx people.

In 1265 at the end of the Norsk Kingdom the Island became a pawn in a game of war between Scotland and England. Sovereignty finally passed to the English Crown at the beginning of the fifteenth century. In the eighteenth century the Island's offshore independence made it a major centre for the smuggling trade, causing a considerable loss of revenue to the English Treasury. The British Government intervened and in 1765 the entire Island was purchased for GBP70,000. A period of direct rule from Westminster followed and it was not until the mid-1800s that the Island regained a measure of control over its internal finances. Since that time political power has gradually diverted from London to the Island and a colonial-style administration has given way to a modern democratic government.

The people of the Isle of Man have a great respect for their rich cultural heritage which is a testimony to their ability to adapt and exploit the changing circumstances of history.

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Isle of Man Relationship with the EU

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 of course the UK. The island sees its current relationship with the EU as beneficial, and does not seek to change it.

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Isle of Man Government

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.

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.

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