Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is situated in the heart of the British Isles. The country is an internally self-governing dependent territory of the British Crown. It is not part of the United Kingdom but is a member of the British Commonwealth.

Tynwald, the Island's 1,000 year old Parliament, makes its own laws and oversees all internal administration, fiscal and social policies. External issues, such as foreign representation and defence, are administered on the Island's behalf by the U.K. Government. The Island makes an annual payment for these services.

As a Crown dependency, the ultimate responsibility for the government of the Island is vested in the Crown. By long standing convention, the U.K. Government does not legislate for the Island except with the specific consent of the Island's Government.

The Island has its own Income Tax and Customs and Excise services and is an established low tax area enjoying total independence from the UK on matters of direct taxation. There is low corporate and personal tax and no capital transfer or inheritance tax. As a consequence the Island has developed into a flourishing and internationally respected offshore business centre.

The Island's balanced economy combines traditional industries such as agriculture, fishing and tourism with areas of recent growth such as financial services, e-commerce and the film industry.

IT Learning The Island benefits from a special relationship with the European Union and this allows streamlined movement of goods between the Island and the Union. Regular sea and air services for passengers and freight allow quick and easy access to and from the U.K., Eire and beyond.

The Island's economic progress in recent years has achieved a rapidly rising National Income and very low levels of unemployment. With excellent educational, health and social amenities, the Isle of Man provides a unique quality of life which is appreciated and treasured by all residents both old and new.

The Isle of Man has a colourful heritage, diverse scenic beauty and there are many leisure activities on offer. The tourism industry is well established and the Island provides a fantastic location for short-breaks or for conferences. Some of the most famous activities on the Island involve motor sports and include the TT, Southern 100 and Manx Grand Prix.

Physical Geography

The Isle of Man occupies a central position in the Irish Sea, and also in the British Isles.

The Island is 52 kilometres (33 miles) long from north to south and 22 km (13 miles) wide from east to west at the widest point.

The coastline, which covers over 160 km (100 miles), encompasses an area of 572 sq. km (227 sq. miles).

Despite its comparatively small size, the Island contains a wide variety of scenery. A range of hills stretch obliquely across the Island, the highest of which is Snaefell at 621 metres (2,036 feet). Between these hills lie well defined valleys. Around the Island's flat northern plain are long sandy beaches which contrast markedly with the rocky cliffs and sheltered bays around the rest of the coastline. Over two thirds of the land mass is cultivated, principally the fertile northern and southern plains.

Climate

Due to the influence of the surrounding Irish Sea, the Island's climate is temperate and lacking in extremes. In winter, snowfall and frost are infrequent. Even when snow does occur, it rarely lies on the ground for more than a day or two. February is normally the coldest month, with an average daily temperature of 4.9 C (41 F), but it is often relatively dry.

The prevailing wind direction for most of the Island is from the Southwest, although the rugged topography means that local effects of shelter and exposure are very variable.

In summer, April, May and June are the driest months whilst May, June and July are the sunniest. July and August are the warmest months, with an average daily maximum temperature around 17.6 C (63 F). The highest temperature recorded at the Island's weather centre at Ronaldsway is 28.9 C or 84 F. Thunderstorms are rare.

Although geographically small, there is climatic variation around the Island. Sea fog affects the south and east coasts at times, especially in spring, but is less frequent on the west coast. Rainfall and the frequency of hill fog both increase with altitude. The highest point of the Island (Snaefell) receives some two and a quarter times more rainfall than Ronaldsway on the southeast coast, where the annual average is 863 mm (34 inches).

 


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