Guernsey and Jersey are self-governing crown dependencies. They each have their own directly elected legislative assembly, administrative, fiscal and legal systems, and own courts of law.
Islanders have British nationality, and are part of the Common Travel Area of the British Isles. The Crown – through the UK Government – is responsible for the island’s defence and formal international relations.
The islands are not part of the EU, but are part of the EU Customs Union. They are part of the OECD under the UK’s membership.