UK Islands: Crown Dependencies & Overseas Territories Listed

The United Kingdom's island possessions fall into two constitutional categories—neither is part of the UK proper, but both fall under British sovereignty.

Crown Dependencies (3 + 2 Bailiwicks)

Self-governing; UK handles defense/foreign affairs; not EU/UK parliament.

• Isle of Man
• Bailiwick of Guernsey: Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm
• Bailiwick of Jersey: Jersey

British Overseas Territories (14, 10 Island Groups)

Constitutionally distinct; King as head of state; UK appoints governors; most have elected governments.

Key Distinction

Crown Dependencies = feudal remnants, fiscal autonomy, own parliaments (Tynwald, States).
Overseas Territories = decolonization remnants, UN decolonization list, varying self-governance.

Total population across all: ~270,000. Total land area: ~18,000 km² (mostly Falklands, St. Helena).