| See also the Isle of Mam.
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 kmē (221 square miles) and a population of
around 76,315 (2001 Census) it arguably has the "Oldest Continuous Parliament in the World" (a claim made by several other
countries) - the Tynwald - supposedly founded in 979. Although the Manx people celebrated the millennium of Tynwald in 1979, the
establishment of Tynwald may have actually pre-dated 979.
History
Main article: History of the Isle of
Man
The Isle of Man formed a Viking outpost/kingdom from circa AD 700 to AD 900,
and part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it came under the control of the Scottish crown. The island came under English control in the 14th century and to the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the once almost-extinct Manx language and the recent significant immigration of non-Manx people to serve the financial
sector.
Triskelion
The Isle of Man has for centuries used the ancient symbol known as the Triskelion: three bent legs, each with a spur, joined at the thigh. The Triskelion 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, preserve rotational symmetry. 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.
The three legs relate directly to the Island's motto - Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which translates to Whithersoever
you throw it, it will stand. Interpretations of the motto often stress stability and robustness in the Manx character. Many
schools on the Island have adapted the motto to promote perserverence and hard work.
Politics
Main article: Government of the Isle of
Man
A common misconception exists that Man forms part of the United
Kingdom; under British law it does not, although the United Kingdom takes care of its external and defence affairs. Man
comprises a British Crown dependency; the political party Mec Vannin advocates the establishment of Man as a sovereign republic. A Manx Labour Party also exists,
unaffiliated to the UK Labour Party, and the Island formerly
had a Manx National Party and a Manx Communist party. The
Isle of Man holds neither membership nor associate membership of the European Union, but forms part of the customs territory of the Union, allowing it to trade freely with EU
members. There are Manx members in the Celtic League, a political pressure group which advocates greater cooperation
between the Celtic "Nations" and greater political autonomy for said nations.
Main political issues include the island's relationship with the finance sector, housing prices and shortages, and the
Manx language.
Geography
Main article: Geography of the Isle of
Man
The mountain Snaefell (621m) dominates the centre of the island: from its
summit, according to an old saying, one can see seven kingdoms: the Kingdoms of Man, Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, Heaven and the
Sea.
Economy
Main article: Economy of the Isle of
Man
Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism form 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 takes place 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
See: Music of the Isle of Man
Miscellaneous topics
References
External links
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