Isle of Man
(British crown dependency)
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However, the UK Government remains constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation. One small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest and is a bird sanctuary. Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government offers incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island; this 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. The Isle of Man also attracts online gambling sites and the film industry. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets. Source: The World Factbook, CIA. |
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Places
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Part
of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was
ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the British crown in 1765. Current
concerns include reviving the almost extinct Manx Gaelic language. Isle of Man
is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK.