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| − | The '''Isle of Man''' is a substantial island in the Irish Sea, between [[Scotland]], [[England]], [[Wales]] and [[Ireland]]. The capital of the island is Douglas, and other major towns are Ramsey, Peel, Castletown and Port Erin. The central mountain of Snaefell is ascended by a light railway.
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| − | Access is generally via ferry from [[Belfast]], [[Dublin]], Heysham or [[Liverpool]], to Douglas, or by air to Ronaldsway, near Castletown from various British airports and Dublin.
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| − | A politically distinct entity from the rest of the [[United Kingdom]], it is the site of the oldest continuous [[parliament]] in the [[world]], the [[Tynwald]].
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| − | The island flag depicts an ancient symbol called the ''triskelion'' or ''tre cassyn,'' consisting of three legs arranged in a swastika-like manner from a single central hub;<ref>[http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/im.html CRW Flags]</ref> a similar symbol is found on the flag of Sicily<ref>[http://www.fotw.net/flags/it-sic.html Flags of the World]</ref>
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| − | == Economy ==
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| − | *Historically, [[fishing]] has been an important island industry, notably for [[kipper]]s and [[scallop]]s. There are also a number of [[aquaculture|fish farms]] and important research into the captive breeding of [[turbot]]s was carried out at the laboratory at Port Erin.
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| − | *Inland, [[sheep]] farming and localised forestry take place.
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| − | *The modern Isle of Man is an important [[tax haven]], and hosts a number of sizeable banking and financial operations. In recent years the island has invested in state-of-the-art communications infrastructure to support this sector. <ref>http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/25/isle_of_man/</ref>
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| − | *Tourism is also important, especially at the time of the annual [[Isle of Man TT Races|TT Races]], when the island is invaded by thousands of motorcyclists.
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| − | *[[Gambling]] is legal, and there are several major casinos in Douglas.
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| − | *Manx [[cat]]s, a distinctive tailless breed originated here from [[inbreeding]], and are now coveted pets and show [[animal]]s worldwide.
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| − | == Wildlife ==
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| − | The Calf of Man, a small island at the southern end of the Isle of Man is a nature reserve and [[bird observatory]]. Notable island wildlife includes [[basking shark]]s, [[seal]]s, [[porpoise]]s, [[raven]]s, [[chough]]s, and large seabird colonies. The [[Manx shearwater]] is named for the island, although today it is rare here.
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| − | == References ==
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| − | <references />
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| − | [http://www.isle-of-man.com/index.shtml Isle of Man guide]
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| − | {{DEFAULTSORT:Man, Isle of}}
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| − | [[Category:United Kingdom]]
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| − | [[Category:Islands]]
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