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New page: 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 ar...
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.
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.
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]].
In addition to its distinctive local currency and postage stamps, the island has a number of unusual laws;
[[Homosexuality]] remains illegal in the Isle of Man, and [[birching]] is still the prescribed punishment for several crimes. The only traffic offense is that of reckless driving; driving at any speed, or under the influence of alcohol, is legal provided it is done with due care and attention. There is strong anti-drugs legislation, but bars and public houses are permitted to remain open all day.
The island flag depicts a three-legged figure, representing how the island always lands on its feet whatever happens to it.
== Economy ==
*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.
*Inland, sheep farming and localised forestry take place.
*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>
*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.
*[[Gambling]] is legal, and there are several major casinos in Douglas.
*Manx [[cat]]s, a distinctive tailless breed originated here from [[inbreeding]], and are now coveted pets and show animals worldwide.
== Wildlife ==
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.
== References ==
<references />
[http://www.isle-of-man.com/index.shtml Isle of Man guide]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Man, Isle of}}
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Islands]]
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.
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]].
In addition to its distinctive local currency and postage stamps, the island has a number of unusual laws;
[[Homosexuality]] remains illegal in the Isle of Man, and [[birching]] is still the prescribed punishment for several crimes. The only traffic offense is that of reckless driving; driving at any speed, or under the influence of alcohol, is legal provided it is done with due care and attention. There is strong anti-drugs legislation, but bars and public houses are permitted to remain open all day.
The island flag depicts a three-legged figure, representing how the island always lands on its feet whatever happens to it.
== Economy ==
*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.
*Inland, sheep farming and localised forestry take place.
*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>
*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.
*[[Gambling]] is legal, and there are several major casinos in Douglas.
*Manx [[cat]]s, a distinctive tailless breed originated here from [[inbreeding]], and are now coveted pets and show animals worldwide.
== Wildlife ==
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.
== References ==
<references />
[http://www.isle-of-man.com/index.shtml Isle of Man guide]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Man, Isle of}}
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Islands]]