Difference between revisions of "Isle of Man"

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-The '''Isle of Man''' ([[Manx language|Manx]]: ''Ellan Vannin'') 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]] (technically a British Crown Dependency), it is the site of the oldest continuous [[parliament]] in the [[world]], the [[Tynwald]]. [[Queen Elizabeth II]], as Lord of Mann, is the titular head of state. The Isle of Man is a socially conservative community and the judicial use of corporal punishment persisted here longer than in any other part of the [[British Isles]], the birch for juvenile offenders being employed until 1976.
-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>
-== 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 [[animal]]s worldwide.
-* The island is also well known for the annual [[Isle of man TT race|TT]] (Tourist trophy) [[motorcycle]] race.
-== 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]]

Difference between revisions of "Isle of Man"

Revision as of 22:17, August 17, 2010

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