7.9 sq km (3.1 sq miles).

2,294 (2001).

290.0 per sq km.

St Anne’s.

The most northerly of the Channel Islands, Alderney lies 12km (8 miles) off the coast of Normandy in France and some 32km (20 miles) from Guernsey. The central part of the island is a plateau varying in height from 76 to 90m (250 to 296ft). The land is flat to the edge of the southern and southwestern cliffs, where it falls abruptly to the sea. On the northern, eastern and southeastern sides, it slopes gradually towards rocky and sandy bays and quiet beaches.

Dependency of the British Crown with considerable internal autonomy. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II represented locally by Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Foley. Head of Government: Sir Norman Browse.

English. A Norman patois is spoken by some.

GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October).

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Alderney is linked to the British STD service; the area code is 01481. Mobile telephone: GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Network operators include Guernsey Telecoms (website: www.guernsey.net). Internet: ISPs include gtonline and Guernseynet. Information is available from Guernsey Telecoms (website: www.guernsey.net). Post: Only Guernsey and Alderney stamps will be accepted on outgoing mail. Press: Guernsey, Jersey, and British papers are available on the island.