← The 2008 CIA World Factbook, Volume 2
Chapter 140
54 15 N, 4 30 W
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. However, the UK Government remains constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.
Geography
Isle of Man
Location:
Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and
Ireland
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Europe
Area:
total: 572 sq km land: 572 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
160 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm
Climate:
temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about one-third of the time
Terrain:
hills in north and south bisected by central valley
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m highest point: Snaefell 621 m
Natural resources:
none
Land use:
arable land: 9% permanent crops: 0% other: 91% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland) (2002)
Irrigated land:
0 sq km
Natural hazards: