Isle of Man/Military
The Isle of Man, a British crown dependency, lies in the Irish Sea almost equidistant from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. With an area of 572 km² (221 square miles) and a population of around 76,315 (2001 Census) it has the "Oldest Continuously Democratic Parliament in the World" - the Tynwald - founded in 979.
It is a common misconception that Man forms part of the United Kingdom; under British law it does not, though the United Kingdom takes care of its external and defence affairs. The Isle of Man does not have membership of the European Union either.
Background
The Isle of Man formed a Viking outpost/kingdom from circa 700 A.D. to 900 A.D., and part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland. The island came under the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the once almost extinct Manx language.
Miscellaneous topics
See also
External links
From the CIA World Factbook 2000.
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