Guernsey /

The Bailiwick of Guernsey ( /ˈɡɜrnzi/ gurn-zee; French: Bailliage de Guernesey, IPA: [bajaʒ də ɡɛʁnəzɛ]) is a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. The Bailiwick, as a governing entity, embraces not only all 10 parishes on the Island of Guernsey, but also the islands of Herm, Jethou, Burhou, and Lihou and their islet possessions. The Bailiwick of Guernsey also administers some aspects of two nearby crown dependencies (Alderney and Sark), and the island of Brecqhou. Although its defence is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is not part of the UK; and while it participates in the Common Travel Area, it is not part of the European Union. The Bailiwick of Guernsey is included (along with the Bailiwick of Jersey) in the grouping known as the Channel Islands. The name of the Channel Island is of Viking origin, as is its neighbouring island Jersey. The second element of Guernsey 'ey' is Old Norse for Island, the first element is uncertain, traditionally meaning "green," but perhaps rather representing a Viking personal name, possibly Grani's. Rising sea levels caused by prehistoric global warming transformed Guernsey