Channel Islands (Britain), group of small islands, dependencies of the British crown, in the English Channel, off the coast of Normandy (Normandie), France. The principal islands of the group include Jersey (area, 116 sq km/45 sq mi; population, 2007 estimate, 91,321), Guernsey (area, 65 sq km/25 sq mi; population, 2007 estimate, 65,573), Alderney (area, 8 sq km/3.09 sq mi; population, 1986, 2,130), and Sark (area, 5 sq km/2 sq mi; population, 1996, 550). The islands are governed by representatives of the British monarch, and each has a constitution and elected government. Since the 16th century, Sark has been ruled as a fief of a hereditary seigneur or dame who is not elected. The islands control their own taxes.

The temperate climate and picturesque scenery attract many visitors. French and English are the official languages. The traditional speech of the islands, a dialect of the old Norman French, can still be heard, especially on Guernsey and Jersey. In the towns, of which the largest is Saint Helier on Jersey, English is generally spoken.

The principal economic activities include financial and banking services and tourism. Agriculture remains important, and the islands are famous for their unique breeds of cattle. Horticulture and floriculture are successfully pursued, especially in Guernsey, and granite is quarried. During World War II (1939-1945), German troops occupied the islands from June 1940 until May 1945.