Where Is the Isle of Man and What
Is It Known For?

Maughold Head, the easternmost point of the Isle of Man and the closest point in the Isle of Man to England.

The Isle of Man, otherwise known simply as Mann, lies in the Irish Sea between England and Northern Ireland. The island is self-governing, although the UK is responsible for its defence and foreign affairs. It is not part of European Union, but has a special relationship with the EU which allows for free trade.

The island has been inhabited since before 6500 BC. It began to be influenced by Gaelic culture in the AD 5th century and the Manx language, a branch of the Gaelic languages, gradually emerged. In the 9th century, the Norse began to settle there. A Norse-Gaelic culture emerged and the island came under Norse control. In 1266, the island became part of Scotland. After a period of alternating rule by the kings of Scotland and England, the island came under the feudal overlordship of the English Crown in 1399. The lordship revested into the British Crown in 1764 but the island never became part of the United Kingdom and retained its status as an internally self-governing jurisdiction.

A very high quality of life can be enjoyed on the island. Crime is relatively low and whilst the island has certainly “changed” over time it is still a very safe place to live. Outside of the capital serious crime is very rare indeed. Public services are very well supported, and the health care and education systems in particular compare very well to the neighbouring islands. Eighty percent of the economy is based on the service sector, particularly financial services.