Island dependencies, United Kingdom.
Located in the English Channel 1030 mi (1648 km) off the western coast of France, they cover an area of 75 sq mi (194 sq km) and include the islands of Jersey , Guernsey , Alderney, and Sark and several islets. They are domestically independent of the British government. Structures, including menhir s, are evidence of prehistoric occupation. A part of Normandy in the 10th century AD, the islands came under British rule at the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066. The islets of Ecrehous and Les Minquiers were disputed between England and France until 1953, when the International Court of Justice confirmed British sovereignty. The dispute revived in the late 20th century because sovereignty determines the rights to the continental shelf's economic development (especially petroleum). The Channel Islands were the only British territory occupied by Germany in World War II. The islands are famous for their cattle breeds, including the Jersey and Guernsey .