The Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is an island in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. It is a self-governing Crown Dependency with its own parliament, government, courts and taxation system.
The Island is not part of the United Kingdom. The constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom is maintained through the Crown.
| Capital | Douglas |
|---|---|
| Resident population | 84,069 at the 2021 Census |
| Area | 572 square kilometres / 227 square miles |
| Length | Approximately 53 kilometres / 33 miles |
| Maximum width | Approximately 22 kilometres / 13 miles |
| Highest point | Snaefell, 621 metres / 2,036 feet |
| Currency | Manx pound, divided into 100 pence and maintained at parity with pound sterling |
| Demonym | Manx |
| Time zone | GMT in winter and British Summer Time during daylight saving |
Douglas
Douglas is the capital and principal population centre. It is located on the east coast and contains the main government offices, ferry terminal, commercial centre and Tynwald buildings.
Towns and settlements
Other major settlements include Ramsey in the north, Peel on the west coast, Castletown in the south and Port Erin near the south-western end of the Island.
Travel and Transport
Getting to the Island
The Isle of Man is connected to Great Britain and Ireland by regular air and sea services. Ronaldsway Airport is located near Castletown in the south of the Island. Passenger ferries use Douglas Sea Terminal.
Getting around
Bus Vannin operates the Island's public bus network. Services connect Douglas with the major towns and serve Ronaldsway Airport and the Sea Terminal.
The Island also operates several heritage railway systems, including the Isle of Man Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway and Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.
Taxis and car hire are available, and the Island has an extensive road network connecting towns, villages and rural areas.
Visitors planning repeated public transport journeys can check current Go Saver and Go Explore travel products before travelling.
Weather
Weather conditions can change quickly because of the Island's maritime location. Ronaldsway Met Office provides forecasts and weather warnings.
Living on the Isle of Man
Health and medical services
Health and social care services are primarily delivered by Manx Care. Noble's Hospital in Braddan is the Island's main general hospital.
| Noble's Hospital | Strang, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM4 4RJ |
|---|---|
| General enquiries | +44 1624 650000 |
| Accident and Emergency | +44 1624 650040 |
Immigration
The Isle of Man operates its own immigration rules. These are based substantially on United Kingdom immigration rules but are not identical.
Requirements depend on nationality, immigration status and the reason for travelling or moving to the Island. Current requirements should be checked before making travel or employment arrangements.
Public services
Isle of Man Government provides online information covering education, benefits, housing, health, roads, vehicle licensing, taxation, planning, environment and other public services.
Government and Tynwald
The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency. The Island has its own legislature, executive government, civil service and judiciary.
Tynwald
Tynwald is the parliament of the Isle of Man. Its functions include making laws, approving public spending, debating public matters and scrutinising the work of government.
| Tynwald Court | The combined sitting of the two branches, with 35 members. |
|---|---|
| House of Keys | 24 publicly elected members. |
| Legislative Council | 11 members, including its presiding officers. |
The House of Keys and Legislative Council sit separately when considering legislation and also sit together as Tynwald Court.
Business, Tax and the Economy
The Isle of Man has its own taxation system and Treasury. Individuals and businesses should use current Isle of Man guidance rather than assuming United Kingdom tax rules apply.
Individual income tax
| Tax year | 6 April to 5 April |
|---|---|
| 2026/27 standard rate | 10% |
| 2026/27 higher rate | 21% |
| 2026/27 single personal allowance | £17,000, subject to the applicable rules and income limits |
Rates and allowances can change between tax years. The current Treasury figures should be checked before making financial decisions.
Working on the Island
Employment, immigration and work requirements depend on individual circumstances. People planning to move to the Island for work should check the current rules before accepting employment or relocating.
History and Heritage
The Isle of Man has a recorded human history extending thousands of years and has significant prehistoric, Celtic, Norse, medieval and later heritage.
Manx National Heritage maintains museums, historic buildings, archaeological collections, archives and heritage sites around the Island.
Places to visit
Emergency and Useful Contacts
| Emergency | 999 |
|---|---|
| Police | +44 1624 631212 |
| Ambulance | +44 1624 642154 |
| Fire service | +44 1624 673333 |
| Coastguard | +44 1624 661664 |
| Noble's Hospital | +44 1624 650000 |
| Hospital A&E | +44 1624 650040 |
| Douglas Harbour | +44 1624 686612 |