Coordinates	56°50′″N53°11′″N
{{infobox country|native name	Bailiwick of Jersey''Bailliage de Jersey''
Common name	Jersey
Image coat	Jersey coa.svg
Map caption
National anthem	"God Save the Queen" (official)"Ma Normandie" ("My Normandy") (official for occasions when distinguishing anthem required)
Official languages	English, French
Regional languages	Jèrriais
Ethnic groups	51.1% Jersey, 34.8% Britons, 6.4% Portuguese, 2.6% Irish, 1.7% French, 2.3% other white, 1.1% other
Capital	Saint Helier
Largest city	capital
Government type	Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy and Crown dependency
Leader title1	Duke
Leader name1
Leader title2	Lieutenant Governor
Leader name2	Currently Vacant, pending Sir John McColl being sworn in
Leader title3	Bailiff
Leader name3	Michael Birt
Leader title4	Chief Minister
Leader name4	Senator Terry Le Sueur
Area rank	219th
Area magnitude	1 E8
Area km2	116
Area sq mi	45
Percent water	0
Population estimate	92,500
Population estimate rank	190th
Population estimate year	December 2009
Population density km2	797
Population density sq mi	2,064
Population density rank	14th²
Gdp ppp	£3.6 billion
Gdp ppp rank	167th
Gdp ppp year	2003
Gdp ppp per capita	£40,000 (2003 estimate)
Gdp ppp per capita rank	6th
Sovereignty type	Status
Sovereignty note	British Crown dependency
Established event1	Separation from mainland Normandy
Established event2	Liberation from German occupation
Established date1	1204
Established date2	9 May 1945
Hdi	n/a
Hdi rank	n/a
Hdi year	n/a
Hdi category	n/a
Currency	Pound sterling³ (However, the Euro is still accepted.)
Currency code	GBP
Time zone	GMT4
Utc offset dst	+1
Drives on	left
Cctld	.je
Calling code	+44 spec. +44-1534(landline)+44-7797, +44-7937, +44-7509(Jersey Telecom mobile)+44-7700(Sure mobile)+44-7829(Airtel-Vodafone mobile)
Patron saint	St. Helier
Footnote1	Jersey’s Resident Population 2007
Footnote2	Rank based on population density of Channel Islands including Guernsey.
Footnote3	The States of Jersey issue their own sterling notes and coins (see Jersey pound).
Footnote4	In a referendum on 16 October 2008, voters rejected a proposal to adopt Central European Time, by 72.4%. }}

The Bailiwick of Jersey (, ; Jèrriais: ''Jèrri'') is a British Crown Dependency off the coast of Normandy, France. As well as the island of Jersey itself, the bailiwick includes two groups of small islands that are no longer permanently inhabited, the ''Minquiers'' and ''Écréhous'', and the ''Pierres de Lecq'' and other rocks and reefs.

Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey are often referred to as 'the Channel Islands' but they are not a constitutional or political unit. The three Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man each has a separate relationship to the British Crown. All are part of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is constitutionally responsible for the defence of Jersey. Jersey is not a part of the European Union but has a special relationship with it, being treated as part of the European Community for the purposes of free trade in goods.

Toponymy

Old mentions

''Andium'' (?) 4^e C. ''insula Gersoi'' 1022/1026. ''insula Gerseii'', var. ''Gersey'', ''Gersei'', ''Gersoii'' 1042. ''Gersus'' ~1070. ''insula de Gerzoi'' 1080/~1082. ''insula de Gersoi'' 1066/1083. ''insula Gersoi'' 1066/1083. ''l'isle de Gersui'' 1160/1174. ''in Gersoio'' 1223/1236. ''Gersuy'' 1339. ''Gersui'' 1339. ''insula de Jersey'' 1372. ''insula de Jereseye'' 1372. ''insula de Gersey'' 1386. ''insula […] de Jersey'' 1419. ''Iarsay'' [read ''Jarsay''] 1585. ''Jarsey'' 1693. ''Jerzey'' 1753. ''Isle de Gersey'' 1753/1785. ''Ile de Jersey'' 1854.

Etymology

The Channel Islands are mentioned in the Antonine Itinerary as following : ''Sarnia'', ''Caesarea'', ''Barsa'', ''Silia'' and ''Andium'', but none of them corresponds to the present names. So that Jersey's first name cannot be really identified. Furthermore, later records evoke ''Angia'' (also spelled ''Agna'' ).

''Andium'', a Latinized version of the Gaulish (Celtic) ''*Andion'', with ''and-'' Gaulish intensive prefix meaning "very", "much", "big". ''Andium'' will be the "big Island". It is actually the largest one among the Channel Islands. The spelling ''Angia'' could be an ultimate development of ''*Andia''.

Some others identify it as ''Caesarea'', a late recorded Roman name influenced by Old English suffix ''-ey'' for "island"; this is plausible if, in the regional pronunciation of Latin, ''Caesarea'' was not but .

''Angia'' could be a misspelling for ''*Augia'', that is the Latinized form of Germanic ''*aujō'' (> Old English ''ī(e)ġ'' > is-land).), that could have extended before the Viking Age along the coast of France, as for île d'Yeu (''Augia'', ''Insula Oya'') or Oye-Plage (''Ogia'' 7th C.) and constitutes the suffix ''-ey'' in Jersey, Guernsey (''Greneroi''), Alderney (''Alneroi'') and Chausey (''Calsoi''). Chausey can be compared with Cholsey (GB, Berkshire, ''Ċeolesiġ'' 891), interpreted by Eilert Ekwall as "''Ċeola'' 's island".

These ''-ey'' names could have been reinforced by the Viking heritage, because ''-ey'' is similar, so that it is possible to interpret the first part of the toponym as an Old Norse element. The source of it is unclear. Scholars surmise it derives from ''jarð'' (Old Norse for "earth") or ''jarl'' (earl), or perhaps a personal name, ''Geirr'' ("Geirr's Island").

History

Jersey history is influenced by its strategic location between the northern coast of France and the southern coast of England; the island's recorded history extends over a thousand years.

Evidence of Bronze Age and early Iron Age settlements can be found in many locations around the island. Archaeological evidence of Roman influence has been found, in particular the coastal headland site at Le Pinacle, Les Landes, where remains of a primitive structure are attributed to Gallo-roman temple worship (''fanum''). Evidence for settled Roman occupation has yet to be established.

Jersey was invaded by Vikings in the ninth century. Formerly under the control of Brittany, but in the archbishopric of Rouen, the island was eventually annexed to the Duchy of Normandy by William Longsword, Duke of Normandy in 933 and it became one of the Norman Islands. When William's descendant, William the Conqueror, conquered England in 1066, the Duchy of Normandy and the kingdom of England were governed under one monarch. The Dukes of Normandy owned considerable estates on the island, and Norman families living on their estates founded many of the historical Norman-French Jersey family names. King John lost all his territories in mainland Normandy in 1204 to King Philip II Augustus, but retained possession of Jersey, along with Guernsey and the other Channel Islands. The islands have been internally self-governing since then.

Islanders travelled across the North Atlantic to participate in the Newfoundland fisheries in the late 16th century. In recognition for help given to him during his exile in Jersey in the 1640s, Charles II gave George Carteret, bailiff and governor, a large grant of land in the American colonies in between the Hudson and Delaware rivers which he promptly named New Jersey. It is now a state in the United States of America.

Trade laid the foundations of prosperity, aided by neutrality between England and France. The Jersey way of life involved agriculture, milling, fishing, shipbuilding, and production of woollen goods. 19th century improvements in transport links brought tourism to the island.

During World War II, Jersey was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1 July 1940 until 9 May 1945, when Germany surrendered.

Politics

Jersey's unicameral legislature is the Assembly of the States of Jersey. It includes fifty-three elected members: twelve senators (elected on an island-wide basis), twelve Connétables (often called 'constables', heads of parishes) and twenty-nine deputies (representing constituencies), all elected for four year terms as from the October 2011 elections. There are also five non-voting members appointed by the Crown: the Bailiff, the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General and Solicitor General.

The government is a Council of Ministers, consisting of a Chief Minister and nine ministers. Each minister may appoint up to two assistant ministers. A Chief Executive is head of the civil service. Some government functions are carried out in the island's twelve parishes.

The Bailiff is President (presiding officer) of the States Assembly, head of the judiciary and as civic head of the island carries out various ceremonial roles.

As one of the Crown Dependencies, Jersey is autonomous and self-governing, with its own independent legal, administrative and fiscal systems. In 1973, the Royal Commission on the Constitution set out the duties of the Crown as including: ultimate responsibility for the 'good government' of the Crown Dependencies; ratification of island legislation by Order in Council (Royal Assent); international representation, subject to consultation with the island authorities before concluding any agreement which would apply to them; ensuring the islands meet their international obligations; and defence.

Elizabeth II's traditional title as Head of State is Duke of Normandy. "The Crown" is defined by the Law Officers of the Crown as the "Crown in right of Jersey". The Queen's representative and adviser in the island is the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey. He is a point of contact between Jersey ministers and the United Kingdom government and carries out executive functions in relation to immigration control, deportation, naturalisation and the issue of passports. Since 2006, the incumbent Lieutenant Governor has been Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway.

Legal system

Jersey is a distinct jurisdiction for the purposes of conflict of laws, separate from the other Channel Islands, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Jersey law has been influenced by several different legal traditions, in particular Norman customary law, English common law and modern French civil law. Jersey's legal system is therefore described as 'mixed' or 'pluralistic', and sources of law are in French and English languages, although since the 1950s the main working language of the legal system is English.

The principal court is the Royal Court, with appeals to the Jersey Court of Appeal and, ultimately, to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The Bailiff is head of the judiciary; the Bailiff and the Deputy Bailiff are appointed by the Crown. Other members of the island's judiciary are appointed by the Bailiff.

Parishes

Administratively, Jersey is divided into twelve parishes. All border on the sea. They were named after the Christian saints to whom their ancient parish churches were dedicated:

Grouville (historically ''Saint Martin de Grouville''; incorporating Les Minquiers)

Saint Brélade

Saint Clément

Saint Helier

Saint John

Saint Lawrence

Saint Martin (historically ''Saint Martin le Vieux''; incorporating Les Écréhous)

Saint Mary

Saint Ouen

Saint Peter

Saint Saviour

Trinity

The parishes of Jersey are further divided into ''vingtaines'' (or, in St. Ouen, ''cueillettes''), divisions that are historic. Today they are used chiefly for purposes of local administration and electoral constituency.

The Connétable is the head of each parish, elected at a public election for a four-year term to run the parish and to represent the municipality in the Assembly of the States of Jersey. The Procureur du Bien Public (two in each parish) is the legal and financial representative of the parish (elected at a public election since 2003 in accordance with the ''Public Elections (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 2003''; formerly an Assembly of Electors of each parish elected the Procureurs in accordance with the ''Loi (1804) au sujet des assemblées paroissiales''). A Procureur du Bien Public is elected for three years as a public trustee for the funds and property of the parish and may contract when authorised by a Parish Assembly. The Parish Assembly is the decision-making body of local government in each parish; it consists of all entitled voters of the parish.

Each parish elects its own force of Honorary Police consisting of ''Centeniers'', ''Vingteniers'' and Constable's Officers. Centeniers are elected at a public election within each parish for a term of three years to undertake policing within the parish. The Centenier is the only officer authorised to charge and bail offenders. Formerly, the senior Centenier of each parish (entitled the ''Chef de Police'') deputised for the Connétable in the States of Jersey when the Connétable was unable to attend a sitting of the States. This function has now been abolished.

International relations

Although diplomatic representation is reserved to the Crown, Jersey has been developing its own international identity over recent years. It negotiates directly with foreign governments on matters within the competence of the States of Jersey. Jersey maintains the ''Bureau de Jersey'' in Caen, France, a permanent non-diplomatic representation, with a branch office in Rennes. A similar office, the ''Maison de Normandie'' in St. Helier, represents the ''Conseil général'' of Manche and the ''Conseil régional'' of Basse-Normandie. It hosts the Consulate of France.

Jersey is a member of the British-Irish Council, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie. Jersey wants to become a full member of the Commonwealth in its own right.

International identity

In 2007, the Chief Minister and the UK Lord Chancellor signed an agreement that established a framework for the development of the international identity of Jersey. The agreement stated that:

the UK has no democratic accountability in and for Jersey;

the UK will not act internationally on behalf of Jersey without prior consultation;

Jersey has an international identity that is different from that of the UK;

the UK recognises that the interests of Jersey may differ from those of the UK, and the UK will seek to represent any differing interests when acting in an international capacity; and

the UK and Jersey will work together to resolve or clarify any differences that may arise between their respective interests.

In January 2011, the Chief Minister designated one of his assistant ministers as having responsibility for external relations; he is now often described as the island's 'foreign minister'.

Tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs) have been signed directly by the island with several countries, including the United States of America (2002), the Netherlands (2007), Denmark, the Faroes, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway (2008), the United Kingdom, France, Australia and New Zealand (2009).

Relationship with the European Union

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Jersey is neither a Member State nor an Associate Member of European Union. It does, however, have a relationship with the EU governed by Protocol 3 to the UK’s Treaty of Accession in 1972. Protocol 3 and other relevant treaty provisions are made part of Jersey Law by the European Communities (Jersey) Law 1973. The relationship between the Channel Islands and the EU cannot be changed without the unanimous agreement of all Member States and Island authorities.

Under Protocol 3, Jersey is part of the European Union Customs Union of the European Community. The common customs tariff, levies and other agricultural import measures apply to trade between the island and non-Member States. There is free movement of goods and trade between the island and Member States. EU rules on freedom of movement for workers do not apply in Jersey. Nor is Jersey part of the single market in financial services. It is not required to implement EU Directives on such matters as movement of capital, company law or money laundering. Jersey plans to incorporate such measures where appropriate, with particular regard to the island's commitment to meeting international standards of financial regulation and countering money laundering and terrorist financing.

British citizens who have only a connection to Jersey, and not with the United Kingdom or another Member state of the European Union, are not considered to be European Union citizens. They have 'Islander status' and their Jersey-issued British passports are endorsed with the words 'the holder is not entitled to benefit from EU provisions relating to employment or establishment'.

Jersey residents do not have a right to vote in elections for the European Parliament. Jersey and Guernsey jointly opened an office in Brussels in 2010 to promote their common interests with European Union institutions. Jersey is particularly concerned about European Union legislation and reforms that may affect its trading partners in international financial centres round the world.

Independence

The question of Jersey's independence has been discussed from time to time in the Assembly of the States of Jersey. In 2005-2008, a working group of the States of Jersey examined the options for independence, concluding that Jersey 'is equipped to face the challenges of independence' but making no recommendations. Proposals for Jersey independence continue to be discussed outside the States.

Geography

Jersey is an island measuring 118.2 square kilometres (65,569 vergée / 46 sq mi), including reclaimed land and intertidal zone. It lies in the English Channel, approximately from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France, and approximately south of Great Britain. It is the largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands, with a maximum land elevation of 143 m (469 ft) above sea level.

The climate is temperate with mild winters and cool summers. The average annual temperature, is similar to the South Coast of England and the mean annual total sunshine is 1912 hours. The terrain consists of a plateau sloping from long sandy bays in the south to rugged cliffs in the north. The plateau is cut by valleys running generally north-south.

Economy

Thanks to specialisation in a few high-return sectors, at purchasing power parity Jersey has high economic output per capita, substantially ahead of all of the world's large developed economies. The ''CIA World Factbook'' estimate of Jersey's GDP per capita for 2005 is US$57,000, surpassed only by two other small states with similar economic characteristics, Bermuda and Luxembourg. However, this is not indicative of each individual resident's purchasing power, and the actual standard of living in Jersey is comparable to that in the United Kingdom outside central London . Jersey's economy is based on financial services, tourism, electronic commerce and agriculture; financial services contribute approximately 60 percent of the island's economy. The island is recognised as one of the leading offshore financial centres. In June 2005 the States introduced the Competition (Jersey) Law 2005 to regulate competition and stimulate economic growth. This competition law was based on that of other jurisdictions.

Aside from its banking and finance (and the finance industries supporting industries), Jersey depends on tourism. In 2006 there were 729,000 visitors (down 3% on the previous year) but total visitor spending rose 1% to £222m. Duty-free goods are available for purchase on travel to and from the island.

Major agricultural products are potatoes and dairy produce. The source of milk is Jersey cattle, a small breed of cow that has also been acknowledged (though not widely so) for the quality of its meat. The Jersey cow has more widely been known for its rich milk and cream. It is said the first immigrants to America (who settled in Virginia) brought the Jersey Cow along with them. Nowadays, visiting the Isle of Jersey, many local businesses support and thrive on the export of "Jersey Cow" milk, cream and fudge.

Farmers and growers often sell surplus food and flowers in boxes on the roadside. The Isle of Jersey has long been an agricultural community. They rely on the honesty of customers to drop the correct change into the money box and take what they want. In the 21st century, diversification of agriculture and amendments in planning strategy have led to farm shops replacing many of the roadside stalls.

On 18 February 2005, Jersey was granted Fairtrade Island status.

Taxation

Until the 20th century, the States relied on indirect taxation to finance the administration of Jersey. The levying of ''impôts'' (duties) different from those of the United Kingdom was granted by Charles II and remained in the hands of the Assembly of Governor, Bailiff and Jurats until 1921 when that body's tax raising powers were transferred to the Assembly of the States, leaving the Assembly of Governor, Bailiff and Jurats to serve simply as licensing bench for the sale of alcohol (this fiscal reform also stripped the Lieutenant-Governor of most of his effective remaining administrative functions). The Income Tax Law of 1928 introducing income tax was the first law drafted entirely in English. Income tax has been levied at a flat rate of 20% set by the occupying Germans during World War II.

As VAT has not been levied in the island, luxury goods have often been cheaper than in the UK or in France, providing an incentive for tourism from neighbouring countries. The absence of VAT has also led to the growth of the fulfilment industry, whereby low-value luxury items, such as videos, lingerie and contact lenses are exported, avoiding VAT on arrival and thus undercutting local prices on the same products. In 2005, the States of Jersey announced limits on licences granted to non-resident companies trading in this way.

Although Jersey does not have VAT, the States of Jersey introduced a goods and services tax (GST) on 6 May 2008, at a standard rate of 3%. The rate was amended to 5% on the 1st June 2011. Some supplies are taxed at 0% and others exempt.

Jersey is not subject to European Union fiscal legislation and its Zero-Ten legislation will be compliant with the Code of Conduct in business taxation as from the removal of the deemed distribution and attribution anti-avoidance legislation as of 31 December 2011, which was apparently criticised by certain unnamed members of the Code of Conduct Group. The Code of Conduct Group, at least in theory, keeps most of its documentation and discussion confidential. The European Commission has confirmed that the Code is not a legal instrument, and therefore is not legally binding, only becoming of limited "political" authority once a unanimous report has been adopted by the Group at the end of the Presidency concerned.

Currency

Jersey issues its own Jersey banknotes and coins that circulate with UK coinage, Bank of England notes, Scottish notes and Guernsey currency within the island. Jersey currency is not legal tender outside Jersey: However, in the United Kingdom it is ''acceptable tender'' and can be surrendered at banks within that country in exchange for Bank of England-issued currency on a like-for-like basis.

Coinage

Designs on the reverse of Jersey coins: 1p Le Hocq Tower (coastal defence) 2p L'Hermitage, site where St. Helier lived 5p Seymour Tower (offshore defence)

10p La Pouquelaye de Faldouet (dolmen)

20p La Corbière Lighthouse

50p Grosnez Castle (ruins)

The main currency of Jersey is the pound, although in many places the euro is accepted because of the positioning of the island. Pound coins are issued, but are much less widely used than pound notes. Designs on the reverse of Jersey pound coins include historic ships built in Jersey and a series of the twelve parishes' crests. The motto round the milled edge of Jersey pound coins is '''' (). Two pound coins are issued also, but in very small quantities.

Demographics

The island has numerous residents born outside Jersey; 47% of the population are not native to the island. The total population is nearly 88,000. Thirty percent of the population is concentrated in Saint Helier, the island's only town.

Censuses have been undertaken in Jersey since 1821. The most recent was the 2001 Census conducted on March 11. Of the roughly 88,000 people in Jersey, around 40 percent identify as of Jersey / Norman descent and 40 percent of British (English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish) descent. The largest minority groups in the island are Portuguese (around 7%, especially Madeiran); and Irish. The ethnic French community is also present and there is a growing community of Russian immigrants .

The people of Jersey are often called islanders or, in individual terms, Jerseyman or Jerseywoman. Some Jersey-born people identify as British and value the special relationship between the British Crown and the island.

Religion in Jersey has a complex history and much diversity. The established church is the Church of England. In the countryside, Methodism found its traditional stronghold. A minority of Roman Catholics can also be found in Jersey. There are two Catholic private secondary schools: De La Salle College in Saint Saviour is an all-boys school, and Beaulieu Convent School in Saint Helier is an all-girls school; and FCJ primary school in St. Saviour. A Catholic order of Sisters has a presence in school life.

Immigration

Jersey belongs to the Common Travel Area and the definition of "United Kingdom" in the British Nationality Act 1981 is interpreted as including the UK and the Islands together.

For immigration and nationality purposes, the United Kingdom generally treats Jersey as though it were part of the UK. Jersey is constitutionally entitled to restrict immigration by non-Jersey residents, but control of immigration at the point of entry cannot be introduced for British, certain Commonwealth and EEA nationals without change to existing international law. Immigration is therefore controlled by a mixture of restrictions on those without ''residential status'' purchasing or renting property in the island and restrictions on employment. Migration policy is to move to a registration system to integrate residential and employment status. Jersey maintains its own immigration and border controls. United Kingdom immigration legislation may be extended to Jersey by order in council (subject to exceptions and adaptations) following consultation with Jersey and with Jersey's consent. Although Jersey citizens are full British citizens, an endorsement restricting the right of establishment in European Union states other than the UK is placed in the passports of British citizens connected solely with the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Those who have a parent or grandparent born in the United Kingdom, or who have lived in the United Kingdom for five years, are not subject to this restriction.

Historical large-scale immigration was facilitated by the introduction of steamships (from 1823). By 1840, up to 5,000 English people, mostly half-pay officers and their families, had settled in Jersey. In the aftermath of 1848, Polish, Russian, Hungarian, Italian and French political refugees came to Jersey. Following Louis Napoléon's coup of 1851, more French ''proscrits'' arrived. By the end of the 19th century, well-to-do British families, attracted by the lack of income tax, were settling in Jersey in increasing numbers, establishing St Helier as a predominantly English-speaking town.

Seasonal work in agriculture had depended mostly on Bretons and mainland Normans from the 19th century. The growth of tourism attracted staff from the United Kingdom. Following Liberation in 1945, agricultural workers were mostly recruited from the United Kingdom – the demands of reconstruction in mainland Normandy and Brittany employed domestic labour.

Until the 1960s, the population had been relatively stable for decades at around 60,000 (excluding the Occupation years). Economic growth spurred immigration and a rise in population. From the 1960s Portuguese workers arrived, mostly working initially in seasonal industries in agriculture and tourism.

A trend that has developed over the past few years is the setting up of recruitment agencies in a number of countries in the world, to employ either cheap labour (often from poor countries) or qualified/experienced labour. Amongst the countries that have been targeted for this type of recruitment are: Australia, Cyprus, Kenya, Latvia, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, and South Africa.

Culture

Until the 19th century, indigenous Jèrriais – a variety of Norman – was the language of the island, though French was used for official business. During the 20th century an intense language shift took place and Jersey today is predominantly English-speaking. Jèrriais nonetheless survives; around 2,600 islanders (three percent) are reckoned to be habitual speakers, and some 10,000 (12 percent) in all claim some knowledge of the language, particularly amongst the elderly in rural parishes. There have been efforts to revive Jèrriais in schools, and the highest number of declared Jèrriais speakers is in the capital.

The dialects of Jèrriais differ in phonology and, to a lesser extent, lexis between parishes, with the most marked differences to be heard between those of the west and east. Many place names are in Jèrriais, and French and English place names are also to be found. Anglicisation of the toponymy increased apace with the migration of English people to the island.

Some Neolithic carvings are the earliest works of artistic character to be found in Jersey. Only fragmentary wall-paintings remain from the rich mediaeval artistic heritage, after the wholesale iconoclasm of the Calvinist Reformation of the 16th century.

Printing arrived in Jersey only in the 1780s, but the island supported a multitude of regular publications in French (and Jèrriais) and English throughout the 19th century, in which poetry, most usually topical and satirical, flourished (see Jèrriais literature).

The island is particularly famous for the Battle of Flowers, a carnival held annually since 1902. Annual music festivals include Rock in the Park, Avanchi presents Jazz in July, Jersey Live, the music section of the Jersey Eisteddfod. Other festivals include ''La Fête dé Noué'' (Christmas festival), ''La Faîs'sie d'Cidre'' (cidermaking festival), the Battle of Britain air display, food festivals, and parish events. Branchage Jersey International Film Festival has recently become a major addition to Jersey's cultural calendar attracting filmmakers from all over the world.

The island's patron saint is Saint Helier.

Media

Broadcast

BBC Radio Jersey provides a radio service, and BBC Channel Islands News with headquarters in Jersey provides a joint television news service with Guernsey.

Channel Television is a regional ITV franchise shared with the Bailiwick of Guernsey but with its headquarters in Jersey.

Channel 103 is a commercial radio station.

The Frémont Point transmitting station is a facility for FM and television transmission at Frémont

Newspaper

Jersey's only newspaper, the ''Jersey Evening Post'', claims that it has an average issue readership of 73% of adults in Jersey and that over the course of a week 93 per cent of all adults will read a copy of the newspaper, it being the main printed source of local news and official notices. The newspaper features a weekly Jèrriais column accompanied by English-language précis.

Magazines

Lifestyle magazines include ''Gallery Magazine'' (monthly), ''Jersey Now'' (quarterly) and ''The Jersey Life'' (monthly).

''Les Nouvelles Chroniques du Don Balleine'' is a quarterly literary magazine in Jèrriais.

"20/20 magazine" is the island's only annual personal finance magazine; Global Assets the island's online quarterly international offshore finance magazine is also produced by the same company.

Grassroots Festival

Grassroots is the island's boutique summer festival which is held in July each year. This is the first music festival of the summer season and has chilled out, funky reggae, soul, funk, indie music, eco vibe. It is held in Val de la Mare Reservoir sitting directly back from St Ouen's main surfing beach and attracts over 4,500 people.

Jersey Live

Jersey Live is an indie/dance music festival held annually at The Royal Jersey Showground in the parish of Trinity. The festival has grown in popularity and size each year and has drawn interest from people outside the Channel Islands with foreign visitors making up approximately 27% of the 2006 crowd.

Cinema

In 1909, T.J. West established the first cinema in the Royal Hall in St. Helier, which became known as West's Cinema in 1923 (demolished 1977). The first talking picture, ''The Perfect Alibi'', was shown on 30 December 1929 at the Picture House in St. Helier. The Jersey Film Society was founded on 11 December 1947 at the Café Bleu, West's Cinema. The large Art Deco Forum Cinema was opened in 1935 – during the German occupation this was used for German propaganda films.

The Odeon Cinema was opened 2 June 1952 and, was later rebranded in the early 21st century as the Forum cinema. Its owners, however, struggled to meet tough competition from the Cineworld Cinemas group, which opened a 10 screen multiplex on the waterfront centre in St. Helier on reclaimed land in December 2002 and the Forum closed its doors in late 2008.

Since 1997, Kevin Lewis (formerly of the Cine Centre and the New Forum) has arranged the Jersey Film Festival, a charity event showing the latest and also classic films outdoors in 35 mm on a big screen. The 2006 festival was held in Howard Davis Park, St Saviour, on the 12–18 August 2006. In 2008 the boutique ''Branchage'' film festival was held.

In August 2006, plans were revealed to convert the former Odeon building into a department store while retaining the landmark architecture.

Food and drink

Seafood has traditionally been important to the cuisine of Jersey: mussels (called ''moules'' locally), oysters, lobster and crabs – especially spider crabs – ormers, and conger.

Jersey milk being very rich, cream and butter have played a large part in insular cooking. ''(See Channel Island milk)'' However there is no indigenous tradition of cheese making, contrary to the custom of mainland Normandy, but some cheese is produced commercially. Jersey fudge, mostly imported and made with milk from overseas Jersey cattle herds, is a popular food product with tourists.

Jersey Royal potatoes are the local variety of new potato, and the island is famous for its early crop of Chats (small potatoes) from the south-facing côtils (steeply sloping fields). Originally grown using vraic as a natural fertiliser giving them their own individual taste, only a small portion of those grown in the island still use this method. They are eaten in a variety of ways, often simply boiled and served with butter or when not as fresh fried in butter.

Apples historically were an important crop. ''Bourdélots'' are apple dumplings, but the most typical speciality is black butter (''lé nièr beurre''), a dark spicy spread prepared from apples, cider and spices. Cider used to be an important export. After decline and near-disappearance in the late 20th century, apple production is being increased and promoted. Apple brandy is also produced, as is some wine.

Among other traditional dishes are cabbage loaf, Jersey wonders (''les mèrvelles''), fliottes, bean crock (''les pais au fou''), nettle (''ortchie'') soup, vraic buns.

Sport

In its own right Jersey participates in the Commonwealth Games and in the biennial Island Games, which it last hosted in 1997.

In sporting events in which Jersey does not have international representation, when the British Home Nations are competing separately, islanders that do have high athletic skill may choose to compete for any of the Home Nations – there are, however, restrictions on subsequent transfers to represent another Home Nation.

Jersey is an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Jersey cricket team plays in the Inter-insular match among others. The Jersey cricket team competed in the World Division 4, held in Tanzania in October 2008, after recently finishing as runners-up and therefore being promoted from the World Division 5 held in Jersey. They also competed in the European Division 2, held in Guernsey during August 2008. The youth cricket teams have been promoted to play in the European Division 1 alongside Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Guernsey. In two tournaments at this level Jersey have finished 6th.

For horseracing, Les Landes Racecourse can be found at Les Landes in St. Ouen next to the ruins of Grosnez Castle.

The Jersey Football Association supervises football in Jersey. The Jersey Football Combination has 9 teams in its top division. The 2006/07 champions were Jersey Scottish where Ross Crick is the top scorer. The Jersey national football team plays in the annual Muratti competition among others.

Jersey has two public indoor swimming pools. Swimming in the sea, surfing, windsurfing and other marine sports are practised. Jersey Swimming Club have organised an annual swim from Elizabeth Castle to Saint Helier Harbour for over 50 years. A round-island swim is a major challenge that a select number of swimmers have achieved. The Royal Channel Island Yacht Club is based in Jersey.

There is one facility for extreme sports and some facilities for youth sports. Coastal cliffs provide opportunities for rock climbing.

In golf, two golfers from Jersey have won The Open Championship 7 times between them, Harry Vardon winning 6 times and Ted Ray winning once. Harry and Ted have also won the US Open one time each and Harry's brother Tom Vardon has had some smaller wins on European Tours.

Jersey has one un-roofed skateboarding park

Books

There are a number of Jersey-based authors including Sinclair Forrest, author of the 2007 novel, The Dragon of Angur.

Education

Schools

The States of Jersey provides education through state schools (including a fee-paying option at secondary level) and also supports private schools. The Jersey curriculum generally follows that of England.

Further and higher education

Jersey has a college of further education and university centre, Highlands College. As well as offering part-time and evening courses Highlands is the largest sixth form provider in the Island, and works collaboratively with a range of organisations including the Open University, University of Plymouth and London South Bank University. In particular students can study at Highlands for the two year Foundation Degree in Financial Services and for BSc Social Sciences, both validated by the University of Plymouth.

The Institute of Law is Jersey's law school, providing a course for students seeking to qualify as Jersey advocates and solicitors. It also provides teaching for students enrolled on the University of London LLB degree programme, via the International Programmes. The Open University supports students in Jersey (but they pay higher fees than UK students). Private sector higher education providers include the Jersey International Business School.

Environment

Three areas of land are protected for their ecological or geological interest as Sites of Special Interest (SSI): Les Landes, Les Blanches Banques and La Lande du Ouest. A large area of intertidal zone is designated as a Ramsar site.

Jersey is the home of Durrell Wildlife (formerly known as the Jersey Zoological Park) founded by the naturalist, zookeeper, and author Gerald Durrell.

Biodiversity

Four species of small mammal are considered native: the wood mouse (''Apodemus sylvaticus''), the Jersey bank vole (''Myodes glareolus caesarius''), the Lesser white-toothed shrew (''Crocidura suaveolens'') and the French shrew (''Sorex coronatus''). Three wild mammals are well-established introductions: the rabbit (introduced in the mediaeval period), the red squirrel and the hedgehog (both introduced in the 19th century). The stoat (''Mustela erminea'') became extinct in Jersey between 1976 and 2000. The Green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) is a protected species of reptile; Jersey is its only habitat in the British Isles.

Trees generally considered native are the alder (''Alnus glutinosa''), silver birch (''Betula pendula''), sweet chestnut (''Castanea sativa''), hazel (''Corylus avellana''), hawthorn (''Crataegus monogyna''), beech (''Fagus sylvatica''), ash (''Fraxinus excelsior''), aspen (''Populus tremula''), wild cherry (''Prunus avium''), blackthorn (''Prunus spinosa''), holm oak (''Quercus ilex''), oak (''Quercus robur''), sallow (''Salix cinerea''), elder (''Sambucus nigra''), elm (''Ulmus'' spp.), and medlar (''Mespilus germanica''). Among notable introduced species, the cabbage palm (''Cordyline australis'') has been planted in coastal areas and may be seen in many gardens.

Notable marine species include the ormer, conger, bass, undulate ray, grey mullet, ballan wrasse and garfish. Marine mammals include the bottlenosed dolphin and grey seal.

Emergency services

Emergency services are provided by the States of Jersey Police with the support of the Honorary Police as necessary, States of Jersey Ambulance Service, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and the Jersey Coastguard. The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution operate an inshore rescue and lifeboat service; Channel Islands Air Search provides rapid response airborne search of the surrounding waters.

The States of Jersey Fire Service was formed in 1938 when the States took over the Saint Helier Fire Brigade, which had been formed in 1901.

The first lifeboat was equipped, funded by the States, in 1830. The RNLI established a lifeboat station in 1884.

Border security and Customs controls are undertaken by the States of Jersey Customs and Immigration Service.

People

Henry Cavill, actor

Graeme Le Saux, footballer

Ted Ray, golfer (1877-1943)

Harry Vardon, golfer (1870-1937)

See also

Footnotes and references

Print

''Jersey Through the Centuries'', Leslie Sinel, Jersey 1984, ISBN 0-86120-003-9

Further reading

Balleine's History of Jersey, Marguerite Syvret and Joan Stevens (1998) ISBN 1-86077-065-7

A Biographical Dictionary of Jersey, G.R. Balleine

;Archaeology

The Archaeology of the Channel Islands. Vol. 2: The Bailiwick of Jersey by Jacquetta Hawkes (1939)

The Prehistoric Foundations of Europe to the Mycenean Age, 1940, C. F. C. Hawkes

Jersey in Prehistory, Mark Patton, 1987

The Archaeology and Early History of the Channel Islands, Heather Sebire, 2005.

Dolmens of Jersey: A Guide, James Hibbs (1988).

A Guide to The Dolmens of Jersey, Peter Hunt, Société Jersiaise, 1998.

Statements in Stone: Monuments and Society in Neolithic Brittany, Mark Patton, 1993

Hougue Bie, Mark Patton, Warwick Rodwell, Olga Finch, 1999

The Channel Islands, An Archaeological Guide, David Johnston, 1981

The Archaeology of the Channel Islands, Peter Johnston, 1986

;Cattle One Hundred Years of the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society 1833–1933. Compiled from the Society's Records, by H.G. Shepard, Secretary Eric J. Boston. Jersey Cattle, 1954 ;Religion

The Channel Islands under Tudor Government, A.J. Eagleston

Reformation and Society in Guernsey, D.M. Ogier

International Politics and the Establishment of Presbytarianism in the Channel Islands: The Coutances Connection, C.S.L. Davies

Religion, History and G.R. Balleine: The Reformation in Jersey, by J. St John Nicolle, The Pilot Magazine

The Reformation in Jersey: The Process of Change over Two centuries, J. St John Nicolle

The Chroniques de Jersey in the light of contemporary documents, BSJ, AJ Eagleston

The Portrait of Richard Mabon, BSJ, Joan Stevens

External links

States of Jersey site

Jersey Tourism

Jersey Elections site

BBC Jersey

Isle News Jersey

Jersey in ''The World Factbook''

Category:Island countries Category:Crown dependencies

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Coordinates	56°50′″N53°11′″N
name	Caroline Manzo
birth name	Caroline Laurita
birth date	August 23, 1961
birth place	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
children	Albert Joseph Manzo IVLauren Michele ManzoChristopher Thomas Manzo
nationality	American-Italian
occupation	Entrepreneur, T.V. Personality
years active	2009-present
spouse	Albert Manzo III (1984-present)
website	http://www.carolinemanzo.com/
signature	CarolineManzo-Signature.png }}

Caroline Manzo (née Laurita) (born August 23, 1961) is married to Albert Manzo, co-owner of The Brownstone, an event and catering facility in Paterson, New Jersey. The couple has three children: Albert "Albie" Manzo IV (born in 1986), Lauren Michelle Manzo (born in 1988), and Christopher Thomas Manzo (born in 1989).

She, along with most of her ''The Real Housewives of New Jersey'' cast mates, resides in the affluent town of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Her most memorable line of the first season became a pop culture meme: "Let me tell you something about my family, we are as thick as thieves and we will protect each other until the end." She is known to use many sayings such as "thick as thieves" and "you hang out with trash and you start to smell like garbage".

''The Real Housewives of New Jersey''

The ''Real Housewives of New Jersey'' is a reality television program on the Bravo network, which originally followed the lives of five women in and around several upscale communities in northern New Jersey. It is the network's fourth installation of ''The Real Housewives'' series, following ''The Real Housewives of Orange County'', ''The Real Housewives of New York City'', and ''The Real Housewives of Atlanta''. This series had the highest-rated episode ever out of the entire franchise at its second season reunion show.

Personal life

In addition to being the wife of Albert Manzo, who runs The Brownstone, a catering facility in Paterson, NJ that has been with the family for over 30 years, Caroline Manzo is the mother of three children: Albie, Lauren, and Christopher. Although Caroline spends the majority of her time running the household, she recently launched a new concept, ''Caroline Manzo, Family, Faith, & Charity'', a collection of handbags and accessories available in Fall of 2011. Caroline is also affiliated with several charities including Best Friends Animal Society; CROC, a foundation dedicated to helping cancer survivors; Rescue Ink; SCTNOW, a foundation dedicated to stopping child trafficking within U.S. borders; and Wounded Warriors Project.

Category:1961 births Category:Living people

Coordinates	56°50′″N53°11′″N
show name	The Real Housewives of New Jersey
format	Reality television
starring	CurrentCaroline ManzoTeresa GuidiceJacqueline LauritaMelissa Gorga''(season 3 - )''Kathy Wakile''(season 3 - ) '' RecurringKim Granatell''(season 2 - )''Kim DePaola''(season 2 - )'' Former HousewivesDina Manzo''(season 1 - mid 2)''Danielle Staub''(season 1 - 2 )''
country	United States
language	English
num seasons	3
num episodes	44 (to date, including Preview Special)
executive producer	Rebecca TothValerie HaseltonLucilla D'AgostinoNina DiazChristian BarcellosAndrew CohenShari Levine
status	renewed for season 4
location	New Jersey, United States
runtime	Approx. 44 minutes(excluding commercials)
company	Sirens Media
channel	Bravo
first aired	May 12, 2009
last aired	present
preceded by	''The Real Housewives of Atlanta''
followed by	''The Real Housewives of D.C.''
website	http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey }}

''The Real Housewives of New Jersey'' is a reality television program on the Bravo network which originally followed the lives of five women in and around several upscale communities in Northern New Jersey. It is the network's fourth installation of ''The Real Housewives of...'' series, following ''The Real Housewives of Orange County'', ''The Real Housewives of New York City'' and ''The Real Housewives of Atlanta''. At the time of its airing, part 1 of the series' second season reunion had the highest-rated episode ever out of the entire franchise.

On April 13, 2011 it was announced that the third season of the series will premiere on May 16, 2011, at 9pm on Bravo, for a 90 minute episode. Melissa Gorga and Kathy Wakile are the newest housewives that were added.

On June 7, 2011 Bravo renewed the series for a fourth season due to its record breaking ratings, and it has already begun filming.

Production history

The show's first season premiered on May 12, 2009. The five housewives featured on the program were Teresa Giudice, Jacqueline Laurita, Caroline Manzo, Dina Manzo, and Danielle Staub. For the first time in the franchise, the series follows housewives who are related to one another: sisters Caroline and Dina are married to brothers Albert and Tommy Manzo, and Jacqueline Laurita is married to Caroline and Dina's brother, Chris Laurita. The series began airing in the UK on Channel 4 on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 10:35pm. and finished on November 3, 2009

The show premiered its second season on May 3, 2010. Dina Manzo left the show after the seventh episode of the second season. On August 31, 2010 Bravo officially renewed the series for a third season. On September 7, 2010, it was announced that Danielle Staub was not returning to the show.

Season 2 premiered in the UK October 17, 2010.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 3 premiered on Monday May 16, 2011, on Bravo.

On June 7, 2011 Bravo renewed the series for a fourth season due to its record breaking ratings.

Current housewives

Caroline Manzo

(Season 1 - present)

''"If you're gonna mess with my family...you're messin' with me."'' (Season 1 - Season 2)

"Life is about change. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches." (Season 3 - present)

Caroline Manzo (née Laurita) (born August 23, 1961) has been married for over 25 years to Albert Manzo, co-owner of The Brownstone, an event and catering facility in Paterson, New Jersey. Albert Manzo's brother, Tommy Manzo, is the second husband of Caroline's sister and former cast mate, Dina Manzo, making the two both sisters and sisters-in-law. The couple have three children: Albert "Albie" Manzo, Jr. (born in 1986), Lauren Manzo (born in 1988), and Christopher Manzo (born in 1989). Caroline is the owner of two businesses: Opus Properties, a real estate firm, and a children's accessories line. In addition, she serves on the board of her sister Dina's charity foundation, Project Ladybug.

She, along with most of her cast mates, resides in the affluent town of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She is known to her close friends in Franklin Lakes by the affectionate nickname "Mommy Salami". Her most memorable line of the first season became a pop culture meme: "Let me tell you something about my family, we are as thick as thieves and we will protect each other until the end." She is known to use many sayings such as "thick as thieves" and "you hang out with trash and you start to smell like garbage". Her family connections received criticism from Danielle for throwing a fundraiser in the Season 2 premiere for the Sheriff's Department.

The Season 2 finale climaxed when Manzo and fellow housewife, Danielle Staub, met with each thinking the other owed apologies. Manzo was meeting to try and convince Staub to drop charges against Manzo's niece. After the conversation got heated, Staub left, leaving Manzo to say she was done and will not speak of her [Staub] again.

Teresa Giudice

(Season 1 - present)

''"People make fun of Jersey girls, but I think they're just jealous."'' (Season 1 - Season 2)

"I'm a Jersey girl. No one can knock me down." (Season 3 - present)

Teresa Giudice (née Gorga) (born May 18, 1972, in Paterson, New Jersey), who is fluent in Italian, is a child of a couple who immigrated from Italy. She earned a degree from Berkeley College in Fashion Marketing and Management, after which she worked in the fashion industry in New York as a buyer for Macys. She and her husband, Giuseppe ("Joe") Giudice - a childhood friend and entrepreneur - live in Towaco, New Jersey and have four daughters: Gia (born in 2001), Gabriella (born in 2004), Milania (born in 2006), and Audriana (born in 2009), with whom she was pregnant during the season one reunion show. cookbook (''Skinny Italian: Eat It and Enjoy It: Live La Bella Vita and Look Great, Too!''). She is also a committee member for co-star Dina Manzo's charity, Project Ladybug. In Season 1, Giudice debated and then underwent breast augmentation surgery, which was featured on the show. In October 2009, the notoriously lavish spender and her husband filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, citing $11 million worth of debt. In June, 2010, lawyer John Sywilok, the Trustee appointed by the court to oversee the Chapter 7 action, filed a complaint in U.S. Bankruptcy Court that the couple should not be permitted to shelter assets that would normally be liquidated, with the proceeds distributed to their creditors. The document alleged the Giudices "made false oaths" with regard to their income, expenses, and assets, "concealed documents, records and papers" that would allow him to ascertain their true financial condition, and sought to hide their interests in several businesses, including a clothing company, pizza parlor, and laundromat (which have been featured on the show) and their earnings from such sources as Teresa's appearances and published cookbook. Consequently, Sywilok's adversary proceeding advises that Teresa and Giuseppe's bankruptcy protection case should not be formally discharged. In July, it was reported that the contents of Giudice's mansion would be auctioned on August 22, 2010. The Giudices' attorney, Jim Kridel, "said he hoped an auction wouldn't take place", and asserted "the couple had not misled the court about their assets at the time of their bankruptcy filing." Although Teresa's rep has stated Teresa denies the auction will occur, Kridel "said that the auction is currently slated for August 22, but adds that he is appealing the decision." Joe was arrested again, on 3/27/11, for using a false identity to obtain a New Jersey drivers license. He could get 10 years in prison.

Jacqueline Laurita

(Season 1 - present)

''"Everyone likes to have nice things, but I'm not one to brag about it."'' (Season 1 - Season 2)

"I can hold my own; I am my own person." (Season 3 - present)

Jacqueline Laurita (née Grippe, born April 26, 1970) is a stay-at-home mother and is married to Chris Laurita, brother of Caroline and Dina Manzo. Together, Jacqueline and Chris have two sons: Christopher J. Laurita, Jr. (born in 2002) and Nicholas Laurita (born in 2009). Jacqueline also has a daughter, Ashley Holmes (born December 1, 1990), from a previous marriage. After several miscarriages and pregnancy scares, which she openly and emotionally discussed on the show, Laurita gave birth to Nicholas shortly after the Season 1 Reunion show.

Her father, Jerome "Jerry" Grippe, was an Army colonel, and Jacqueline moved with her family to locations such as South Korea, Germany and Virginia, where she graduated from Chantilly High School in Chantilly, Virginia in 1988. Jacqueline spent most of her adult life in Las Vegas, where her parents reside.

Most of the drama of Jacqueline's character revolves around being stuck in the middle of the conflicts between her sisters-in-law, Caroline and Dina Manzo, and former friend, Danielle Staub. Laurita was friendly with Staub during filming of the first season, but after a highly publicized falling out following the airing, she no longer remains in contact with Staub.

During Season 2, the majority of drama around Jacqueline involved her highly volatile teenage daughter, Ashley. The drama led up to one of the most infamous moments in the show's history; Ashley pulled housewife Danielle Staub's hair, causing Staub to slap Jacqueline's daughter with a lawsuit.

Melissa Gorga

(Season 3 - present)

"I live a life that most girls only dream of." (Season 3 - present)

Melissa Gorga (née Marco) joins ''The Real Housewives of New Jersey'' for Season 3, but is already part of the family as her husband Joe is Teresa's brother. Melissa is a sassy Italian who is known for her personality. After graduating from New Jersey City University with a B.A. degree in education and psychology, she is now a stay at home mom whose life is all about her family. Melissa and Joe have been married for almost seven years and met while both were away on spring break in Cancun and then again at the Jersey Shore. They live in an ornate mansion that her husband, a real estate developer, built and Melissa decorated, with sister-in-law Teresa's help, according to Dina Manzo on ''Watch What Happens Live''. Melissa and Joe have three children, Antonia (5), Gino (3), and Joey (1). Her sisters Lysa Simpson and Kim Pirrella frequently appear on the show. Her main storyline for Season 3 is her relationship with her sister-in-law Teresa and her aspiring music career. Her first single, "On Display", was released worldwide on August 13th, 2011.

Kathy Wakile

(Season 3 - present)

"People say that I’m sweet, but I’m tough, so don’t cross me." (Season 3 - present)

Katherina "Kathy" Wakile (born October 4) is one of the new faces on Season 3 of ''The Real Housewives of New Jersey'', but is no stranger to the cast as she is a first cousin of fellow Housewife, Teresa Giudice. Kathy resides in Wayne, New Jersey with her husband of more than 19 years, Rich, and their two children, Victoria (17) and Joseph (15). Kathy works hard to keep her family's world in order and carefully monitors her children's social lives. She also loves to party and have a good time. Whether Kathy is hosting a theme night with her girlfriends or celebrating Victoria's Sweet 16 birthday party with belly dancers, Kathy and her family definitely live life to the fullest. Her main storyline for Season 3 is her relationship with Teresa and her aspiring catering/restaurant careers.

Former housewives

Dina Manzo

(Season 1 - Season 2)

''"If you think I'm a bitch then bring it on."'' (Season 1 - mid-Season 2)

Claudine "Dina" Manzo (née Laurita) (born March 7, 1972) is a mother, interior decorator, and the founder of the non-profit organization, Project Ladybug. She and her family live in the affluent town of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She has been married to Tommy Manzo, co-owner of the event and catering facility The Brownstone, since 2005. Manzo is her second husband. Tommy's brother and business partner, Albert Manzo, is the husband of Dina's older sister and cast mate, Caroline, making the two also sisters-in-law. Their wedding was featured on the VH1 television show ''My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.'' Dina has a daughter, Alexia ("Lexi", born on January 25, 1996) from her previous marriage to George Hadjiapostoli (co-owner of Nisha nail salon in Wayne, New Jersey). Season 1 focuses on the struggles Dina, like many other mothers, faces as Alexia grows up. Dina's foundation, Project Ladybug, is dedicated to supporting St.Joseph's Hospital Paterson and helping children with cancer. An event for the charity was featured in Season 1. Manzo's husband, Tommy, asked to not participate in the show; her daughter, Lexi, was featured in season 1, but does not appear on Dina's graphic on the opening theme in season 2.

Dina was constantly in conflict with troublesome cast mate, Danielle Staub, throughout Season 1. After filming, the two experienced an even larger falling out than any previously featured on the show. The issue was mentioned on the reunion show by a sobbing Caroline, but at Dina's behest, no details were given. It is revealed in the Season 2 reunion, that Danielle supposedly attempted to get Lexi taken away from Dina.

In 2010, Dina produced the return of the Off-Broadway comedy, ''My Big Gay Italian Wedding'', at the St. Luke's Theatre in New York City.

Dina left the show in the middle of the second season, purportedly to avoid further conflict with Staub. Bravo announced that they would not replace Dina that season and casted for a fifth housewife to co-star in season 3. However, Dina reappeared in Season 2 for the christening of her goddaughter, Teresa Giudice's newborn daughter, Audriana. She did not, however, appear on the second season's reunion show, although it was stated that Dina left the show due to Danielle's alleged attempt to get Dina's child Lexi taken away from her, which is what enraged Caroline at the season 1 reunion show. Staub has denied these claims.

Dina will be hosting her own show, ''Dina's Party'', on HGTV early this fall. The show will follow her event planning company, known for its outlandish celebrations and parties. It premieres August 15th, 2011.

Danielle Staub

(Season 1 - Season 2)

''"You're either gonna love me or hate me, there is no in between with me."'' (Season 1 - Season 2)

Danielle Staub (née Beverly Merrill) (born July 29, 1962) is divorced and a mother of two daughters, Christine Staub (born in 1994) and Jillian Staub (born in 1998). She portrays herself as a caring mother with good intentions. She is athletic and enjoys exercising with her daughters.

Danielle is the only cast member who entered filming as a relative stranger to the other cast members. (Caroline, Dina, and Jacqueline are related by blood and marriage, and Teresa is a long-time Manzo family friend.) Shortly before filming, Staub moved to 8 Shadow Ridge Run in Wayne, New Jersey] and (according to fellow cast mates) was immediately received with suspicion. Gossip swirled that she was a "husband stealer" and gold-digger, and had been engaged nineteen times. She was also known to be under financial stress after divorcing her wealthy second husband, Thomas N. ("Tom") Staub (CFO of Aerobics, Inc.), who failed to follow through with alimony and child support payments.

Her colorful past was the main focus of Season one, eliciting distrust and anger from cast mates especially at the explosive season 1 finale, most of all protective Caroline Manzo. Staub was the most provocative character on the show, causing much conflict among her cast mates as she attempted to become part of the Manzo-Laurita-Giudice circle. She proclaimed herself to be Jacqueline's best friend while trying to turn Jacqueline against her sisters-in-law, Caroline and Dina Manzo. Season two saw an escalation of the tension between Danielle and the other Housewives and their families, notably her pressing charges against Jacqueline's daughter Ashley for assault- hair pull and harassment- hurtful messages on Facebook; Ashley had pulled out Danielle's hair extensions at the end of an altercation where Ashley thought Danielle had hit Jacqueline.

Throughout the first two seasons Staub continually tried to integrate into the Manzo social circle, to no avail. She then became a constant thorn in Dina, Teresa, and Jacqueline's sides while Caroline persisted to remain out of it. However, following Dina's departure from the show, Jacqueline's daughter's lawsuit, and her claims that Teresa's finances were in dire trouble, Caroline faced off with Staub. The matriarch proved to be more than a match for Staub and managed to silence her when Caroline asked what it is the other housewives ever did to wrong her. With Danielle unable to answer the question, their argument ends with her walking off and decreeing their feud is finally over.

After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed by Bravo that Staub, would not be returning to the show for season 3. No exact reason for the departure was announced.

Staub then hosted a show called ''Social'' on WealthTV, where she socialized with rich and famous celebrities, and then appeared as a contestant on VH1's Famous Food. Neither show has done well in the ratings.

Housewife history

Housewives !! Season 1 !! Season 2 !! Season 3 !! Season 4
align="left"	Caroline Manzo		|
align="left"	Jacqueline Laurita	|
align="left"	Teresa Giudice	|
align="left"	Dina Manzo	|
align="left"	Danielle Staub	|
align="left"	Melissa Gorga	|
align="left"	Kathy Wakile	|

Recurring Housewife history

Housewives !! Season 1 !! Season 2 !! Season 3 !! Season 4
align="left"	Kim Granatell		|		TBA
align="left"	Kim DePaola	|			TBA

Series overview

Season !! Episodes !! Season Premiere !! Season Finale
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Ratings

The Season 1 finale was the most watched telecast of the ''Housewives'' franchise ever among all key demos at the time of its airing.

The second season's reunion part one gathered 3.9 million viewers, making it the highest-rated episode of the season at the time of its airing and the second highest rated episode of the franchise after the January 30th 2011 episode of ''The Real Housewives of Atlanta''.

The third season opener had the highest rated season premiere ever for the network, and the highest rated season premiere within the franchise.

Episode guide

Specials

Ep #	Title	Airdate	US Viewers (million)

Season 1: 2009

Ep #

Title

Airdate

US Viewers (million)

Season 2: 2010

Ep #

Title

Airdate

US Viewers (million)

Season 3: 2011

Ep #

Title

Airdate

US Viewers (million)

DVD releases

In April 2010, Target stores released the first season on DVD. The second season was released on January 9, 2011.

Season !! Episodes !! Release Date
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References

Category:2009 American television series debuts Category:2000s American television series Category:2010s American television series Category:American reality television series Category:Bravo (U.S.) television series Category:English-language television series Category:Television shows set in New Jersey New Jersey