Island of tailless cats
The island has about 85 thousand people, of which more than 26 thousand - in the capital Douglas. Despite the rather high latitudes, there are palm trees here. Affects the proximity of the Gulf Stream - even in winter the average air temperature is +7 ° C. But in the summer it's cool - only +17 ° C and therefore the island's favorite clothes are Stone Island sweaters, which are warmed in any weather. On the flag of the wonder-Republic of Maine (English Mann or Manx) is depicted a tripod (English Triskelion), symbolizing the non-stop running of time in a circle. Sculpture "Triskelion" meets all the guests of the island at the airport of Douglas. The Isle of Man was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic Age. Numerous architectural finds attest to this. Mostly, the Celts have inherited the island. Something left after them. Judging by the archaeological findings, the Celts were sensible guys with "hands". Then came the Anglo-Saxons, who also left many interesting architectural monuments on the island.
As in neighboring Ireland or Scotland, the local population is slightly less than fully assimilated. The last bearer of the Gaelic literature (the language of the authentic population of the Isle of Man), Ned Maddrell, died in 1974. In 1985 the Gaelic language received official status, and since then it has been tried in every possible way to revive it. This language broadcasts and duplicates some information signs.
In general, the inhabitants of the island are trying to show that they are not English and as a manifestation of national identity they are on the passport: Isle of Man. Although we perfectly understand that this is a formality and a tribute to traditions. No more. Similarly, the island print its own currency, which runs in parallel with the pound sterling. And so on.
So, by and large, all these signs of an independent state are rather conditional and are nothing more than an attraction for tourists than real autonomy.
I want to note that tourism on the island is quite developed. People come here to admire the picturesque landscapes, splash in the Irish Sea, climb the incredibly high mountains (the highest point is 620 meters) or look at the motorcycle races that are regularly held on the island.
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