ISLEFACT 2026 REVIEW 1

This first Review for 2026, provides a comparative analysis of demographic trends across five island jurisdictions: Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands. These islands share similar characteristics such as small populations, limited land area, high-income economies, and global connectivity, yet they exhibit divergent demographic projections driven by migration, economic specialisation, fertility rates, and ageing. Key findings indicate that migration is the primary determinant of population dynamics.
 
Ageing populations pose long-term fiscal and social pressures, particularly for this sample of islands; and environmental constraints amplify challenges associated with housing, infrastructure, and resilience planning. The Review concludes with possible policy relevant initiatives to support sustainable demographic and economic outcomes.