Is the Isle of Man considered a Crown Dependency?

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland, has a unique relationship with the UK. It's neither part of the United Kingdom nor a member of the European Union. Instead, it's a Crown Dependency, meaning the British monarch is its Head of State, but it has its own parliament, government, and laws. This status dates back over a thousand years to its Viking origins and later as a kingdom under Scottish and English influence. The British Crown ultimately acquired the Isle of Man, but it retained its internal self-governance. So, while the UK government handles the island's defense and foreign relations, the Isle of Man manages its own domestic affairs, including taxation. This autonomy is the key reason why it's considered a Crown Dependency, allowing it a level of independence that distinguishes it from being simply a part of the UK.