Country Overview:
Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island’s economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the issue.
Location:
North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
Geographic coordinates:
32 20 N, 64 45 W
Area:
Total: 53.3 sq km, land: 53.3 sq km, water: 0 sq km
Area – Comparative:
About one-third the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
103 km
Climate:
Subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
Terrain:
Low hills separated by fertile depressions
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Natural Resources:
Highest point: Town Hill 76 m
Population:
66,536 (July 2008 est.)
Nationality:
Noun: Bermudian(s)
Nationality:
Adjective: Bermudian
Ethnic groups:
Black 54.8%, white 34.1%, mixed 6.4%, other races 4.3%, unspecified 0.4% (2000 census)
Religions:
Anglican 23%, Roman Catholic 15%, African Methodist Episcopal 11%, other Protestant 18%, other 12%, unaffiliated 6%, unspecified 1%, none 14% (2000 census)
Languages:
English (official), Portuguese
Country Name:
Bermuda
Government Type:
Parliamentary; self-governing territory
Capital Name:
Hamilton
Independence:
None (overseas territory of the UK)
National Holiday:
Bermuda Day, 24 May
Constitution:
8 June 1968; amended 1989 and 2003
Legal System:
English law
Executive Branch:
Chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007)
Head of Government:
Premier Ewart BROWN (since 30 October 2006); Deputy Premier Paula COX
Cabinet:
Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor
Elections:
The monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed premier by the governor
