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Tourist Notes:
Shipwrecks. African drum beats. Knee socks. Culturally, our resort island is a unique blend of colonial history and African heritage. This has given birth to our colourful local legends and rich traditions.
As Britain’s oldest colony,
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its influence continues to dominate our government, educational and legal institutions. You may spot one of our judges walking through Hamilton in a powdered wig, see a bobby directing traffic or overhear a passionate conversation about a local cricket match.
African influences, while subtler, can be found in our dance and music, especially reggae, calypso and the rhythm of the Gombeys.
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Geography
Location: North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
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
Coastline: 103 km
Maritime claims:
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
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
Highest point: Town Hill 76 m
Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism
Natural hazards: hurricanes (June to November)
Environment current issues: sustainable development
Georgraphy Note: consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by US Government from 1941 to 1995
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People
Population: 65,773 (July 2006 est.)
Languages: English (official), Portuguese
Median age:
Total: 40.2 years
Male: 39.3 years
Female: 41 years (2006 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.61% (2006 est.)
Net migration rate: 2.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
Sex ratio:
Total Population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Total population: 77.96 years
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.297% (2005)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 163 (2005)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 392 (2005)
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)
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 98%
Male: 98%
Female: 99% (2003 est.)
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Government
Country name:
Conventional long form: none
Conventional short form: Bermuda
Former: Somers Islands
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK
Government type: parliamentary British overseas territory with internal self-government
Capital: Hamilton
Currency (code): Bermudian dollar (BMD)
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May
Economy overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, nearly equal to that of the US. Its economy is primarily based on providing financial services for international business and luxury facilities for tourists. A number of reinsurance companies relocated to the island following 11 September 2001 and again after Hurricane Katrina, contributing to the expansion of an already robust international business sector. Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - continues to struggle but remains the island's number two industry. Most capital equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is small, although construction continues to be important; the average cost of a house in June 2003 had risen to $976,000. Agriculture is limited with only 20% of the land being arable.
Unemployment rate: 2.1% (2004 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (November 2005)
Population below poverty line: 19% (2000)
Industries: international business, tourism, light manufacturing
International Disputes: none
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Communications
Telephones - main lines in use: 56,000 (2002)
Telephones mobile cellular: 49,000 (2004)
Television broadcast stations: 3 (2005)
Internet country code: .bm
Internet users: 39,000 (2005)
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