Country name conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bermuda
former: Somers Islands Background 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. A referendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995.Location North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (US) Area total: 53.3 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 53.3 sq km Area - comparative about one-third the size of Washington, DC 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
highest point: Town Hill 76 m Natural hazards hurricanes (June to November) Environment - current issues asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space; sustainable development Geography - 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 Population 64,482 (July 2003 est.) Age structure 0-14 years: 19.2% (male 6,195; female 6,205)
15-64 years: 69.3% (male 22,110; female 22,574)
65 years and over: 11.5% (male 3,215; female 4,183) (2003 est.) Median age total: 38.7 years
male: 37.8 years
female: 39.6 years (2002) Sex ratio at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.) Nationality noun: Bermudian(s)
adjective: Bermudian Ethnic groups black 58%, white 36%, other 6% Religions non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19% Languages English (official), Portuguese Internet country code .bm Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 98%
female: 99% (1970 est.) Government type parliamentary British overseas territory with internal self-government National holiday Bermuda Day, 24 May Legal system English law International organization participation Caricom (observer), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, WCO Economy - overview Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, with its economy primarily based on providing financial services for international business and luxury facilities for tourists. The effects of 11 September 2001 have had both positive and negative ramifications for Bermuda. On the positive side, a number of new reinsurance companies have located on the island, contributing to the expansion of an already robust international business sector. On the negative side, Bermuda"s tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - has been severely hit as American tourists have chosen not to travel. Tourism rebounded somewhat in 2002, but remains below the pre-11 September level. Most capital equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda"s industrial sector is small, although construction continues to be important. Agriculture is limited, only 6% of the land being arable. Exports - partners France 77.4%, UK 2.8%, US 2.4% (2002) Currency Bermudian dollar (BMD) Currency code BMD Exchange rates Bermudian dollar per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar) Airports 1 (2002) Airports - with paved runways total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002) Airports - with unpaved runways Disputes - international none |
