Bermuda

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bermuda
former: Somers Islands

General Info

Area

53.300000 km²

Capital

Hamilton

Currency

Bermudian dollar (BMD)

International phone code

1-441

Internet country code

.bm

Languages

English, Portuguese

Religions

Anglican, Roman Catholic, African Methodist Episcopal, other Protestant

Population

66,163

Government

parliamentary; self-governing territory

Flag

red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and green shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag

Description

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.

History

Climate

subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter

For visitors

Immigration rules/visa

Vaccinations

Transportation

Prices

Weblinks

• CIA World Factbook entry