Overview
Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists heading for Virginia. Self-governing since 1620, Bermuda is the oldest and most populous of the British Overseas Territories. Vacationing on the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important for the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years as Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995.
Geography
- Location
- North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
- Total Area
- 54 sq km
- Climate
- subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
- Terrain
- low hills separated by fertile depressions
- Natural Resources
- limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism
- Coastline
- 103 km
- Land Borders
- 0 km
People & Society
- Population
- 72,800 (2024 est.)
- Languages
- English (official), Portuguese
- Religions
- Protestant 46.2% (includes Anglican 15.8%, African Methodist Episcopal 8.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.7%, Pentecostal 3.5%, Methodist 2.7%, Presbyterian 2.0%, Church of God 1.6%, Baptist 1.2%, Salvation Army 1.1%, Brethren 1.0%, other Protestant 2.0%), Roman Catholic 14.5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, other Christian 9.1%, Muslim 1%, other 3.9%, none 17.8%, unspecified 6.2% (2010 est.)
- Ethnic Groups
- African descent 52%, White 31%, mixed 9%, Asian 4%, other 4% (2010 est.)
- Life Expectancy
- 82.5 years (2024 est.)
- Urbanization
- 100% of total population (2023)
Government
- Government Type
- Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy
- Capital
- Hamilton
- Independence
- none (overseas territory of the UK)
- Constitution
- several previous (dating to 1684); latest entered into force 8 June 1968 (Bermuda Constitution Order 1968)
- Legal System
- English common law
- Executive Branch
- King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Andrew MURDOCH (since 23 January 2025)
Economy
- Economic Overview
- small, tourism- and construction-based, territorial-island economy; American import and tourist destination; known offshore banking hub; increasing inflation; major re-exportation and re-importation area
- GDP (Official Rate)
- $8.98 billion (2024 est.)
- Major Industries
- international business, tourism, light manufacturing