Bermuda

Bermuda 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.

Bermuda Information

• Population: 64,935 (July 2004 est.)
• Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian
• Location:: North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
• Religions:: non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19%
• Ethnic Groups:: black 58%, white 36%, other 6%
• Land Boundaries:: 0 km
• Area: total: 53.3 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 53.3 sq km
• Coast Line: 103 km
• Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
• Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions
• Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
• Land Use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% other: 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2001)
• Environmental Issues: asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space; sustainable development
• Natural Resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism
• Highways: total: 450 km paved: 450 km note: public roads - 209 km; private roads - 241 km (2002) unpaved: 0 km
• Railways:
• Ports & Harbours: Hamilton, Saint George's, Dockyard
• Airports: 1 (2003 est.)