Bermuda

I

Introduction

Bermuda or Bermudas, island group, self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom, in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The group consists of more than 150 small islands, islets, and rocks, of which about 20 are inhabited. Only six islands are of importance, and these are linked together by bridges and a causeway: Bermuda, also called Great Bermuda and Main Island, which is the largest (23 km/14 mi in length); Somerset; Ireland; St George’s; St David’s; and Boaz. Hamilton is the capital, chief port, and largest city (1994 population estimate, 1,100) in Bermuda. The total area of the Bermuda Islands is 53 sq km (20y sq mi).

II

Land and Resources

Geologically the islands have a base of volcanic rock and are capped by coral formations; they are the world’s most northerly coral islands. They are enclosed on the north, west, and south by reefs, which are mostly under water. The islands are separated from one another by narrow channels, but include several coral lagoons, or sounds, of which the most important are Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour. There are many beaches, and the west coastline of the group contains nature reserves, wooded areas, and beautiful bays. The underwater caves, reefs, shipwrecks, and coral and marine life make the clear waters of Bermuda popular with divers and snorkellers. The islands are low-lying but hilly, being about 80 m (260 ft) above sea level.

Lacking surface water and freshwater wells, the islands must depend on rainwater, which is collected from rooftops and stored in tanks, for water supply. The average rainfall is about 1,470 mm (58 in) a year. The climate is mild, the temperature averaging 17.2° C (63° F) in winter and 26.1° C (79° F) in summer. The ocean winds are tempered by the warm Gulf Stream, but when south winds prevail, the humidity rises and severe thunderstorms are frequent. Vegetation is luxuriant and includes Bermuda cedar, bamboo, palm, pawpaw, and numerous flowering plants. Hedges of oleander and thickets of mangrove are characteristic features of the islands.

III

Population

Hamilton, on Bermuda Island, is the capital and the chief town and port. Next in importance is St George, on St George’s Island. Life expectancy at birth in the Bermuda Islands is 73.4 years for men and 76.9 years for women (1996 estimate). Some 60 per cent of the population is black. Anglicanism is the principal religion. Education is free and compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16; about 9,300 students attend Bermuda’s primary and secondary schools each year. Bermuda College (1974) provides tertiary education. Population 66,536 (2008 estimate).

IV

Economy

The picturesque scenery and the warm, sunny climate make the Bermudas a popular resort. Tourism is the main economic activity followed by banking and other financial services, which have grown in importance as a result of Bermuda’s favourable tax conditions. Manufactured goods include pharmaceuticals, perfumes, flavouring extracts, mineral-water extracts, and essential oils. Only a very small area is under cultivation; bananas, vegetables, and cut flowers are grown. Food supplies and fuels form the major part of Bermudian imports. The monetary unit of Bermuda is the Bermuda dollar of 100 cents (1 Bermuda dollar equalled US$1; early 2008). Roads total about 240 km (150 mi). Bermuda is serviced by several international airlines and shipping companies, and enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.