2011 Edition

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. Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the issue.

Area

54 sq km 54 sq km 0 sq km

total

54 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Climate

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

Coastline

103 km

Elevation extremes

Atlantic Ocean 0 m Town Hill 76 m

highest point

Town Hill 76 m

lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

sustainable development

Geographic coordinates

32 20 N, 64 45 W

Geography - note

consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by the US Government from 1941 to 1995

Irrigated land

NA (2008)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

20% 0% 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2005)

arable land

20%

other

80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2005)

permanent crops

0%

Location

North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)

Map references

North America

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm

exclusive fishing zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

hurricanes (June to November)

Natural resources

limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Terrain

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Age structure

18% (male 6,212/female 6,129) 67% (male 22,701/female 23,293) 15.1% (male 4,304/female 6,040) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

18% (male 6,212/female 6,129)

15-64 years

67% (male 22,701/female 23,293)

65 years and over

15.1% (male 4,304/female 6,040) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

11.42 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Death rate

7.57 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Education expenditures

2.6% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

black 54.8%, white 34.1%, mixed 6.4%, other races 4.3%, unspecified 0.4% (2000 census)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.3% (2005)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

392 (2005)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

163 (2005)

Infant mortality rate

2.47 deaths/1,000 live births 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births 2.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

2.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

2.47 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official), Portuguese

Life expectancy at birth

80.71 years 77.49 years 83.99 years (2011 est.)

female

83.99 years (2011 est.)

total population

80.71 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 98% 98% 99% (2005 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99% (2005 est.)

male

98%

total population

98%

Major cities - population

HAMILTON (capital) 12,000 (2009)

Median age

42 years 40.4 years 43.5 years (2011 est.)

female

43.5 years (2011 est.)

male

40.4 years

total

42 years

Nationality

Bermudian(s) Bermudian

adjective

Bermudian

noun

Bermudian(s)

Net migration rate

2.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Population

68,679 (July 2011 est.)

Population growth rate

0.594% (2011 est.)

Religions

Protestant 52% (Anglican 23%, African Methodist Episcopal 11%, other Protestant 18%), Roman Catholic 15%, other 12%, unaffiliated 6%, unspecified 1%, none 14% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 12 years (2006)

female

12 years (2006)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.015 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female 0.71 male(s)/female 0.94 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.71 male(s)/female

at birth

1.015 male(s)/female

total population

0.94 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.01 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.97 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Urbanization

100% of total population (2010) 0.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

100% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, Warwick

Capital

Hamilton 32 17 N, 64 47 W UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

geographic coordinates

32 17 N, 64 47 W

name

Hamilton

time difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

8 June 1968; amended 1989 and 2003

Country name

none Bermuda Somers Islands

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Bermuda

former

Somers Islands

Dependency status

overseas territory of the UK

Diplomatic representation from the US

Consul General Grace W. SHELTON Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3 P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, US Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300 [1] (441) 295-1342 [1] (441) 295-1592, 296-9233

chief of mission

Consul General Grace W. SHELTON

consulate(s) general

Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3

FAX

[1] (441) 295-1592, 296-9233

mailing address

P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, US Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300

telephone

[1] (441) 295-1342

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Executive branch

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007) Premier Paula COX (since 29 October 2010); Deputy Premier Derrick BURGESS Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

cabinet

Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor

chief of state

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir Richard GOZNEY (since 12 December 2007)

elections

the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

head of government

Premier Paula COX (since 29 October 2010); Deputy Premier Derrick BURGESS

Flag description

red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (a white shield with a red lion standing on a green grassy field holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag; it was the shipwreck of the vessel, filled with English colonists originally bound for Virginia, that led to settling of Bermuda the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

Government type

parliamentary; self-governing territory

Independence

none (overseas territory of the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

Caricom (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UPU, WCO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (Chief Justice and other justices appointed by the governor; remain in office until they reach 65 years of age); Court of Appeal (President of the Court of Appeal and other justices appointed by the governor for a specific period laid out in their respective instruments of appointment); Magistrate Courts

Legal system

English common law

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; members appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition to serve a five-year term) and the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms) last general election held on 18 December 2007 (next to be held not later than 2012) percent of vote by party - PLP 52.5%, UBP 47.3%; seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

election results

percent of vote by party - PLP 52.5%, UBP 47.3%; seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

elections

last general election held on 18 December 2007 (next to be held not later than 2012)

National anthem

"Hail to Bermuda" Bette JOHNS serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

lyrics/music

Bette JOHNS

name

"Hail to Bermuda"

National holiday

Bermuda Day, 24 May

National symbol(s)

red lion

Political parties and leaders

Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Ewart BROWN]; United Bermuda Party or UBP [Kim SWAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial Union or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Union or BPSU [Ed BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products, honey

Budget

$738 million $665 million (FY04/05)

expenditures

$665 million (FY04/05)

revenues

$738 million

Current account balance

$660 million (2010 est.) $548 million (2009 est.)

Debt - external

$160 million (FY99/00)

Economy - overview

Bermuda enjoys the third highest per capita income in the world, more than 50% higher than that of the US; the average cost of a house by the mid-2000s exceeded $1,000,000. Its economy is primarily based on providing financial services for international business and luxury facilities for tourists. A number of reinsurance companies relocated to the island following the 11 September 2001 attacks and again after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 contributing to the expansion of an already robust international business sector. Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - continues to struggle but remains the island's number two industry. Most capital equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is largely focused on construction and agriculture is limited, with only 20% of the land being arable.

Electricity - consumption

636.4 million kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

693.7 million kWh (2009 est.)

Exchange rates

Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1.000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)

Exports

$27 million (2010 est.) $29 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities

reexports of pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners

India 88.4%, France 14.6%, Germany 13.2%, Norway 7.2%, Bangladesh 6.7%, Indonesia 6.5%, US 4.4%, Nepal 1.8% (2010)

GDP - composition by sector

0.7% 8.4% 90.8% (2010 est.)

agriculture

0.7%

industry

8.4%

services

90.8% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$69,900 (2004 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

4.6% (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$NA

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$4.5 billion (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$966 million (2010 est.) $1.065 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities

clothing, fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals

Imports - partners

India 63.1%, Germany 36.2%, South Korea 22.2%, US 15.9%, India 9.1%, China 8.4%, India 4.5% (2010)

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Industries

international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.4% (2010 est.) 1.8% (2009 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

24.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Labor force

38,360 (2004)

Labor force - by occupation

3% 17% 19% 21% 15% 7% 19% (2004 est.)

administrative and managerial

15%

agriculture and fishing

3%

clerical

19%

laborers

17%

professional and technical

21%

sales

7%

services

19% (2004 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.535 billion (31 December 2010) $1.36 billion (31 December 2009) $1.912 billion (31 December 2008)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

Oil - consumption

5,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

4,804 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

19% (2000)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Unemployment rate

2.1% (2004 est.)

Broadcast media

3 television stations; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; roughly 10 radio stations operating (2007)

Internet country code

.bm

Internet hosts

19,855 (2010)

Internet users

54,000 (2009)

Telephone system

a good, fully automatic digital telephone system with fiber-optic trunk lines the system has a high fixed-line teledensity coupled with a mobile-cellular teledensity of roughly 125 per 100 persons country code - 1-441; landing points for the GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, and the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1)submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2009)

domestic

the system has a high fixed-line teledensity coupled with a mobile-cellular teledensity of roughly 125 per 100 persons

general assessment

a good, fully automatic digital telephone system with fiber-optic trunk lines

international

country code - 1-441; landing points for the GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, and the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1)submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2009)

Telephones - main lines in use

57,800 (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

88,200 (2010)

Airports

1 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2010)

2,438 to 3,047 m

1 (2010)

total

1

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 22, chemical tanker 3, container 15, liquefied gas 38, passenger 26, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 9 114 (China 13, France 1, Germany 15, Greece 2, Hong Kong 5, Ireland 2, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway 5, Sweden 17, UK 11, US 25) 180 (Bahamas 12, Cyprus 1, Greece 3, Hong Kong 12, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 34, Norway 5, Panama 15, Philippines 43, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Singapore 21, UK 9, US 5) (2010)

foreign-owned

114 (China 13, France 1, Germany 15, Greece 2, Hong Kong 5, Ireland 2, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway 5, Sweden 17, UK 11, US 25)

registered in other countries

180 (Bahamas 12, Cyprus 1, Greece 3, Hong Kong 12, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 34, Norway 5, Panama 15, Philippines 43, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Singapore 21, UK 9, US 5) (2010)

total

139

Ports and terminals

Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Roadways

447 km 447 km public roads - 225 km; private roads - 222 km (2007)

total

447 km

Manpower available for military service

15,081 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

15,081 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

12,323 12,174 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

12,174 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

12,323

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

410 (2010 est.)

female

410 (2010 est.)

male

433

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Military branches

Bermuda Regiment (2009)

Military expenditures

0.11% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18-30 years of age for voluntary or compulsory enlistment in the Bermuda Regiment; males must register at age 18; term of service is 38 months (2009)

Disputes - international

none