2014 Edition

Background

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Self-governing since 1620, Bermuda is the oldest and most populous of the British overseas territories. Vacationing 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 also developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995.

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

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

14.8% 0% 85.2% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2011)

arable land

14.8%

other

85.2% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2011)

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

17.5% (male 6,165/female 6,031) 12.2% (male 4,275/female 4,267) 39.3% (male 13,706/female 13,741) 14.6% (male 4,813/female 5,368) 16.4% (male 4,821/female 6,652) (2014 est.)

0-14 years

17.5% (male 6,165/female 6,031)

15-24 years

12.2% (male 4,275/female 4,267)

25-54 years

39.3% (male 13,706/female 13,741)

55-64 years

14.6% (male 4,813/female 5,368)

65 years and over

16.4% (male 4,821/female 6,652) (2014 est.)

Birth rate

11.35 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Death rate

8.06 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Education expenditures

2.6% of GDP (2010)

Ethnic groups

black 53.8%, white 31%, mixed 7.5%, other 7.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.3% (2005 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

392 (2005 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

163 (2005 est.)

Infant mortality rate

2.48 deaths/1,000 live births 2.58 deaths/1,000 live births 2.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

female

2.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

total

2.48 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official), Portuguese

Life expectancy at birth

81.04 years 77.83 years 84.31 years (2014 est.)

female

84.31 years (2014 est.)

total population

81.04 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 urban areas - population

HAMILTON (capital) 11,000 (2011)

Median age

42.9 years 41.1 years 44.6 years (2014 est.)

female

44.6 years (2014 est.)

male

41.1 years

total

42.9 years

Nationality

Bermudian(s) Bermudian

adjective

Bermudian

noun

Bermudian(s)

Net migration rate

1.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Population

69,839 (July 2014 est.)

Population growth rate

0.52% (2014 est.)

Religions

Protestant 46.1% (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%, Bretheren 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.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 11 years 13 years (2011)

female

13 years (2011)

male

11 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.02 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.94 male(s)/female 0.72 male(s)/female 0.94 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

0-14 years

1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.72 male(s)/female

at birth

1.02 male(s)/female

total population

0.94 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.95 children born/woman (2014 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

10.8% 14.3% 7.6% (2000)

female

7.6% (2000)

total

10.8%

Urbanization

100% of total population (2011) 0.19% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.19% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

100% of total population (2011)

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

several previous (dating to 1684); latest entered into force 8 June 1968; amended several times, last in 2003 (2013)

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 Robert SETTJE (since August 2012) 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 Robert SETTJE (since August 2012)

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 George FERGUSSON (since 23 May 2012) Premier Michael DUNKLEY (since 20 May 2014) 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 George FERGUSSON (since 23 May 2012)

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 Michael DUNKLEY (since 20 May 2014)

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), ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UPU, WCO

Judicial branch

Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, 4 puisne judges, and 1 associate justice) note - the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, in London, is the court of last resort Court of Appeal justice appointed by the governor; justice tenure by individual appointment; Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission and appointed by the governor; judge tenure NA commercial court (began in 2006); magistrates' courts

highest court(s)

Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, 4 puisne judges, and 1 associate justice)

judge selection and term of office

Court of Appeal justice appointed by the governor; justice tenure by individual appointment; Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission and appointed by the governor; judge tenure NA

subordinate courts

commercial court (began in 2006); magistrates' 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 held on 17 December 2012 (next to be held not later than 2017) percent of vote by party - OBA 51.7%, PLP 46.1%, other 2.2%; seats by party - OBA 19, PLP 17

election results

percent of vote by party - OBA 51.7%, PLP 46.1%, other 2.2%; seats by party - OBA 19, PLP 17

elections

last held on 17 December 2012 (next to be held not later than 2017)

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 [Marc BEAN]; One Bermuda Alliance or OBA [Thad HOLLIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers or ABIR [Bradley KADING]; Association of Bermuda International Companies or ABIC [George HUTCHINGS]; Bermuda Employer's Council [Keith JENSEN]; Bermuda Industrial Union or BIU [Chris Furbert]; Bermuda Public Services Union or BPSU [Kevin GRANT and Ed BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$973.2 million $1.115 billion (FY11/12)

expenditures

$1.115 billion (FY11/12)

revenues

$973.2 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.5% of GDP (FY11/12 est.)

Debt - external

$1.4 billion (2012 est.)

Economy - overview

Despite four years of recession and a public debt of $1.4 billion, Bermuda enjoys the fourth highest per capita income in the world, about 70% higher than that of the US. The average cost of a single-family home in 2012 was $1.1 million. Its economy is primarily based on international business and the provision of financial services to that sector, and to a lesser extent tourism. A number of reinsurance companies relocated to the island following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US and again after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 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 and has dropped in its relevant importance to the economy, although it is still important as a job creator. Bermuda must import almost everything. Agriculture is limited due to the small size of the island and Bermuda's industrial sector is small.

Exchange rates

Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1 (2013 est.) 1 (2012 est.)

Exports

$13 million (2013 est.) $12 million (2012 est.)

Exports - commodities

reexports of pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners

Australia 17%, US 14.8%, Indonesia 12.6% (2012)

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition, by end use

29.4% 15% 23.3% 0% 64.8% -32.5% (2013 est.)

exports of goods and services

64.8%

government consumption

15%

household consumption

29.4%

imports of goods and services

-32.5%

investment in fixed capital

23.3%

investment in inventories

0%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

0.7% 5.7% 93.5% (2013 est.)

agriculture

0.7%

industry

5.7%

services

93.5% (2013 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$86,000 (2011 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

-3.5% (2011)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$5.6 billion (2011)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$5.6 billion (2011 est.) $5.803 billion (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$925 million (2013 est.) $900 million (2012 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

South Korea 46.2%, US 21%, Singapore 9.9%, China 7%, Turkmenistan 4.8% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

1% (2013 est.)

Industries

international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

1.8% (2013 est.) 2.4% (2012 est.)

Labor force

37,400 (2011)

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

$1.487 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.436 billion (31 December 2011) $1.535 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

11% (2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Taxes and other revenues

17.4% of GDP (FY11/12 est.)

Unemployment rate

8% (2012 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

776,900 Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)

Electricity - consumption

638.4 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

98.2% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.8% of total installed capacity the Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility turns waste to electric energy (2012 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

165,000 kW (2011 est.)

Electricity - production

675 million kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

2,747 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

2,747 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Broadcast media

3 TV stations; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; roughly 13 radio stations operating (2012)

Internet country code

.bm

Internet hosts

20,040 (2012)

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, CBUS, and the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1) submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2010)

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, CBUS, and the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1) submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 (2010)

Telephones - main lines in use

69,000 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

91,000 (2012)

Airports

1 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m

1 (2013)

total

1

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 22, chemical tanker 3, container 14, liquefied gas 43, passenger 27, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 19, refrigerated cargo 9 105 (France 1, Germany 14, Greece 8, Hong Kong 4, Ireland 1, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway 5, Sweden 14, UK 14, US 26) 241 (Bahamas 15, Cyprus 1, France 5, Greece 3, Hong Kong 20, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 15, Marshall Islands 35, Netherlands 1, Norway 24, Panama 27, Philippines 47, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Singapore 25, UK 6, US 5) (2010)

foreign-owned

105 (France 1, Germany 14, Greece 8, Hong Kong 4, Ireland 1, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway 5, Sweden 14, UK 14, US 26)

registered in other countries

241 (Bahamas 15, Cyprus 1, France 5, Greece 3, Hong Kong 20, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 15, Marshall Islands 35, Netherlands 1, Norway 24, Panama 27, Philippines 47, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Singapore 25, UK 6, US 5) (2010)

total

139

Ports and terminals

Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

major seaport(s)

Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Roadways

447 km 447 km 225 km public roads; 222 km private roads (2010)

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 (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-45 years of age for voluntary male or female enlistment in the Bermuda Regiment; males must register at age 18 and may be subject to conscription; term of service is 38 months for volunteers or conscripts (2012)

Disputes - international

none