History

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.

Environment

Area: 54 km2

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

Natural resources: None

Ethnic characteristics

Groups: African descent 52%, White 31%, mixed 9%, Asian 4%, other 4% (2010 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.)

Government

Capital: Hamilton

Government type: Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy

Executive branch

Chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Andrew MURDOCH (since 23 January 2025)

Head of government: Premier David BURT (since 19 July 2017)cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, approved by the governorelection/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as the premier

Legislative branch

Description: legislature name: Parliamentlegislative structure: bicameral