Bermuda on Pixibot

Bermuda is an internally self-governing island Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, situated in the Atlantic Ocean. It has become one of the world's most important offshore financial centres. See Economy of Bermuda. Bermuda is often referred to as a tax haven or corporate haven. The United Nations Committee on Decolonization includes Bermuda on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.[1]

Bermuda is one of the three vertices bordering the Bermuda Triangle, an allegedly paranormal region of the Atlantic Ocean.

BermudaBermuda

National motto: Quo Fata Ferunt (Latin: Whither the Fates carry [us])

Official language English

Political status Overseas territory of the UK

Capital Hamilton

Governor and Commander-in-Chief Sir John Vereker

Premier Alex Scott

Area 58.8 kmÂ²

Population
-Total(2003 E) - Density

64,482 1 096/kmÂ²

Currency Bermuda dollar on par with US dollar

Time zone UTC -4

National anthem God Save the Queen

Internet TLD .bm

Calling Code 1 (Area code 441)

History

Bermuda was discovered by the early 1500s, probably in 1503, although the evidence for the exact year, and the identity of the discoverer, is sketchy. It was certainly known by 1511, when Peter Martyr published his Legatio Babylonica, which mentioned Bermuda. The discovery is attributed to a Spanish explorer, Juan de Bermudez. Both Spanish and Portuguese ships used the islands as a replenishment spot for fresh meat and water, but legends of spirits, now thought to have stemmed only from the callings of raucous birds, kept them from attempting any permanent settlement. Then an unexpected shipwreck, the Sea Venture, on its way to the new colony in America left the first colonists in possession of a new territory. The land was claimed by the British Crown and control was granted to a company in order to produce tobacco for the markets in London. The islands gained the name the Somers Isles, named after Sir George Somers, a leading investor in the company. Soon the colony of Virgina far surpassed Bermuda in both quality and quantity of tobacco produced. After the decline of the Somers Isle Company, life petered along until a period of boat building became prevalent on the island due to the large amounts of good juniper (Juniperus bermudiana Bermuda Cruise , Bermuda cedar) woods that grew thickly over the whole island. Soon afterward the British Royal Navy began improving the harbours and built a large dockyard on the western end of the island. Thereafter the navy used the bases as a strategic asset which later benefited the USA as well (see below).

In the early 20th century, as modern transport and communication systems developed, Bermuda became a popular destination for wealthy US, Canadian and British tourists. In addition, the tariff Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act enacted by the United States against its trading partners in 1930 cut off Bermuda's once-thriving agricultural export trade - primarily fresh vegetables to the US - spurring the overseas territory to develop its tourist industry, which is second behind international business in terms of economic importance to the island.

During World War II, Bermuda became important as a military base because of its location in the Atlantic Ocean. In 1941, the United States signed a lend-lease agreement with the United Kingdom giving the British surplus US Navy destroyers in exchange for 99-year lease rights to establish naval and air bases in Bermuda. The bases consisted of 5.8km Â² (2.25 miÂ²) of land largely reclaimed from the sea. The US Naval Air Station was on St. David's Island, while the US Naval Air Station Annex was at the western end of the island in the Great Sound.

Both bases were closed on 1 September 1995, as were British and Canadian bases on the island Bermuda Triangle . Unresolved issues concerning the 1995 withdrawal of US forces - primarily related to environmental factors - delayed the formal return of the base lands to the Government of Bermuda, which finally happened in 2002.

Politics

Led by Premier Alex Scott, some Bermudians are clamouring for independence from Britain, although as of 2005 it was quite clear that a majority was against independence. A number of polls have been taken in 2004-05 in which around 45% of black voters are against and 90% of white voters are against it.

Geography

There are two incorporated municipalities in Bermuda; the City of Hamilton, and the Town of St George. There are also a number of localities which are sometimes termed villages, among them Flatts and Somerset.

Flora and fauna in Bermuda

Economy

Bermuda is a developed country with average incomes similar to many of the major developed nations.

Demographics

More than half of the population is black and more than a third is white.

Culture

Bermudian Architecture
Bermudian cricket team
Bermudian English
Music of Bermuda
Bermudian Traditions
Sports and recreation in Bermuda
Food and drink in Bermuda
TV and radio in Bermuda
Nightlife in Bermuda

Miscellaneous topics

Places of interest in Bermuda
Communications in Bermuda
Transportation in Bermuda
Military of Bermuda
Holidays in Bermuda

Bermuda Weather

Famous residents

Bermudians of note:

Clarence Hill (Boxing - Olympic Bronze Medal Winner)
Clarence "Nicky" Saunders (High Jump - Commonwealth Games Gold Medal Winner)
Johnny Barnes
Clyde Best
Heather Nova
Gina Swainson (former Miss World 1979-1980)

Famous Residents - Current and Past

Mark Twain
Georgia O'Keefe
Ross Perot
Silvio Berlusconi Italian Prime Minister
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones
David Bowie and Iman
Twiggy
Patrick Rafter

Reference

^ "Non-Self-Governing Territories listed by General Assembly in 2002". United Nations Special Committee of 24 on Decolonization. URL accessed on March 10, 2005.

Travel guide to Bermuda from Wikitravel
Bermuda-Island.net - Complete Travel Guide
Envirotalk.org - A discussion forum focusing on environmental issues in Bermuda and around the world.
The Royal Gazette - A weekdaily newspaper with online content
Bermuda 4U - A comprehensive and independent guide to Bermuda
A Limey In Bermuda - Life in Bermuda from the perspective of a British expat
Bermuda Online - A privately-maintained site which contains much useful material
Insiders Guide to Bermuda - A good visitor-oriented site
Poker in Bermuda - a source for local poker events, results, and info.

Bermuda Vacation