Bermuda

Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-governmentIndependence none (overseas territory of the UK)

Bermuda as the 2023 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 140 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.

field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe open editionEach field below ends in its editions, 1990 to 2025. Point at a year above to follow it down.

CapitalHamilton, UTC-4
Position32 20 N, 64 45 W
Area54 sq km
LocationNorth America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
Populationas each edition published it
72,576 people 2023 est. · 58,337 in 1990
Population growth% a year
0.32% 2023 est. · 0.78% in 1993
Median ageyears
43.7 years 2023 est. · 38.7 yrs in 2003
Life expectancyyears at birth
82.3 years 2023 est. · 75.03 yrs in 1993
Fertility ratechildren per woman
1.89 children per woman 2023 est. · 1.7 in 1990
Infant mortalitydeaths per 1,000 live births
2.2 deaths per 1,000 live births 2023 est. · 12 in 1990
GDP per capitaeach edition's own dollars
$80,300 2021 est. · $22,000 in 1993
GDP real growth% a year
5.41% 2021 est. · -1.5% in 1993

Introduction

1 field

Background

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 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.

Geography

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

17 fields

Land useshare of 54 sq km

arable land 14.8% (2018 est.)permanent pasture 0% (2018 est.)forest 20% (2018 est.)other 65.2% (2018 est.)agricultural land 14.8% (2018 est.) in all · permanent crops 0% (2018 est.) in all
Area
54sq km
land: 54 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmabout one-third the size of Washington, DC
Coastline
103km
territorial sea: 12 nmexclusive economic zone: 200 nmexclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Highest point
79m
Town Hilllowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Location

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

Geographic coordinates

32 20 N, 64 45 W

Map references

North America

Climate

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

Terrain

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Natural resources

limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Population distribution

relatively even population distribution throughout

Natural hazards

hurricanes (June to November)

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

People and Society

31 fields

Age structuremale left, female right · (2023 est.)

6,763
65 and over21.89%
9,124
22,401
15-6461.66%
22,347
6,126
0-1416.45%
5,815
MaleFemaleDependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 52.9 · youth dependency ratio: 22.8 · elderly dependency ratio: 30.1 · potential support ratio: 3.3 (2021)
Population
72,576
(2023 est.)growth rate: 0.32% (2023 est.)

Per 1,000 population(2023 est.)

Birth
11Death
9.2Net migration
1.4

Male · female(2015)

TotalMale · femaleLife expectancy82.3
79.2 · 85.5Infant mortality2.2
2.5 · 1.8Median age43.7
41.4 · 46.3
TotalMale · femaleSchool life expectancy years13
12 · 13Youth unemployment29.3%
29.7% · 29%
MaleFemale

Ethnic groups(2010 est.)

African descent 52%White 31%mixed 9%Asian 4%other 4% (2010 est.)

Religions(2010 est.)

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.)
Urban population
100%of total population
(2023)rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)Major urban areas - population: 10,000 HAMILTON (capital) (2018)
Improved drinking water
99.9%of population
improved: urban: 99.9% of populationrural: NAunimproved: urban: 0.1% of populationrural: NAtotal: 0.1% of population (2020)
Improved sanitation
99.9%of population
improved: urban: 99.9% of populationrural: NAunimproved: urban: 0.1% of populationrural: NAtotal: 0.1% of population (2020)

Nationality

noun:
Bermudian(s)
adjective:
Bermudian

Languages

English (official), Portuguese

Median age

total:
43.7 years (2023 est.)
male:
41.4 years
female:
46.3 years

Population distribution

relatively even population distribution throughout

Sex ratio

at birth:
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years:
1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years:
1 male(s)/female
65 years and over:
0.74 male(s)/female
total population:
0.95 male(s)/female (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate

total:
2.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2023 est.)
male:
2.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female:
1.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth

total population:
82.3 years (2023 est.)
male:
79.2 years
female:
85.5 years

Total fertility rate

1.89 children born/woman (2023 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.92 (2023 est.)

Education expenditures

1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)

Literacy

total population:
NA
male:
NA
female:
NA

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total:
29.3% (2014 est.)
male:
29.7%
female:
29%

Environment

6 fields

Land use(2018 est.)

arable land 14.8% (2018 est.)permanent pasture 0% (2018 est.)forest 20% (2018 est.)other 65.2% (2018 est.)agricultural land 14.8% (2018 est.) in all · permanent crops 0% (2018 est.) in all

Environment - current issues

  • dense population and heavy vehicle traffic create serious congestion and air pollution problems;
  • water resources scarce (most obtained as rainwater or from wells);
  • solid waste disposal;
  • hazardous waste disposal;
  • sewage disposal;
  • overfishing;
  • oil spills

Climate

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

Urbanization

urban population:
100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization:
-0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Air pollutants

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.61 megatons (2016 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually:
82,000 tons (2012 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually:
1,640 tons (2012 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled:
2% (2012 est.)

Government

Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); Premier David BURT (since 19 July 2017)

23 fields

Presidential electionpercent of vote

62.1%
PLP 62.1%OBA 32.3%other 5.4%independent 0.2%

House of Assemblypercent of vote

PLP 62.1%OBA 32.3%other 5.4%independent 0.2%

Country name

conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Bermuda
former:
Somers Islands
etymology:
the islands making up Bermuda are named after Juan de BERMUDEZ, an early 16th century Spanish sea captain and the first European explorer of the archipelago

Government type

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

Dependency status

overseas territory of the UK

Capital

name:
Hamilton
geographic coordinates:
32 17 N, 64 47 W
time difference:
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:
+1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
etymology:
named after Henry HAMILTON (ca. 1734-1796) who served as governor of Bermuda from 1788-1794

Administrative divisions

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

Independence

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday

Bermuda Day, 24 May; note - formerly known as Victoria Day, Empire Day, and Commonwealth Day

Constitution

history:
several previous (dating to 1684); latest entered into force 8 June 1968 (Bermuda Constitution Order 1968)
amendments:
  • proposal procedure - NA;
  • passage by an Order in Council in the UK;
  • amended several times, last in 2012

International law organization participation

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

Citizenship

citizenship by birth:
no
citizenship by descent only:
at least one parent must be a citizen of the UK
dual citizenship recognized:
yes
residency requirement for naturalization:
10 years

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

chief of state:
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Rena LALGIE (since 14 December 2020)
head of government:
Premier David BURT (since 19 July 2017)
cabinet:
Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor
elections/appointments:
  • the monarchy is hereditary;
  • governor appointed by the monarch;
  • following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

Legislative branch

description:
bicameral Parliament consists of:; Senate (11 seats; 3 members appointed by the governor, 5 by the premier, and 3 by the opposition party; members serve 5-year terms); House of Assembly (36 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve up to 5-year terms)
elections:
Senate - last appointments in 2022 (next appointments in 2027); House of Assembly - last held on 1 October 2020 (next to be held not later than 2025)
election results:
Senate - composition as of October 2023 - men 4, women 7, percent of women 63.6%;
  • House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - PLP 62.1%, OBA 32.3%, other 5.4%, independent 0.2%;
  • seats by party - PLP 30, OBA 6 1 vacant;
  • composition as of October 2023 - men 26, women 9, percent of women 25%;
  • note - total Parliament percent of women as of September 2023 - 34%

Judicial branch

highest court(s):
  • Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 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 final appeal
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 based on terms of appointment
subordinate courts:
commercial court (began in 2006); magistrates' courts

Political parties and leaders

  • Free Democratic Movement or FDM [Marc A. R. BEAN]
  • One Bermuda Alliance or OBA [N. H. Cole SIMONS]
  • Progressive Labor Party or PLP [E. David BURT]

International organization participation

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

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission:
Consul General Karen GRISSETTE (since 6 July 2021)
embassy:
US Consulate Bermuda, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, DV 03, Bermuda
mailing address:
5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300
telephone:
(441) 295-1342
FAX:
(441) 295-1592
email address and website:
[email protected]; https://bm.usconsulate.gov/
consulate(s) general:
16 Middle Road, Devonshire DV O3

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 the settling of Bermuda

note: the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

National anthem

name:
Hail to Bermuda
lyrics/music:
Bette JOHNS

note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the King" is official (see United Kingdom)

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites:
1 (cultural); note - excerpted from the UK entry
selected World Heritage Site locales:
Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications

Economy

Small, tourism- and construction-based, territorial-island economy; American import and tourist destination; known offshore banking hub; increasing inflation; major re-exportation and re-importation area

32 fields
GDP, purchasing power parity
$5.127billion
(2021 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars · $4.863 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars · $5.22 billion (2019 est.)official exchange rate: $6.127 billion (2016 est.)
GDP per capita, PPP
$80,300
(2021 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars · $76,100 (2020 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars · $81,700 (2019 est.)
Real growth rate
5.41%
(2021 est.) · -6.84% (2020 est.) · 0.31% (2019 est.)industrial production growth: 0.1% (2021 est.)
Inflation, consumer prices
1.9%
(2017 est.) · 1.4% (2016 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin(2017 est.)

agriculture 0.9% (2017 est.)industry 5.3% (2017 est.)services 93.8% (2017 est.)

Trading partnersexports left, imports right

49.1%
Jamaica
United States
44%
36.1%
Luxembourg
South Korea
17%
Germany
10%
Canada
8%
4.9%
US
Exports $1.123 billion (2021 est.)Imports $1.925 billion (2021 est.) note: data are in current year dollars(2017) · (2019)

By end use% of GDP · (2017 est.)

Household consumption
51.3%Government consumption
15.7%Fixed capital
13.7%Inventories
0%Exports
49.8%Imports
-30.4%

Budget(2017 est.)

Revenues
$999.2 millionExpenditures
$1.176 billion

Economic overview

  • small, tourism- and construction-based, territorial-island economy;
  • American import and tourist destination;
  • known offshore banking hub;
  • increasing inflation;
  • major re-exportation and re-importation area

Credit ratings

Fitch rating:
N/A (2015)
Moody's rating:
A2 (2016)

Standard & Poors rating: A+ (2015)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Agricultural products

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

Industries

international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Labor force

33,480 (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture:
2%
industry:
13%
services:
85% (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

7% (2017 est.) · 7% (2016 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total:
29.3% (2014 est.)
male:
29.7%
female:
29%

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Public debt

43% of GDP (FY14/15)

Taxes and other revenues

16.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

Current account balance

$1.015 billion (2021 est.) · $853.85 million (2020 est.) · $838.701 million (2019 est.)

Exports

$1.123 billion (2021 est.) · $1.027 billion (2020 est.) · $1.605 billion (2019 est.) note: Data are in current year dollars and do not include illicit exports or re-exports.

Exports - commodities

recreational boats, ships, trailers, aircraft, fertilizers (2021)

Imports

$1.925 billion (2021 est.) note: data are in current year dollars; $1.723 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars; $2.224 billion (2019 est.)

Imports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, postage stamps, recreational boats, aircraft (2019)

Debt - external

$2.515 billion (2017 est.) · $2.435 billion (2015 est.)

Exchange rates

Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1 (2021 est.) · 1 (2020 est.) · 1 (2019 est.) · 1 (2018 est.) · 1 (2017 est.)

Energy

11 fields

Electrification% of population · (2021)

100%Total

Installed generating capacity, 172,000 kW(2020 est.)

fossil fuels 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)nuclear 0% · solar 0% · wind 0% · hydroelectricity 0% · tide and wave 0% · geothermal 0% · biomass and waste 0%
Electricity consumption
533.434 million (2019 est.)Electricity transmission/distribution losses
41 million (2019 est.)Refined petroleum imports
3,939 (2015 est.)

Coal

production:
0 metric tons (2020 est.)
consumption:
0 metric tons (2020 est.)
exports:
0 metric tons (2020 est.)
imports:
0 metric tons (2020 est.)
proven reserves:
0 metric tons (2019 est.)

Petroleum

total petroleum production:
0 bbl/day (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption:
5,200 bbl/day (2019 est.)
crude oil and lease condensate exports:
0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
crude oil and lease condensate imports:
0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves:
0 barrels (2021 est.)

Natural gas

production:
0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption:
0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
exports:
0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
imports:
0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
proven reserves:
0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions

796,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke:
0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids:
796,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from consumed natural gas:
0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

Energy consumption per capita

176.312 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Communications

7 fields

Per 100 inhabitants(2020–21 est.)

110Mobile cellular
100%Internet users, % of population
39Fixed lines
37Fixed broadband
Mobile cellular
68,000
(2021 est.)
Internet users
64,000
(2021 est.)
Fixed lines
25,000
(2021 est.)
Fixed broadband
23,000
(2020 est.) · country code .bm

Telecommunication systems

general assessment:
  • the telecom sector has seen a decline in subscriber numbers (particularly for prepaid mobile services the mainstay of short term visitors) and revenue;
  • fixed and mobile broadband services are two areas that have benefited from the crisis as employees and students have resorted to working from home;
  • one area of the telecom market that is not prepared for growth is 5G mobile;
  • governments, regulators, and even the mobile network operators have shown that they have not been investing in 5G opportunities at the present time;
  • network expansion and enhancements remain concentrated around improving LTE coverage (2021)
domestic:
the system has a fixed-line teledensity of 39 per 100, coupled with a mobile-cellular teledensity of roughly 110 per 100 persons (2021)
international:
  • country code - 1-441;
  • landing points for the GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, CBUS, and the CB-1 submarine cables to the Caribbean, South America and the US;
  • satellite earth stations - 3 (2019)

Broadcast media

  • 3 TV stations;
  • cable and satellite TV subscription services are available;
  • roughly 13 radio stations operating

Transportation

6 fields

Merchant marine, 135 ships by type(2022)

container ship 14oil tanker 15other 106

Airports

1 (2021)

Airports - with paved runways

1

note: paved runways have a concrete or asphalt surface but not all have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control; the length of a runway required for aircraft to safely operate depends on a number of factors including the type of aircraft, the takeoff weight (including passengers, cargo, and fuel), engine types, flap settings, landing speed, elevation of the airport, and average maximum daily air temperature;

paved runways can reach a length of 5,000 m (16,000 ft.), but the “typical” length of a commercial airline runway is between 2,500-4,000 m (8,000-13,000 ft.)

Roadways

total:
447 km (2010)
paved:
447 km (2010)

note: 225 km public roads; 222 km private roads

Ports and terminals

major seaport(s): Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Military and Security

Royal Bermuda Regiment; Bermuda Police Service (2023) | note: the Royal Bermuda Regiment (aka "The Regiment") includes the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard

5 fields

Personnel strengthsone square, 100 people · (2023)

the Royal Bermuda Regiment has 350the Royal Bermuda Regiment has about 350 troops (2023)

Military and security forces

Royal Bermuda Regiment; Bermuda Police Service (2023) note: the Royal Bermuda Regiment (aka "The Regiment") includes the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the Regiment is equipped with small arms (2023)

Military service age and obligation

  • men and women who are Commonwealth citizens and 18-45 years of age can volunteer for the Bermuda Regiment;
  • service is for a minimum period of three years and two months from the date of enlistment;
  • service can be extended only by volunteering or an executive order from the Governor;
  • annual training commitment is about 30 days a year, which includes a two-week camp, weekends, and drill nights (2023)

Military - note

  • defense is the responsibility of the UK;
  • the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s responsibilities include maritime security of Bermuda’s inshore waters, search and rescue, ceremonial duties, humanitarian/disaster assistance, security of key installations, and assisting the Bermuda Police with maintaining public order;
  • it includes explosive ordnance disposal, diver, maritime, security police, and support units (2023)

Transnational Issues

1 field

Cite this entry

Central Intelligence Agency. “Bermuda.” The World Factbook 2023. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/bermuda/2023.