Bermuda - Overview:
Bermuda is a British overseas territory comprised of approximately 150 islands and islets located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres to the east of the United States of America. The main island group includes 7 islands (Bermuda, also known as the 'main island', Boaz, Ireland North and Ireland South, Somerset, St David’s and St George’s), which are linked by a causeway and a series of bridges, and together cover an area of about 52 square kilometres. The City of Hamilton, located on the Main Island, is the capital of Bermuda and the principal, economic, cultural and administrative centre.
The total population of the archipelago is in the region of 65,000 people and English is the official language. The British Monarch is the head of state and is represented on the islands by a Governor. There is a parliamentary system of government, which is solely responsible for internal affairs, while the British Government retains responsibility for foreign policy, security and defence. Elections for the House of Assembly take place no more than five years apart, while the Senate has members appointed to it by the Governor of Bermuda, in consultation with the Premier, and the leader of the opposition.
Bermuda’s economy is dominated by tourism and international financial services, especially offshore banking and related services and insurance. The government has also established an effective legislative framework for e-commerce and is keen to encourage development in this area. There is a small industrial sector, concentrated around perfume and pharmaceutical production, boat building and ship repair, and a minor agricultural sector, which is largely restricted to local consumption, but does export limited amounts of cut flowers, bananas and vegetables. Bermuda’s largest trading partner is the USA, followed by Japan, Germany and the UK.
Bermuda is well connected to the rest of the world and its international airport, located 16 kilometres from the capital, Hamilton, is home to numerous airlines such as British Airways, Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, Iberia, United and US Airways. Flights from New York can reach Bermuda in 1 hour 45 minutes, while flights from London take approximately 7 hours 45 minutes.
|
