Bermuda Island

 

Bermuda, a British overseas territory located in the north Atlantic Ocean, is 893 miles (1437 km) directly east of Charleston, South Carolina, and about 1100 miles (1770 km) northeast of Miami, Florida. It was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English settlers as they ventured across the Atlantic Ocean to the new Virginia Colony. The island has a very affluent economy, with finance its largest sector, followed closely by tourism. In 2005, Bermuda had the world’s highest GDP per capita. Famed for Bermuda shorts, the original Bermuda Onion, and of course the Bermuda Triangle, the island’s tourism has grown significantly over the last 50 years. Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, offshore reefs and the Royal Naval Dockyard are major attractions.

 

The Weather in Bermuda is subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter. During those winter months (December through March), temperatures average 70şF. The hottest part of the year is between May and mid-October, when temperatures range from 75şF to 85şF. The summer months are somewhat drier, although rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year. Bermuda is very susceptible to hurricanes because of its position along the powerful Gulf Stream. Though frequently in the path of those powerful storms, they most often seem to weaken as they approach the island.

 Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name: Bermuda
Capital City: Hamilton
Latitude/Longitude: 32° 20′N, 64° 45′W
Languages: English, Portuguese
Official Currency: Bermudian Dollar
Religions: non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19%
Population: 67,837 (2009 est)
Land Area: 53.3 sq km (20.5 sq miles)
Landforms: generally flat land rising to low hills. It includes about 140 offshore coral islands and/or islets. There! are no rivers or lakes.
Land Divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George’s, Sandys, Smith’s, Southampton, Warwick.