Skip to main content
CountryReports

Select language

ENEnglishESEspañolZH中文HIहिन्दीFRFrançais
Sign In
Bermuda flag

Bermuda

Capital:Hamilton
Population:68,268
Currency:Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
Language:English (official), Portuguese
Hamilton: School children waiting for the bus

Declare Your Relationship to Bermuda

See full leaderboard →

CountryReports Community

  • Studying0
  • From Bermuda0
  • Bermuda heritage0
  • Visited1
  • Want to visit1

Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Bermuda.

Bermuda Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Bermuda's culture is a distinctive blend of British colonial heritage and African Caribbean influences, shaped by centuries of isolation on a small Atlantic archipelago. This unique fusion is visible in everything from architecture and cuisine to social customs and annual celebrations. The island's British roots remain strong, reflected in traditions such as afternoon tea, cricket, and a parliamentary system of government that dates to 1620 — one of the oldest in the world.

Premium ContentJoinORSign In
Instant Access $2
Hamilton: School children waiting for the bus

Island of Pink Sands and Endless Spring

Diet

European style of eating is used. Dinner is the main meal of the day usually starting with soup followed by a meat or fish dish and a desert. Lunch is usually a hamburger and fries or fish and chips eaten at a pub. Typically dishes included fish, English-style stews, Caribbean-Style rice and beans, or Salted codfish made into cakes and served on a bun with mayonnaise.

Premium ContentJoinORSign In
Instant Access $2
Crystal Cave

Holidays

  • Bermuda Day

    5/24

    Independence

Dates of Interest

  • May 24th

What are the dining customs in Bermuda?

Bermudians eat European style, with dinner as the main meal typically starting with soup, followed by a meat or fish dish, and ending with dessert. Lunch is often lighter, such as a hamburger and fries or fish and chips at a pub.

Do

  • Use the European style of eating
  • Expect a multi-course dinner: soup, then meat or fish, then dessert
  • Try local fish like wahoo and rockfish

Good to know

  • Traditional dishes include fish chowder seasoned with black rum and Sherry Pepper Sauce
  • Codfish and potatoes is a Sunday breakfast staple; cassava pie is popular at Christmas
  • Desserts feature local fruits (loquats, guavas, bananas, cherries) with thick cream or baked in rum and brown sugar
  • Pumpkin puree and papaya (pawpaw) flan are common side dishes

How should I dress in Bermuda?

Bermuda maintains a formal, polished social culture, and Bermuda shorts are a local sartorial tradition that doubles as acceptable business attire.

Do

  • Consider Bermuda shorts, which are accepted even as business attire

Good to know

  • The island's social culture is often described as polished and reserved compared to other Caribbean destinations

What cultural events and pastimes are important in Bermuda?

Cricket is a strong British-rooted tradition, and cultural celebrations like Bermuda Day and Gombey dancing are central to island life.

Good to know

  • Bermuda Day is on the last Friday of May, marking the unofficial start of summer with a half-marathon and a parade through Hamilton
  • Gombey dancing blends West African, Native American, and British military influences with colorful costumes and drumming, performed at public holidays and community events
  • Afternoon tea and cricket reflect the island's British heritage

What should I know before visiting Bermuda?

Bermuda blends British colonial and African Caribbean heritage, drives on the left, uses British spelling, and observes Christianity as the predominant faith.

Do

  • Remember that Bermudians drive on the left
  • Respect Sunday observance, which remains culturally significant for many residents

Good to know

  • Christianity is the predominant faith, and churches serve as active community centers
  • Approximately 54 percent of the population is of African descent, deeply shaping music, food, and festive traditions
  • The island has a parliamentary system dating to 1620, one of the oldest in the world

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Bermuda

View all 17 photos

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
1
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
Though far north from tropical latitudes, Bermuda has a mild, humid, frost-free climate. The annual mean temperature is 70.2°F. Highs in summer rarely top 90°F, and lows in winter rarely drop under the 50s. The lowest temperature ever officially recorded was 44°F. The Gulf Stream, running west and north of the island, is the main reason for the good climate. The average annual rainfall is 57.6 inches, spread evenly throughout the year. The year-round high humidity, averaging more than 75%, makes some days uncomfortably sticky in summer and damp and cold in winter. January through March tends to be overcast and squally, although when the sun shines it can be like a breezy spring day. April and May are very pleasant. June through August are very hot and very humid. The heat factor (temperature plus humidity) during the hottest summer months can exceed 110°F degrees Fahrenheit. September is the stormy season, although hurricane season officially extends from June through November. Barring hurricanes, October through December are calm, mild, and usually sunny, and are considered by many to be the most pleasant part of the year. The climate, well-distributed rainfall, and heavy dew promote the luxuriant growth of vegetation of every description, despite the dearth of soil. Palms, Australian and Norfolk Island pines, mangroves, poincianas, casuarinas, ficus trees, citrus, and some tropical fruit trees grow well in Bermuda. Prolific oleander and hibiscus brighten gardens and lanes everywhere. Sadly, the famous Bermuda cedar trees that for centuries dominated the landscape and were the islands' pride, were nearly all destroyed by blight in the 1940s. The few remaining native cedars are protected, and some reforestation with blight-resistant stock is underway.
Airports
1
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
Premium Content

Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.

View full travel guide

Recipes

Featured Dish

Papaya (Pawpaw Flan)

Dessert

Browse all 4 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Discovery & Settlement

    1503 – 1684

    Spanish captain Juan de Bermudez sighted the uninhabited archipelago in 1503 but never landed. Permanent English settlement began after Sir George Somers's 1609 shipwreck, leading to the founding of St. George in 1612 — the oldest continuously inhabited English-speaking town in the Western Hemisphere. Representative government was introduced in 1620, making Bermuda a self-governing colony remarkably early in its history.

  2. Crown Colony Era

    1684 – 1834

    Bermuda was formally reorganized as an English Crown Colony in 1684, tightening imperial control while preserving local governance. The economy depended on cedar shipbuilding, the salt trade, and the labor of enslaved Africans brought to the islands shortly after settlement. The slave trade was abolished in 1807, and Hamilton replaced St. George as the seat of government in 1815, signaling the island's commercial maturation.

  3. Emancipation & Reform

    1834 – 1968

    Full emancipation of enslaved people across the British Empire in 1834 transformed Bermuda's social fabric; today roughly 55% of Bermudians are of African descent. The late Victorian period saw tourism emerge as a major industry, as wealthy North Americans sought the island's subtropical climate, supplementing a declining maritime economy. Racial segregation persisted well into the 20th century, generating significant social tension that would drive constitutional reform.

  4. Constitutional Modernization

    1968 – 1981

    A new constitution introduced in 1968 greatly strengthened Bermuda's internal self-government, setting the framework for modern political life and triggering serious debate about full independence from Britain. The period was marked by racial unrest, including the 1977 riots following the execution of two men convicted of assassinating the Governor. Progressive legislative reform began reshaping the colony's civil landscape ahead of the Human Rights Act.

  5. Rights & Offshore Finance

    1981 – 2002

    The Human Rights Act of 1981 formally prohibited racial discrimination, consolidating civil equality decades after emancipation. Simultaneously, Bermuda transformed its economy into one of the world's leading offshore financial and insurance centers, surpassing tourism as the primary driver of prosperity. A 1995 referendum on independence was decisively defeated, affirming the population's preference for continued ties with Britain.

  6. British Overseas Territory

    2002 – present

    The British Overseas Territories Act of 2002 granted full British citizenship to Bermudians, cementing the island's constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom. International business — particularly reinsurance and financial services — has continued to dominate the economy, making Bermuda one of the wealthiest territories per capita in the world. The independence debate was reopened by the government in 2004 but remains unresolved, leaving Bermuda's long-term political status an open question.

Overview

Bermuda is an archipelago consisting of seven main islands and many smaller islands and islets lying about 1,050 kilometers (650 mi.) east of North Carolina. The main islands--with hilly terrain and subtropical climate--are clustered together, connected by bridges, and are considered to be a geographic unit, referred to as the Island of Bermuda.

Premium ContentJoinORSign In
Instant Access $2

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1503

    Spanish sea captain Juan de Bermudez discovers the islands.

    Spanish sea captain Juan de Bermudez discovers the islands.

  2. 1684

    Bermuda becomes an English crown colony.

    Bermuda becomes an English crown colony.

  3. 1834

    Slavery is abolished in Bermuda and the rest of the British Empire.

    Slavery is abolished in Bermuda and the rest of the British Empire.

  4. 1968

    New constitution introduced.

    New constitution introduced. British monarch is head of state, represented by a governor. Internal self-government is granted; the governor takes responsibility for external affairs, defence, internal security and the police.

  5. 1981

    Human Rights Act introduced, prohibiting racial discrimination.

    Human Rights Act introduced, prohibiting racial discrimination.

  6. 2002

    British Overseas Territories Act grants full British citizenship to Bermudians.

    British Overseas Territories Act grants full British citizenship to Bermudians.

Premium Content

Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.

View expanded history

Interesting Facts

  • Bermuda is named after Juan de Bermudez, a Spanish seafarer, who discovered the island in 1503.

  • Bermuda covers twenty-one square miles and consists of one hundred and eighty-one named islands and islets.

Premium Content

See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.

View all interesting facts

Geography and Environment

Bermuda is an archipelago of seven main islands and some 150 other islands and islets. The main islands, joined by bridges or causeways, stretch from northeast to southwest in a long, narrow formation that hooks northward at the western end. On the map, the shape is much like that of a fishhook. The main islands are in close proximity and, since being joined, the Bermuda Islands (or Somers Isles, their other name) are generally called the island of Bermuda.
Terrain
low hills separated by fertile depressions
Climate
Though far north from tropical latitudes, Bermuda has a mild, humid, frost-free climate. The annual mean temperature is 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Highs in summer rarely top 90 degrees, and lows in winter rarely drop under the 50’s. The lowest temperature ever officially recorded was 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The Gulf Stream, running west and north of the island, is the main reason for the good climate. Average annual rainfall is 57.6 inches, spread evenly throughout the year. The year-round high humidity, averaging more than 75%, makes some days uncomfortably sticky in summer and damp and cold in winter. January through March tends to be overcast and squally, although when the sun shines it can be like a breezy spring day. April and May are very pleasant. June through August are very hot and very humid. The heat factor (temperature plus humidity) during the hottest summer months can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. September is the stormy season, although hurricane season officially extends from June through November. Barring hurricanes, October through December are calm, mild, and usually sunny, and are considered by many to be the most pleasant part of the year. The climate, well-distributed rainfall, and heavy dew promote the luxuriant growth of vegetation of every description, despite the dearth of soil. Palms, Australian and Norfolk Island pines, mangroves, poincianas, casuarinas, and ficus trees, citrus, and some tropical fruit trees grow well in Bermuda. Prolific oleander and hibiscus brighten gardens and lanes everywhere. Sadly, the famous Bermuda cedar trees that for centuries dominated the landscape, and were the islands’ pride, were nearly all destroyed by blight in the 1940s. The few remaining native cedars are protected, and some reforestation with blight-resistant stock is underway.
Natural Hazards
hurricanes (June to November)
Current Environmental Issues
asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space; sustainable development
Premium Content

Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.

View full geography

People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

English (official), Portuguese

  • English
  • Portuguese

Population

Population
68,268
Population in Major Urban Areas
HAMILTON (capital) 11,000
Nationality Noun
Bermudian(s)
Ethnic Groups
Black 58%, white 36%, other 6%

Education

Literacy Definition
Age 15 and over can read and write
Premium Content

Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.

View full people and society

Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Bermuda
Full Country Name
Bermuda
Former Name
Somers Islands

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary British overseas territory with internal self-government
Legal System
English law
Executive Branch
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Sir John VEREKER (since 11 April 2002) head of government: Premier William Alexander SCOTT (since 24 July 2003); Deputy Premier Ewart BROWN cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed premier by the governor
Legislative Branch
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition) and the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms) elections: last general election held 24 July 2003 (next to be held not later than July 2008) election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 51.7%, UBP 48%; seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
8 June 1968, amended 1989 and 2003
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National Holiday
Bermuda Day, 24 May

Capital City

Capital Name
Hamilton
Capital - geographic coordinate
32 17 N, 64 47 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

named after Henry HAMILTON (ca. 1734-1796) who served as governor of Bermuda from 1788-1794

Military

Branches: Bermuda Regiment

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

American Consulate General Hamilton

16 Middle Road

Devonshire DV 03

Telephone: (441) 295-1342

Emergency after-hours telephone: (441) 335-3828

Facsimile: (441) 295-1592

Premium Content

Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.

View full government details

Economy

Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, significantly exceeding the global average and comparable to that of leading developed nations. Its economy is primarily based on providing financial services for international business and luxury facilities for tourists. The international business sector, particularly insurance and reinsurance, dominates the economy and accounts for the majority of government tax revenues. Following a period of growth in the early 2000s, the global financial crisis of 2008-09 dealt a significant blow to Bermuda's economy, leading to years of contraction and population decline as expatriate workers departed. The island has since experienced a gradual recovery, supported by a resilient reinsurance sector that has benefited from rising global demand following major catastrophe losses, as well as renewed efforts to attract international business in areas such as digital assets and climate risk finance. Tourism, which relies heavily on visitors from the United States, has faced ongoing challenges, including competition from other destinations and the lasting disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, though visitor arrivals have rebounded strongly in recent years and cruise traffic has returned to near pre-pandemic levels. Most capital equipment and food must be imported, making the cost of living exceptionally high. Bermuda's industrial sector remains small, although construction continues to be significant; residential property prices are among the highest in the world, with the average home value well exceeding one million dollars. Agriculture is limited, with less than one percent of the land considered arable, leaving the island heavily dependent on imports for its food supply. In recent years, the government has also introduced a corporate income tax for large multinational entities, aligning with the global minimum tax framework and marking a significant shift in the island's traditionally tax-neutral fiscal structure.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
4.6%

Banknotes

Bermuda Money - Front
Bermuda Money - Front
Bermuda Money - Back
Bermuda Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
1 April - 31 March
External Debt
$160,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
clerical 22%; services 20%; laborers 17%; professional and technical 17%; administrative and managerial 13%; sales 8%; agriculture and fishing 3%
Industries
tourism, international business, light manufacturing
Agriculture Products
bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products
Export Commodities
reexports of pharmaceuticals
Export Partners
France 77.6%, Peru 3.1%, UK 2.8%
Import Commodities
machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals
Import Partners
Kazakhstan 40.1%, France 21.1%, Italy 9%, US 8.3%, South Korea 7.2%, Mexico 4.1%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
4,658 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
General Assessment: a good, fully automatic digital telephone system with fiber-optic trunk lines Domestic: the system has a high fixed-line teledensity coupled with a mobile-cellular teledensity of roughly 125 per 100 persons International: country code - 1-441; landing points for the GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, CBUS, and the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1) submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3
Internet Country Code
.bm

News & Weather

Current Weather

Loading current conditions…
Loading forecast…

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Though far north from tropical latitudes, Bermuda has a mild, humid, frost-free climate. The annual mean temperature is 70.2°F. Highs in summer rarely top 90°F, and lows in winter rarely drop under the 50s. The lowest temperature ever officially recorded was 44°F. The Gulf Stream, running west and north of the island, is the main reason for the good climate. The average annual rainfall is 57.6 inches, spread evenly throughout the year. The year-round high humidity, averaging more than 75%, makes some days uncomfortably sticky in summer and damp and cold in winter.

January through March tends to be overcast and squally, although when the sun shines it can be like a breezy spring day. April and May are very pleasant. June through August are very hot and very humid. The heat factor (temperature plus humidity) during the hottest summer months can exceed 110°F degrees Fahrenheit. September is the stormy season, although hurricane season officially extends from June through November. Barring hurricanes, October through December are calm, mild, and usually sunny, and are considered by many to be the most pleasant part of the year.

The climate, well-distributed rainfall, and heavy dew promote the luxuriant growth of vegetation of every description, despite the dearth of soil. Palms, Australian and Norfolk Island pines, mangroves, poincianas, casuarinas, ficus trees, citrus, and some tropical fruit trees grow well in Bermuda. Prolific oleander and hibiscus brighten gardens and lanes everywhere. Sadly, the famous Bermuda cedar trees that for centuries dominated the landscape and were the islands' pride, were nearly all destroyed by blight in the 1940s. The few remaining native cedars are protected, and some reforestation with blight-resistant stock is underway.

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Bermuda?
The population of Bermuda is approximately 68,268.
What are the dining customs in Bermuda?
Bermudians eat European style, with dinner as the main meal typically starting with soup, followed by a meat or fish dish, and ending with dessert. Lunch is often lighter, such as a hamburger and fries or fish and chips at a pub. Do: Use the European style of eating Expect a multi-course dinner: soup, then meat or fish, then dessert Try local fish like wahoo and rockfish Traditional dishes include fish chowder seasoned with black rum and Sherry Pepper Sauce Codfish and potatoes is a Sunday breakfast staple; cassava pie is popular at Christmas Desserts feature local fruits (loquats, guavas, bananas, cherries) with thick cream or baked in rum and brown sugar Pumpkin puree and papaya (pawpaw) flan are common side dishes
How should I dress in Bermuda?
Bermuda maintains a formal, polished social culture, and Bermuda shorts are a local sartorial tradition that doubles as acceptable business attire. Do: Consider Bermuda shorts, which are accepted even as business attire The island's social culture is often described as polished and reserved compared to other Caribbean destinations
What cultural events and pastimes are important in Bermuda?
Cricket is a strong British-rooted tradition, and cultural celebrations like Bermuda Day and Gombey dancing are central to island life. Bermuda Day is on the last Friday of May, marking the unofficial start of summer with a half-marathon and a parade through Hamilton Gombey dancing blends West African, Native American, and British military influences with colorful costumes and drumming, performed at public holidays and community events Afternoon tea and cricket reflect the island's British heritage
What should I know before visiting Bermuda?
Bermuda blends British colonial and African Caribbean heritage, drives on the left, uses British spelling, and observes Christianity as the predominant faith. Do: Remember that Bermudians drive on the left Respect Sunday observance, which remains culturally significant for many residents Christianity is the predominant faith, and churches serve as active community centers Approximately 54 percent of the population is of African descent, deeply shaping music, food, and festive traditions The island has a parliamentary system dating to 1620, one of the oldest in the world
What is the capital of Bermuda?
Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda and serves as the island's commercial and administrative hub. Situated on the main island, it is home to the parliament, government offices, and the territory's principal port. Despite its small size, Hamilton functions as a significant center for Bermuda's international business sector, hosting insurance companies, reinsurers, and financial institutions from around the world.
Where is Bermuda located?
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,070 kilometers (665 miles) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, making it one of the most isolated inhabited archipelagos in the world. Though geographically associated with North America, it lies well north of the Caribbean. The territory was named after Spanish seafarer Juan de Bermúdez, who is credited with discovering it in 1503.
What are the ocean borders of Bermuda?
As an island territory, Bermuda is entirely surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean and shares no land borders with any other nation. The archipelago consists of 181 named islands and islets, though many are connected by bridges and causeways. The surrounding waters are notably warmer than the territory's latitude would suggest, owing to the influence of the Gulf Stream, which moderates Bermuda's climate year-round.
What religion is practiced in Bermuda?
Non-Anglican Protestantism is the largest religious grouping in Bermuda, representing approximately 39% of the population, encompassing denominations such as African Methodist Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, and Pentecostal congregations. Anglican Christianity accounts for roughly 27% of residents, reflecting the territory's long British colonial heritage. The remaining population belongs to a variety of other Christian denominations, Roman Catholicism, and other faiths, making Bermuda a broadly Christian but denominationally diverse society.
What currency is used in Bermuda?
The official currency of Bermuda is the Bermudian Dollar, with the ISO code BMD, pegged at a fixed 1:1 rate with the United States Dollar. The US Dollar is widely accepted across the island, and both currencies circulate freely in everyday transactions. Bermuda's status as a major offshore financial center means that significant volumes of international capital flow through the territory, despite its small physical size.
What language is spoken in Bermuda?
English is the official language of Bermuda and is spoken universally across the territory in government, business, education, and daily life. Portuguese is also commonly spoken, reflecting the historically significant community descended from immigrants who arrived primarily from the Azores and Madeira. This Portuguese-speaking community has been present on the island for generations and contributes meaningfully to Bermuda's cultural and social fabric.
What is the geography of Bermuda like?
Bermuda covers approximately 54 square kilometers (21 square miles) in total land area and comprises 181 named islands and islets, the largest of which are linked by bridges and causeways to form a continuous landmass. The terrain is low-lying and gently rolling, with limestone formations, pink-sand beaches, and no natural freshwater lakes or rivers. Rainwater collected from rooftop catchment systems historically served as the primary source of fresh water for residents.
What is Bermuda known for?
Bermuda is internationally known as one of the world's leading offshore financial and reinsurance centers, hosting hundreds of multinational insurance and investment firms in a highly regulated yet tax-neutral environment. The territory is equally renowned for its distinctive pink-sand beaches, pastel-colored architecture, and the iconic Bermuda shorts worn even in formal business settings. Its shipwreck history — beginning with the 1609 wreck of the Sea Venture — and the enduring legend of the Bermuda Triangle have made it a subject of global cultural fascination.

Last reviewed 2026

Video LibraryCompareArticlesGlobal ContentActivitiesLessonsRecipesBlogInternet CitationGlossary