People and Society of Bermuda

Nationality

Bermudian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Black 58%, white 36%, other 6%

Population

64,055

Population in Major Urban Areas

HAMILTON (capital) 11,000

Adequate medical care is available for routine procedures, though extremely expensive. The hospital performs general surgery and has an emergency room and intensive care unit. Serious or complex medical programs will likely require medical evacuation to the United States. Most Bermudian health care providers including the local hospital do not accept overseas insurance and will expect payment at the time of service.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Bermuda ranks among the highest in the world, reflecting the island territory's advanced healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and stable socioeconomic conditions. The overall life expectancy for the total population sits at approximately 81 to 82 years, placing Bermuda well above the global average. Women in Bermuda tend to outlive men by a notable margin, as is common in most developed nations. Female life expectancy hovers around 84 to 85 years, while male life expectancy is generally recorded in the range of 79 to 80 years. This gender gap is consistent with broader patterns seen across high-income countries and is influenced by factors such as differences in occupational risk, health-seeking behavior, and biological predispositions. Several key factors contribute to Bermuda's strong life expectancy figures. The territory benefits from a well-developed healthcare system, with residents having access to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, which provides a range of modern medical services. Bermuda also maintains close ties with the United States and United Kingdom, allowing for specialized medical treatment abroad when needed. Health insurance coverage is widespread due to mandatory employer-sponsored plans established under local law. Lifestyle factors also play a role. Bermuda's population has historically engaged in outdoor physical activity, aided by a mild subtropical climate. However, like many affluent small island nations, Bermuda faces growing challenges from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, which place pressure on the healthcare system and can affect long-term life expectancy trends. The territory's small population — estimated at approximately 64,000 people — means that demographic shifts and health outcomes can fluctuate more noticeably from year to year compared to larger nations. Nevertheless, sustained investment in public health initiatives and preventative care continues to support Bermuda's position as one of the longer-living populations in the Atlantic region.

Infant Mortality Rate

Bermuda maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the Western Hemisphere, reflecting its high standard of living, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and relatively small population. The infant mortality rate for Bermuda is estimated at approximately 2 to 3 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it among the best-performing jurisdictions globally on this key health indicator. This figure is comparable to those of highly developed nations such as Japan, Norway, and Singapore, underscoring the quality of prenatal and postnatal care available on the island. Bermuda's single main hospital, the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, serves as the primary facility for obstetric and neonatal care, offering modern medical services despite the territory's small size and geographic isolation. Several factors contribute to Bermuda's strong performance in infant health outcomes. The territory benefits from a high per capita income, which supports broad access to healthcare services for residents. Bermuda also has a well-educated population with high rates of healthcare literacy, meaning expectant mothers are more likely to seek timely prenatal care. Nutritional standards on the island are generally good, and the territory is free from many of the tropical infectious diseases that contribute to elevated infant mortality in other parts of the Caribbean and Atlantic region. It is worth noting that because Bermuda's total population is approximately 64,000, annual birth numbers are quite low — typically in the range of 700 to 800 births per year. This means that small fluctuations in the number of infant deaths can produce statistically significant shifts in the reported rate from year to year, making trend analysis more complex than for larger nations. Overall, the low infant mortality rate in Bermuda is a reliable indicator of the territory's broader public health success, reflecting effective investment in maternal health programs, accessible emergency neonatal care, and a high general standard of living across the population.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

• non-Anglican Protestant39.0%
• Anglican27.0%
• other19.0%
• Roman Catholic15.0%

English (official), Portuguese

• English
• Portuguese

Crime Information

By comparison to the United States, Bermuda has a low to moderate crime rate. Recent crime statistics are available on the official website of the Bermuda Police Service. Valuables left unattended in public areas, in unsecured hotel rooms, or on rental motorbikes are vulnerable to theft. Criminals have been known to target visitors on motorbikes and at popular tourist attractions, and purse snatchings (perpetrated by thieves riding motorbikes) and muggings have occurred in the past. The back streets of the City of Hamilton have been the setting for nighttime assaults, particularly at night after the bars close. Travelers should exercise caution when walking after dark or visiting out-of-the-way places on the island as they can be vulnerable to theft and assault, and because narrow and dark roadways can contribute to accidents. Travelers should note an increase in gang presence and illegal drug activity in Bermuda. There have been no reports of gang violence targeted toward visitors to Bermuda, although gunfire between gang members has occurred throughout the island. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Bermuda, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Bermuda, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Bermuda’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Having a prescription for an illegal drug in Bermuda, such as marijuana, will not protect you from prosecution for possession of that illegal drug. Bermuda Customs routinely boards visiting cruise ships with drug-sniffing dogs and will arrest persons found to have any illegal drugs in their cabin. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Bermuda are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and/or heavy fines. If you are arrested in Bermuda, authorities of Bermuda are required to notify the U.S. Consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate of your arrest.