Factbook dossier
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 on the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important for the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years as Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995.
Location
North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
Area
total : 54 sq km land: 54 sq km water: 0 sq km
Natural resources
limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism
Natural hazards
hurricanes (June to November)
Population
total: 72,800 (2024 est.) male: 35,401 female: 37,399
Ethnic groups
African descent 52%, White 31%, mixed 9%, Asian 4%, other 4% (2010 est.)
Languages
English (official), Portuguese
Religions
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.)
Environmental issues
air pollution from vehicle emissions; scarce water resources; solid waste disposal; hazardous waste disposal; sewage disposal; overfishing; oil spills
Government type
Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy
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, who served as governor of Bermuda from 1788 to 1794
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Andrew MURDOCH (since 23 January 2025) head of government: Premier David BURT (since 19 July 2017) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, approved by the governor election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as the premier
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: bicameral
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$6.808 billion (2024 est.) $6.667 billion (2023 est.) $6.355 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
$105,300 (2024 est.) $103,100 (2023 est.) $98,100 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
2.8% (2022 est.) 1.4% (2021 est.) 0% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Exports - partners
Germany 40%, South Africa 38%, Netherlands 15%, USA 2%, Angola 2% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Imports - partners
USA 38%, Cyprus 31%, UK 6%, China 6%, Canada 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Military and security forces
Royal Bermuda Regiment; Bermuda Police Service (2025) note: the Royal Bermuda Regiment (aka "The Regiment") includes the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard