Bermuda

Broadcast media

3 TV stations; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; roughly 13 radio stations operating (2012)

Internet country code

.bm

Internet hosts

20,040 (2012) country comparison to the world: 119

Internet users

54,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173

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 (2010)

Telephones - main lines in use

69,000 (2012) country comparison to the world: 156

Telephones - mobile cellular

91,000 (2012) country comparison to the world: 195

Agriculture - products

bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products, honey

Budget

revenues: $973.2 million expenditures: $1.115 billion (FY11/12)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.5% of GDP (FY11/12 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Debt - external

$1.4 billion (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Economy - overview

Despite four years of recession and a public debt of $1.4 billion, Bermuda enjoys the fourth highest per capita income in the world, about 70% higher than that of the US. The average cost of a single-family home in 2012 was $1.1 million. Its economy is primarily based on international business and the provision of financial services to that sector, and to a lesser extent tourism. A number of reinsurance companies relocated to the island following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US and again after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, contributing to the expansion of an already robust international business sector. Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - continues to struggle and has dropped in its relevant importance to the economy, although it is still important as a job creator. Bermuda must import almost everything. Agriculture is limited due to the small size of the island and Bermuda's industrial sector is small.

Exchange rates

Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar - 1 (2012 est.) 1 (2011 est.)

Exports

$12 million (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 $16 million (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

reexports of pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners

Australia 17%, US 14.8%, Indonesia 12.6% (2012)

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP (official exchange rate)

$5.6 billion (2011)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$5.6 billion (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 168 $5.803 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 33.6% government consumption: 15.9% investment in fixed capital: 24.6% investment in inventories: 0% exports of goods and services: 68.1% imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2012 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 0.7% industry: 5.6% services: 93.7% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$86,000 (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

GDP - real growth rate

-3.5% (2011) country comparison to the world: 215

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%

Imports

$900 million (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 $940 million (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

clothing, fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals

Imports - partners

South Korea 46.2%, US 21%, Singapore 9.9%, China 7%, Turkmenistan 4.8% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Industries

international business, tourism, light manufacturing

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.4% (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 2.7% (2011 est.)

Labor force

37,400 (2011) country comparison to the world: 200

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture and fishing: 3% laborers: 17% clerical: 19% professional and technical: 21% administrative and managerial: 15% sales: 7% services: 19% (2004 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.533 billion (31 December 2012) country comparison to the world: 102 $1.436 billion (31 December 2011) $1.535 billion (31 December 2010)

Population below poverty line

11% (2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Taxes and other revenues

17.4% of GDP (FY11/12 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Unemployment rate

8% (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

776,900 Mt (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - consumption

638.4 million kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - from fossil fuels

98.2% of total installed capacity (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.8% of total installed capacity country comparison to the world: 71 note: the Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility turns waste to electric energy (2012 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Electricity - installed generating capacity

165,000 kW (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Electricity - production

675 million kWh (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es) country comparison to the world: 112

Refined petroleum products - consumption

2,747 bbl/day (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Refined petroleum products - imports

2,747 bbl/day (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Area

total: 54 sq km country comparison to the world: 232 land: 54 sq km water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Climate

subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter

Coastline

103 km

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Environment - current issues

sustainable development

Geographic coordinates

32 20 N, 64 45 W

Geography - note

consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by the US Government from 1941 to 1995

Irrigated land

NA

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

arable land: 14.8% permanent crops: 0% other: 85.2% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2011)

Location

North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)

Map references

North America

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Natural hazards

hurricanes (June to November)

Natural resources

limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Terrain

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Administrative divisions

9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, Warwick

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

Constitution

several previous (dating to 1684); latest entered into force 8 June 1968; amended several times, last in 2003 (2013)

Country name

conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda former: Somers Islands

Dependency status

overseas territory of the UK

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Consul General Robert SETTJE (since August 2012) consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3 mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, US Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342 FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, 296-9233

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Executive branch

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor George FERGUSSON (since 23 May 2012) head of government: Premier Craig CANNONIER (since 18 December 2012) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor (For more information visit theWorld Leaders website) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor

Flag description

red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (a white shield with a red lion standing on a green grassy field holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag; it was the shipwreck of the vessel, filled with English colonists originally bound for Virginia, that led to settling of Bermuda note: the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

Government type

parliamentary; self-governing territory

Independence

none (overseas territory of the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

Caricom (associate), ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UPU, WCO

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, 4 puisne judges, and 1 associate justice) note - the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, in London, is the court of last resort judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal justice appointed by the governor; justice tenure by individual appointment; Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission and appointed by the governor; judge tenure NA subordinate courts: commercial court (began in 2006); magistrates' courts

Legal system

English common law

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; members appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition to serve a five-year term) 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 on 17 December 2012 (next to be held not later than 2017) election results: percent of vote by party - OBA 51.7%, PLP 46.1%, other 2.2%; seats by party - OBA 19, PLP 17

National anthem

name: "Hail to Bermuda" lyrics/music: Bette JOHNS note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

National holiday

Bermuda Day, 24 May

National symbol(s)

red lion

Political parties and leaders

Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Marc BEAN]; One Bermuda Alliance or OBA [Thad HOLLIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers or ABIR [Bradley KADING]; Association of Bermuda International Companies or ABIC [George HUTCHINGS]; Bermuda Employer's Council [Keith JENSEN]; Bermuda Industrial Union or BIU [Chris Furbert]; Bermuda Public Services Union or BPSU [Kevin GRANT and Ed BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Background

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Vacationing to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has also developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995.

Manpower available for military service

males age 16-49: 15,081 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

males age 16-49: 12,323 females age 16-49: 12,174 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

male: 433 female: 410 (2010 est.)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Military branches

Bermuda Regiment (2012)

Military expenditures

0.11% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Military service age and obligation

18-45 years of age for voluntary male or female enlistment in the Bermuda Regiment; males must register at age 18 and may be subject to conscription; term of service is 38 months for volunteers or conscripts (2012)

Age structure

0-14 years: 17.6% (male 6,186/female 6,048) 15-24 years: 12.3% (male 4,249/female 4,262) 25-54 years: 40% (male 13,861/female 13,956) 55-64 years: 14.1% (male 4,660/female 5,159) 65 years and over: 16% (male 4,644/female 6,442) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

11.39 births/1,000 population (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Death rate

7.9 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Education expenditures

2.6% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 154

Ethnic groups

black 53.8%, white 31%, mixed 7.5%, other races 7.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2010 census)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.3% (2005) country comparison to the world: 81

HIV/AIDS - deaths

392 (2005) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

163 (2005) country comparison to the world: 160

Infant mortality rate

total: 2.47 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 222 male: 2.58 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

Languages

English (official), Portuguese

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 80.93 years country comparison to the world: 22 male: 77.71 years female: 84.2 years (2013 est.)

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% male: 98% female: 99% (2005 est.)

Major urban areas - population

HAMILTON (capital) 11,000 (2011)

Median age

total: 42.6 years male: 40.9 years female: 44.3 years (2013 est.)

Nationality

noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian

Net migration rate

1.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Population

69,467 (July 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Population growth rate

0.55% (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Religions

Protestant 49.2% (Anglican 15.8%, African Methodist Episcopal 8.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.7, other Protestant 18.1%), Roman Catholic 14.5%, other 12.4%, unspecified 6.2%, none 17.7% (2010 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 12 years male: 11 years female: 13 years (2011)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.96 children born/woman (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

total: 10.8% country comparison to the world: 104 male: 14.3% female: 7.6% (2000)

Urbanization

urban population: 100% of total population (2010) rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Disputes - international

none

Airports

1 (2013) country comparison to the world: 212

Airports - with paved runways

total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2013)

Merchant marine

total: 139 country comparison to the world: 41 by type: bulk carrier 22, chemical tanker 3, container 14, liquefied gas 43, passenger 27, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 19, refrigerated cargo 9 foreign-owned: 105 (France 1, Germany 14, Greece 8, Hong Kong 4, Ireland 1, Israel 3, Japan 2, Monaco 2, Nigeria 11, Norway 5, Sweden 14, UK 14, US 26) registered in other countries: 241 (Bahamas 15, Cyprus 1, France 5, Greece 3, Hong Kong 20, Isle of Man 7, Liberia 4, Malta 15, Marshall Islands 35, Netherlands 1, Norway 24, Panama 27, Philippines 47, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Singapore 25, UK 6, US 5) (2010)

Ports and terminals

major seaport(s): Hamilton, Ireland Island, Saint George

Roadways

total: 447 km country comparison to the world: 197 paved: 447 km note: 225 km public roads; 222 km private roads (2010)