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Bermuda:
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Other pages in this profile of Bermuda:
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
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Background |
Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism 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 developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the issue. |
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Location |
North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US) |
Geographic coordinates |
32 20 N, 64 45 W |
Map references |
North America |
Area |
total: 53.3 sq km land: 53.3 sq km water: 0 sq km |
Area - comparative |
about one-third the size of Washington, DC |
Land boundaries |
0 km |
Coastline |
103 km |
Maritime claims |
territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm |
Climate |
subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter |
Terrain |
low hills separated by fertile depressions |
Elevation extremes |
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m |
Natural resources |
limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism |
Land use |
arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% other: 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2005) |
Irrigated land |
NA |
Natural hazards |
hurricanes (June to November) |
Environment - current issues |
sustainable development |
Geography - note |
consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by US Government from 1941 to 1995 |
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Copyright 2008 World Sites Atlas (sitesatlas.com) |