Bermuda, pronounced buhr MYOO duh, a British dependency, is a group of coral islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular resort center.
Location, size, and description. Bermuda consists of more than 300 islands and tiny islets, only 20 of which are inhabited. The islands form the most northerly group of coral islands in the world. They lie midway between Nova Scotia and the West Indies, about 670 miles (1,080 kilometers) from New York City. The largest islands are Bermuda, St. George's, St. David's, and Somerset. These islands and several smaller islands are linked by bridges. Bermuda's total area is about 21 square miles (53 square kilometers). The four largest islands extend in a chain that is about 22 miles (35 kilometers) long. The island of Bermuda occupies about two-thirds of the total area. Hamilton, the capital, is on this island.
The people and their work. The 20 inhabited islands have a population of about 63,000, not including about 15,000 British and United States military personnel. Blacks make up about 60 percent of the population, and whites about 40 percent. Tourism is the major source of income. Bermuda's mild climate and excellent hotels, beaches, and recreational resources attract about 500,000 tourists every year. Bermuda has long been a favorite honeymoon spot. Golf, bicycling, fishing, sailing, and tennis are popular sports. About 300 species of fish can be found in nearby waters. Devil's Hole is a natural fish pond. Other attractions include caves, and old forts and other historic buildings. St. Peter's Church in St. George, on St. George's Island, dates from 1619. Tourists can buy British goods, such as fine china and woolen fabrics, at low prices.
Bermuda attracts businesses from other countries by providing tax exemptions. About 7,000 foreign companies operate in Bermuda. They include many insurance and investment firms. The dependency ranks as one of the world's leading centers of the insurance business. Bermuda has relatively little farmland, and it must import about four-fifths of its food.
Major harbors are located at Hamilton and at St. George. Only small cars are permitted on the islands. They may travel up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) per hour.
Government. Bermuda is a parliamentary democracy. The British Crown appoints the governor of Bermuda. An eight-member council assists the governor. Bermuda's parliament first met in 1620 and is the world's oldest British overseas parliament. It includes an 11-member appointed Senate and a 40-member elected House of Assembly. Senate members serve three-year terms and House of Assembly members, up to five-year terms. From 1797 until the 1950's, Britain kept garrisons in Bermuda for protection. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization now provides for Bermuda's defense.
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