ABSTRACT
Bermuda is situated in the North Atlantic, 900km (560 miles) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA, and north-west of the Bahamas, and comprises some 138 islands of which only 20 are inhabited. Area overall: 53.3sq km (20.59sq miles); capital: Hamilton, on Great Bermuda; population: 65,545 (2001 census), comprising Africans 58%, Europeans 36%; official language: English; religion: Anglican 28%, African Episcopalian Methodists. Constitution: Bermuda is a Crown Colony of the United Kingdom, and is the oldest British colony, established in 1684. The Constitution of 8 June 1968 gave it full internal self-government. The head of state is HM Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by a Governor, who retains responsibility for external affairs, defence and internal security. The legislature consists of two houses: a nominated Senate of 11 members and a House of Assembly of 36 members directly elected for a term of up to five years by universal adult suffrage. The Governor appoints the majority leader in the Assembly as Premier and the Premier chooses the other members of the Cabinet, which is accountable for its actions to the House. All British citizens over the age of 18 who have established the necessary residence requirements are entitled to vote. History: Bermuda takes its name from a Spanish sailor who visited the islands in the early 16th century. British settlement began in the 17th century. Latest elections: At elections held on 23 July 2003 the Progressive Labour Party, led by Premier W.Alex Scott, retained power, winning 22 seats in the 36-member House. The United Bermuda Party, meanwhile, won 14 seats. International relations and defence: The Bermuda Regiment is raised locally by selective conscription and had a strength of approximately 650 in 1999. Economy: In 1999-2000 Bermuda’s gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to US $2,623.9m., while GDP per head totalled US $34,600, one of the highest per caput rates in the world, reflecting the island’s status as a luxury tourist destination. In addition to tourism, financial services also contribute to the high level of national income, 87.1% of the labour force working in the services sector in 2000. Manufacturing and construction accounted for less than 10% of GDP in 2000. The island has no significant exports and, as a consequence, maintains a substantial deficit on its visible trade. The main imports are food, beverages and tobacco, machinery and fuel.
