CapitalHamilton
Population72,800
Area54 km²
GDP per capita$105,300
LanguagesEnglish , Portuguese
CurrencyBermudian dollars
Life Expectancy82.5 yr
GovernmentBermuda functions as an Overseas Territory of the UK with a degree of self-governance, operating under a parliamentary democracy.
Introduction
Background
In 1609, Bermuda was initially colonized by English settlers who were shipwrecked while en route to Virginia. Since 1620, it has operated with self-governance, making it the oldest and most populous among the British Overseas Territories. The practice of visiting the island to avoid the harsh winters of North America began during the Victorian era. Although tourism remains a significant contributor to the island's economy, it has been surpassed by international business in recent years, as Bermuda has evolved into a highly prosperous offshore financial hub. A referendum concerning independence from the UK was decisively rejected in 1995.
Geography
Area
land
54 sq km
water
0 sq km
total
54 sq km
Climate
subtropical; characterized by a mild and humid climate; winter often sees gales and strong winds
Terrain
low hills are interspersed with fertile valleys
Land use
other
80% (2023 est.)
forest
14.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Location
North America, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, to the east of South Carolina (USA)
Coastline
103 km
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point
Town Hill 79 m
Irrigated land
NA
Map references
North America
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
hurricanes occur between June and November
Geography - note
the archipelago is made up of over 170 coral islands and islets, receiving substantial rainfall, alongside thousands of cays, though it lacks rivers and freshwater lakes; some areas were leased to the US Government from 1941 until 1995
Natural resources
composed of limestone, with a pleasant climate that promotes tourism
Area - comparative
approximately one-third the area of Washington, D.C.
Geographic coordinates
32 20 N, 64 45 W
Population distribution
population is distributed relatively evenly across the region
People & Society
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.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years
1.01 male(s)/female
total population
0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.74 male(s)/female
Birth rate
10.82 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
9.4 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
41.5 years
total
43.9 years (2025 est.)
female
46.3 years
Population
male
35,401
total
72,800 (2024 est.)
female
37,399
Nationality
noun
Bermudian(s)
adjective
Bermudian
Urbanization
urban population
100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
-0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
16.4% (male 6,133/female 5,817)
15-64 years
60.9% (male 22,247/female 22,113)
65 years and over
22.7% (2024 est.) (male 7,021/female 9,469)
Ethnic groups
52% of the population is of African descent, 31% is White, 9% is mixed, 4% is Asian, and 4% is classified as other (estimate from 2010)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
64.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
26.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
2.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
37.2 (2024 est.)
Net migration rate
1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.88 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: total
total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
1.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
7.8% national budget (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
2.5 deaths/1,000 live births
total
2.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
1.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
0.27% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.92 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the population is distributed relatively evenly across the area
Life expectancy at birth
male
79.4 years
female
85.7 years
total population
82.5 years (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total
total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
10,000 HAMILTON (capital) (2018)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
49.7% (2016 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
11 years (2023 est.)
total
12 years (2023 est.)
female
12 years (2023 est.)
Environment
Climate
subtropical; characterized by mild and humid conditions; winter often brings gales and strong winds
Land use
other
80% (2023 est.)
forest
14.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 5.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
-0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
82,000 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
2% (2012 est.)
Environmental issues
air pollution resulting from vehicular emissions; limited water resources; challenges in solid waste management; hazardous waste management; sewage treatment; overfishing; oil spills
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
577,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
9 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
577,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Government
Flag
description: The flag consists of a red field, incorporating the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms prominently displayed on the right half. The coat of arms features a white shield adorned with a red lion set against a green background, clutching a scroll depicting the sinking of the ship "Sea Venture".
history: The shipwreck of the "Sea Venture" in 1609 was pivotal in the establishment of Bermuda.
Capital
name
Hamilton
etymology
The name derives from Henry HAMILTON, who was the governor of Bermuda from 1788 to 1794.
time difference
UTC-4 (one hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time).
daylight saving time
+1hr, commencing on the second Sunday of March and concluding on the first Sunday of November.
geographic coordinates
32 17 N, 64 47 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of the UK
dual citizenship recognized
yes
residency requirement for naturalization
10 years
Constitution
history
Several prior versions (dating back to 1684); the most recent came into effect on 8 June 1968 (Bermuda Constitution Order 1968).
amendment process
proposal procedure - NA; enacted through an Order in Council in the UK.
Country name
former
Somers Islands
etymology
The name is derived from Juan de BERMUDEZ, a Spanish sea captain from the early 16th century and the first European to explore the archipelago.
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Bermuda
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Legal system
The legal system is based on English common law.
Government type
Bermuda functions as an Overseas Territory of the UK with a degree of self-governance, operating under a parliamentary democracy.
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
The judicial system includes the Court of Appeal (comprising the court president and a minimum of 2 justices), the Supreme Court (which consists of the chief justice, 4 puisne judges, and 1 associate justice), and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, which serves as the highest court of appeal.
subordinate courts
Commercial court (established in 2006); magistrates' courts.
judge selection and term of office
Court of Appeal justices are appointed by the governor; their tenure is based on individual appointments. Supreme Court judges are nominated by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission and appointed by the governor, with tenure determined by appointment terms.
Executive branch
cabinet
The Cabinet is nominated by the premier and requires the governor's approval.
chief of state
King CHARLES III has been reigning since 8 September 2022 and is represented by Governor Andrew MURDOCH, who has held the position since 23 January 2025.
head of government
Premier David BURT (since 19 July 2017)
election/appointment process
The monarchy follows a hereditary line; the governor is appointed by the monarch. After legislative elections, the governor typically designates the leader of the majority party or coalition as the premier.
National holiday
Bermuda Day, 24 May
Dependency status
An overseas territory of the UK.
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
1 (cultural); note - excerpted from the UK entry
selected World Heritage Site locales
Historic Town of St. George and Related Fortifications.
Political parties
Free Democratic Movement or FDM
One Bermuda Alliance or OBA
Progressive Labor Party or PLP
Legislative branch
legislature name
Parliament
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
official anthem, as a UK territory
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
red lion
National coat of arms
Bermuda's coat of arms was officially granted by Royal Warrant on 4 October 1910, although its use dates back to at least 1624. The red lion symbolizes Great Britain. The Latin motto beneath the coat of arms, Quo Fata Ferunt, translates to "Whither the Fates Carry [Us];" the depicted ship is the Sea Venture, which was wrecked on the then-uninhabited island of Bermuda in 1609.
Administrative divisions
There are 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; they include Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, and Warwick.
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Assembly
term in office
5 years
number of seats
36 (directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
10/1/2020
expected date of next election
2025
percentage of women in chamber
20%
parties elected and seats per party
PLP (30); OBA (6)
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate
term in office
5 years
number of seats
11 (appointed)
most recent election date
2022
expected date of next election
2027
percentage of women in chamber
63.6%
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
(441) 295-1592
embassy
US Consulate Bermuda, located at 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, DV 03, Bermuda.
telephone
(441) 295-1342
mailing address
5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300
chief of mission
Consul General Antoinette HURTADO (since 27 March 2025)
consulate(s) general
16 Middle Road, Devonshire DV O3
email address and website
[email protected]
https://bm.usconsulate.gov/
International organization participation
Caricom (associate), ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UPU, WCO.
International law organization participation
It has not made a declaration regarding ICJ jurisdiction and is a non-party state to the ICCt.
Economy
Budget
revenues
$999.2 million (2017 est.)
expenditures
$1.176 billion (2017 est.)
Exports
Exports 2021
$1.136 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$1.425 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$1.599 billion (2023 est.)
Imports
Imports 2021
$1.925 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$2.235 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$2.3 billion (2023 est.)
Industries
international commerce, travel, light manufacturing
Remittances
Remittances 2021
22.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
22.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
23.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Bermudian dollars (BMD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
1 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
1 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
1 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
1 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
1 (2024 est.)
Economic overview
small economy reliant on tourism and construction; a destination for American imports and tourists; recognized offshore banking center; rising inflation; significant area for re-exportation and re-importation
Exports - partners
Germany 40%, South Africa 38%, Netherlands 15%, USA 2%, Angola 2% (2023)
Imports - partners
USA 38%, Cyprus 31%, UK 6%, China 6%, Canada 4% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$98,100 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$103,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$105,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
6.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
4.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
2.1% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers; dairy goods, honey
Exports - commodities
crude oil, ships, aircraft, alcoholic beverages, railway cargo containers (2023)
Imports - commodities
ships, refined oil, railway cargo containers, packaged pharmaceuticals, automobiles (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2021
$962.258 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022
$1.135 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
$1.32 billion (2023 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$8.98 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
45.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption
11% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
11.3% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
56.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-24.2% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2020
0% (2020 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
1.4% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
2.8% (2022 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
-3.6% (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$6.355 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$6.667 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$6.808 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
4.6% (2023 est.)
services
91.5% (2023 est.)
agriculture
0.2% (2023 est.)
Energy
Coal
imports
4 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
4 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption
4,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
consumption
590.38 million kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
172,000 kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
43.172 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
122.737 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels
99% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
98% (2017 est.)
Broadcast media
Three television stations are present; subscription services for cable and satellite television can be accessed; approximately 13 radio stations are in operation.
Internet country code
.bm
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
25,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
39 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
68,164 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
97 (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
23,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
36 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
2
medium
1
key ports
Freeport, Hamilton, Ireland Island, St. George
very small
0
total ports
4 (2024)
size unknown
1
ports with oil terminals
3
Airports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
122 (2023)
by type
container ship 15, oil tanker 8, other 99
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
VP-B
Military & Security
Military - note
The responsibility for defense lies with the United Kingdom; the Royal Bermuda Regiment is tasked with various duties, including the maritime security of Bermuda's inshore waters, search and rescue operations, ceremonial functions, humanitarian and disaster assistance, safeguarding critical installations, and supporting the Bermuda Police in maintaining public order. Its composition includes units specializing in explosive ordnance disposal, diving, maritime operations, security policing, and support (2025)
Military and security forces
Royal Bermuda Regiment; Bermuda Police Service (2025)
Military service age and obligation
Individuals who are Commonwealth citizens and aged between 18 and 45 may enlist in the Bermuda Regiment; the minimum service commitment is three years and two months from the enlistment date; upon completion of their initial term, soldiers in the Regiment have the option to extend their service (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The Regiment is armed with small firearms (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
the Royal Bermuda Regiment has about 350 troops (2025)
