Bermuda is an overseas isolated British territory in the North Atlantic Ocean; it is not part of the Caribbeans; it stands 645 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 770 miles south of Nova Scotia, 1100 miles northwest of Cuba, and 950 miles north of the British Virgin Islands. Bermuda has 181 limestone islands that span 22 square miles, with five larger islands; the largest of which is Main Island where the capital, Hamilton sits. Bermuda is self-governing with a Governor chosen by the United Kingdom Parliament. Its population is 64,000, with 52% black and 31% white. Christianity is the largest religion with 70% of the population. Tourism is its second largest industry with 80% of the visitors from the USA. The two largest towns are St. George with 1,500 and Hamilton with 1,000. Bermuda has a sub-tropical climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream, with chilly, but mild winters, and mild summers. It lies in “Hurricane Alley” and is prone to severe weather. Discovered in the early 1500’s by the Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez, it had no indigenous population. England took an interest and the English company, “The Somers Isles Company” took control in 1615. In 1649, a revolt took place and the rebels were victorious and seized control. The British parliament threatened to invade Bermuda but an agreement was reached and signed. Bermuda was involved in the American Revolution with friction between loyalists and supporters of the revolution and in the War of 1812 when the island had a large fleet of British warships stationed there. There were only 5 indigenous mammals, all bats, when the island was settled. Bermuda’s national bird is the Bermuda Petrol.
The Bermudan culture is derived from North America, the Spanish Caribbean, English, Irish and Scottish settlers. English is the official language. Slavery and slave trade were abolished in the early and mid- 1800’s. The island is famous for its Calypso music and Gombey Dancers. Bermudan architecture has British and American influences and is replete with brightly colored cottages with slanted limestone roofs. Bermudan Moon gates are used as garden ornaments and Bermuda Easter lilies are an island favorite. Bermuda shorts are world-famous.
Cuisine includes various fish such as mahi mahi, snapper, spiny lobster, tuna and wahoo. Fish chowder is a national favorite. Favorite breads are Mexican corn bread and English sweet Easter bread. Sweet potato pudding is many people’s favorite. The cuisine is highly influenced by British and Portuguese dishes.
Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, Natural History and Zoo Museum, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute Museum, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, Gibb’s Lighthouse, Elbow Beach, Fort Hamilton, Fort Saint Catherine
Blue Hole Park cave systems that are connected to the sea
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Bermuda Aquarium
Dolphin Quest
St. George is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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