Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists heading for Virginia. Self-governing since 1620, Bermuda is the oldest and most populous of the British overseas territories. Vacationing 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 also developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995.
Location
North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
Area Comparative
About one-third the size of Washington, DC
Maritime Claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate
Subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
Population Distribution
Relatively even population distribution throughout
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes (June to November)
Geography Note
Consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by the US Government from 1941 to 1995
