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Here’s an overview of Bermuda and its capital, Hamilton

Victor KakuluBy No Comments4 Mins Read

Here’s an overview of Bermuda and its capital, Hamilton:

General Information:

  • Official Name: Bermuda
  • Capital: Hamilton
  • Official Language: English (Bermudian English and Portuguese are also spoken)
  • Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD), which is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar
  • Population: Approximately 64,000 (as of 2023)
  • Area: 53.2 square kilometers (20.5 square miles)
  • Location: Bermuda is an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, located approximately 1,046 kilometers (650 miles) east of North Carolina, USA.

Geography:

  1. Island Features:
    • Bermuda consists of about 138 small islands and islets, connected by bridges and causeways.
    • The main islands form a fishhook-shaped landmass.
  2. Hamilton:
    • Located on the northern coast of the island’s main landmass.
    • The city is a natural harbor and is surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters.
  3. Climate:
    • Bermuda has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers.

History:

  1. Discovery:
    • Discovered in 1505 by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez, after whom the islands were named.
    • First settled by the English in 1609, when the ship Sea Venture wrecked on its shores.
  2. Colonial Era:
    • Became a British territory in 1612.
    • Played a strategic role in transatlantic navigation, military defense, and trade during colonial times.
  3. Present Status:
    • Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, with a high degree of self-governance.

Political Structure:

  1. Government: Parliamentary representative democratic dependency.
  2. Head of State: King Charles III, represented by the Governor (currently Rena Lalgie, as of 2023).
  3. Head of Government: The Premier (currently David Burt).
  4. Legislature: Bicameral Parliament, consisting of the House of Assembly and the Senate.

Economy:

  1. Main Industries:
    • Finance: Bermuda is a global hub for insurance and reinsurance.
    • Tourism: Known for its pink sand beaches, luxury resorts, and maritime culture.
    • Agriculture and Fishing: Limited due to small land area and soil conditions.
  2. Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD), which is interchangeable with the US Dollar.
  3. Unique Feature: Bermuda has no income tax; government revenue comes from customs duties and other indirect taxes.

Culture:

  1. Festivals:
    • Bermuda Day: Celebrated on the last Friday in May, featuring parades, races, and traditional Gombey dancers.
    • Cup Match: A two-day cricket match between rival parishes, St. George’s and Somerset, combined with music and festivities.
  2. Music and Dance:
    • Gombey: A traditional dance and music style blending African, Caribbean, and British influences.
    • Jazz, calypso, and reggae are also popular.
  3. Cuisine:
    • Influenced by British, African, and Caribbean traditions. Signature dishes include fish chowder, cassava pie, and spiny lobster.
    • Dark ‘n’ Stormy (a rum and ginger beer cocktail) is a famous Bermudian drink.
  4. Religion: Predominantly Christian, with Anglican and other Protestant denominations being most common.

Hamilton – The Capital:

  1. History:
    • Established in 1790 and became the capital in 1815, replacing St. George’s.
  2. Significance:
    • Hamilton is Bermuda’s administrative and commercial center, housing the government and corporate offices.
    • A vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a mix of colonial charm and modern amenities.
  3. Key Landmarks:
    • Front Street: The main street in Hamilton, lined with pastel-colored buildings, shops, and restaurants.
    • Hamilton Harbour: A picturesque waterfront area with marinas and ferry terminals.
    • Bermuda Cathedral: Also known as the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, a stunning Gothic Revival structure.
    • Par-La-Ville Park: A tranquil garden in the heart of the city.
    • Fort Hamilton: A 19th-century fort offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.
  4. Transportation:
    • Hamilton serves as the hub for ferries and buses that connect the islands.

Interesting Facts:

  1. Bermuda is famous for its pink sand beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach, which get their color from crushed coral and shell particles.
  2. Despite being located in the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is often included in discussions of the Caribbean due to its cultural and historical ties.
  3. Bermuda shorts, a formal yet casual style of dress, originated here and remain popular worldwide.
  4. The Bermuda Triangle, a mythical region where ships and planes are said to disappear, is a long-standing part of Bermuda’s mystique.

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