History :

Bermuda was settled in 1609, this is the year of our 400 anniversary. It is the oldest and most populous remaining British overseas territory. Bermuda is comprised of 6 larger islands and 120 others over a 21 square mile area. The island is divided into nine parishes. The main 6 islands are connected by 12 bridges and a causeway, with the most famous and unique bridge being Somerset Bridge, the smallest drawbridge in the world!

Population :

Is estimated to be 66,163 with the ethnic makeup of the Bermudian population being black (58.4%), white (31.1%), mixed (6.4%) and other races (4.3%) which include a small minority of descendents from the American Indian. Approximately 25% of the resident population are foreign-born working in Bermuda and come from the UK, USA< Azores, Portugal, Cananda, Philippines and other Asian countries, as well as the Caribbean.

Time Zone :

Time Zone is Atlantic (UTC-4).

Government :

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory. The Monarch is Queen Elizabeth. Bermuda has a high degree of internal self-government. The Premier is the Head of Government. The Queen appoints a governor to represent her. The system is similar to that of the UK. The Parliament of Bermuda is the fifth oldest in the world.

Motto :

“Quo Fata Ferunt” which means “Whither the Fates Carry Us”

Airlines :

Bermuda is served well by some of the world’s major airlines. Currently there are non-stop flights from New York Kennedy, Kennedy, Newark, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Charlotte , Washington DC Baltimore, Toronto, Halifax, London and Miami. The airlines are:

1. Air Canada
2. American Airlines
3. British Airways
4. Continental Airlines
5. Delta Airlines
6. Jet Blue Airways
7. US Airways

Immigration & Customs :

A passport is required to enter Bermuda. Visitors can stay on island for a maximum of 3 weeks.

Climate :

Bermuda has a remarkably mild sub-tropical climate that seldom allows extremes of either heat or cold. Although, during the summer months, Bermuda is warm (up to 90 F in August) and humid, the island is nearly always fanned by cool sea breezes. Between May and October, the average temperatures range between 75 and 85 degrees. During the winter months (December through March) temperatures average between 60 and 70 F.

Banking and Taxes :

Bermuda banking has enjoyed a long and successful history. Started more than 100 years ago to service local businesses, Bermuda banking companies now reach out to every corner of the globe with investment management, trust management and administration services. The banks are technologically advanced with on-line banking and international bill payment. Our banks offer everything you might expect of a sophisticated financial institution – credit and debit cards, investment services, 24- hour ATM facilities, real-time online banking, loans and financial advice. There are 4 banks ; Bank of Bermuda member of HSBC Group, Bank of Butterfield, Bermuda Commercial Bank and Capital G Bank Ltd.

Money Exchange :

Bermuda’s currency has been the Bermudian dollar since 1970 and is pegged to the US dollar. US notes and coins are used interchangeably with Bermuda notes and coins within the islands for most practical purposes; however, banks levy a small exchange rate for the purchase of US dollars with Bermudian dollars. The Bermuda Monetary Authority is the issuing authority for all banknotes and coins as well as being responsible for the regulation of financial institutions. Bermuda income per capita is ,477 giving Bermuda the highest GDP per capita in the world.

Language :

The official language is English; however, with a larger Portuguese presence in Bermuda, that language is also prevalent.

Water :

Drinking water is primarily rain water. The rain water is channelled from the roof top to underground tanks.

Infrastructure :

Bermuda is recognised around the world as a major offshore financial centre with a reputation for high quality international business transactions and the highest regulatory standards. The island also has a long-standing local commercial sector including among other segments, hospitality, retail, construction, business services and transportation.

International Business in Bermuda has at its core a thriving insurance and reinsurance industry, the largest segment of the International Business sector. This segment is represented by huge international companies that have chosen to locate their headquarters here, as well as many captive insurance companies that make Bermuda the world leader among captive domiciles.

The island is also the jurisdiction of choice for a variety of international trusts, mutual funds and hedge funds. The financial service sector also includes sophisticated international banking and investment management services. In addition, the jurisdiction boasts the world’s first fully electronic offshore securities exchange market- the Bermuda Stock Exchange.

A substantial infrastructure of professional services has developed to support this business: all the major global accounting firms are represented in Bermuda and local law firms have vast incorporation and administration experience to support local and exempt companies. The island has excellent telecommunications links and technologically advanced e-commerce infrastructure.

Bermuda offers a mature, stable well-regulated business environment that serves as an exceptional base for local and international companies.

Medical Facilities :

Bermuda has good modern medical facilities, numerous doctors and dentists. The King Edward Memorial Hospital has a good accident and emergency department.

Dress :

There is a certain expectation that swimsuits, short shorts and skimpy shirts are fine for around the pool and beach; however, should not be worn on the streets in public. There is actually a fine up to ,880 and /or six months in jail. During the day, casual attire is fine if you are on vacation. In a working environment a blue blazer, short sleeve shirt and khakis or Bermuda shorts are acceptable and the dress of choice for men even at weddings. The office attire for women varies from company to company; however, conservative is always the better choice.

Drinking Age :

18 years.

Tipping :

15% Tipping.

Restaurants :

Bermuda has a varied selection of restaurants from which to choose and dining out can be expensive and elegant, as well as casual and inexpensive. There are gourmet restaurants of the four –star category, simple home style establishments, English pubs and a variety of international cuisine. As the island is surrounded by the blue water of the Atlantic; fish can be found on most menus all year. The Bermuda Lobster is a favourite and served “in season” from late September until early March.

Shopping :

Bermuda offers a variety of shopping experiences form the high end shops on Front Street to the unique boutiques in St. Georges and Dockyard featuring local artists as well. There are imports from Great Britain and Ireland such as English woollens, Harris tweed jackets, Irish linen, china island made jewellery, local crafts made of Bermuda cedar and local products. The major stores and smaller boutiques carry a range of cosmetics and perfumes, some of which are available at prices less than in their country of origin and there is no sales tax!

Island Transportation :

Today, public transportation consists primarily of air-conditioned pink and blue buses and ferries. Private transportation is available from taxis, scooter rentals, pedal cycles, the Bermuda Railways Train in Dockyard, Hamilton and St Georges; as well as 19 foot whaler boat rentals for water exploration. A relic of Bermuda’s past is the fringed-topped horse-drawn carriage.

Holidays & Events :

Public Holidays in Bermuda 2010

• New Years Day – Friday, January 1
• Good Friday - Friday April 2
• Bermuda Day - Monday May 24
• National Heroes Day - Monday June 14
• Emancipation Day - Thursday July 29
• Somers’ Day - Friday July 30
• Labour Day - Monday September 6
• Remembrance Day – Thursday November 11
• Christmas Day – Saturday December 25
• Boxing Day – Sunday December 26

Events

• January – Bermuda International Open Chess Tournament, International Race Week and Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts.
• March – Bermuda International Film Festival
• April – Bermuda Master Squash, Ross Blackie Talbot Charity Golf Classic, XL Capital Bermuda Open Tennis Championship, Bermuda International Race week (Sailing), Peppercorn Ceremony
• May- Bermuda Day, End to End Charity Walk, Marathon Race
• June – Tall Ships due in Bermuda, Rubber Duck Derby, Around the Island Seagull Race
• July – Cup Match (Cricket Game)
• September – Sand Castle Competition, Grand Prix Cycle race, Labour Day Celebrations
• October – Bermuda Music Festival and the PGA Tournament
• November – World Rugby Classic and Dog Show
• December – Christmas Boat Parade, Santa Claus Parade, Festival of the Lights, Goodwill Bermuda Golf Tournament, National Trust Walkabout in the old town of St. George.’s

Diving and Snorkelling :

The waters of Bermuda contain a mix of the ideal elements for an exciting scuba diving or snorkelling excursion. Sites such as coral reefs, shipwrecks, submerged caves and an assortment of breathtakingly beautiful and fascinating marine life, the aquatic environment around Bermuda is perfect for all kinds of underwater adventures. There are more than 300 wreck sites and 200 square miles of coral reefs in the waters surrounding Bermuda.

Sports and Attractions :

Bermuda has great attractions; outdoors, indoors, underwater and even underground. It is amazing that a place as small as Bermuda has so much to see, do and explore. Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Parks, Forts Botanical Gardens, St Peter’s Church is believe to be the oldest continually used Anglican Church in the Western hemisphere dating back to 1612. This Church and many other land marks comprise the St George’s World Heritage Site. The Maritime Museum is an exceptional display of maritime history. The Bermuda National Trust and Bermuda Historical Society also manage and protect a number of important historic buildings, homes and artefacts that comprise Bermuda’s history. You can also visit Crystal Caves which was found in 1884. The magnificent stalactites and stalagmites surrounding a clear blue azure lake were formed over 30 million years ago. Some of the sport activities are Golf, Football, Cricket, tennis, squash, sailing, swimming, swimming with the Dolphins, horseback riding, long distance running cycling, rock climbing, fishing, which is Bermuda’s most popular activity. Other activities include boating, bowling and bird watching or you can just sit on the beautiful pink beaches and watch the waves hitting against the rocks.

Getting Married :

Bermuda is consistently rated as one of the World’s top wedding and honeymoon destination. Beautiful Bermuda is the perfect place to say “I do”. Exchange your vows on a coral pink sandy beach, from a breath taking cliff, aboard a sail boat, in a historic church or in a lush tropical garden. Best of all paradise is easily found! Bermuda is less than a 2 hour flight from the US east coast. To make the wedding of your dreams stress free, let one of Bermuda’s professional wedding planners make all your arrangements.

Arts & Museums :

Bermuda has a rich history of art. Between 1885 and 1900, artists began to discover Bermuda’s inspiring scenery. Winslow Homer arrived in 1899, other influential artists such as s Georgia O’Keefe also visited, her husband Alfred Sieglitz never set foot on Bermuda, however, his influence had much impact on Bermuda. As a result of his efforts, many other painters and renowned photographers found their way to Bermuda. Many of these artists and their paintings are exhibited at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art at the Botanical Gardens. From the 17th Century decorative arts and furniture and European masters to impressions of the island by world-renowned artists and contemporary Bermudian works, you will find a world of art as well as a constantly changing programme of local and international exhibitions. The major galleries Museum of Bermuda Art are- Bermuda National Gallery, Bermuda Society of Arts and Master Works.