British in Bermuda

Introduction / History

The Bermuda Islands are a British Overseas Territory located about 650 miles east-northeast of North Carolina, USA. It is the oldest and most populous of the remaining British territories. Although it is commonly referred to in the singular, Bermuda is a collection of more than 100 islands located in close proximity to each other.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Finance, financial services, and international business make up the largest portion of Bermuda's economy. More than 2000 companies are located or have an international presence in Bermuda due to its favorable tax system.

Tourism is the second largest industry and more than 500,000 people visit the islands annually. Many employment opportunities stem from the service to tourists and support of the territory's needs due to tourism.

Bermudian culture is much like that of most modern countries. Art, music, dance, education, sports, and various other leisure activities are prominent throughout the territory.

In 2005, a census estimated Bermuda's population at nearly 65,500 people. Blacks with several different points of origin make up a little more than half of the population with whites making up about a third. People of Portuguese ancestry made up about 10% and there is a small but steadily growing Asian people group.

Approximately ten thousand expatriates work and reside in Bermuda with several thousand of these being British. They are primarily professionals working in the fields of accounting, finance, and insurance. Expatriates comprised about 30% of the Bermudian workforce.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Bermudians are primarily Christian Protestant in religious affiliation followed by equal numbers of Roman Catholic and unaffiliated. Of the Protestants, Anglican makes up the largest group with several other groups completing the field.

Text Source:   Wallace Revels