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General Information
Area 53 sq km (20.59 sq miles). Population 61,688 (official estimate 2000). Population Density 1,163.9 per sq km. Capital Hamilton. Population: 1100 (1991). Geography Bermuda consists of a chain of some 180 coral islands and islets lying 1046km (650 miles) off the coast of North Carolina, in the Atlantic Ocean. 10 of the islands are linked by bridges and causeways to form the principal mainland. There are no rivers or streams and the islands are entirely dependent on rainfall for fresh water. Coastlines are characterised by a succession of small bays with beaches of fine pale pink coral sand. The surrounding waters are a vivid blue-green. Inland there is an abundance of subtropical plants and flowers. Government British Crown Colony since 1684. Gained internal autonomy in 1968. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Sir John Vereker since 2002. Head of Government: Prime Minister Alex Scott since 2003. Language English is the official language. There is a small community of Portuguese speakers. Religion Anglican, Episcopal, Roman Catholic and other Christian denominations. Time GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October). Electricity 120 volts AC, 60Hz. American (flat) two-pin plugs are standard. Communications Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 1 441. Outgoing international code: 011. The internal telephone system is operated by the Bermuda Telephone Company. Bermuda numbers dialled from within Bermuda should be prefixed with the last two digits of the country code (29 or 23) but there are no conventional area codes. Mobile telephone GSM 1900. Operators are A&T Wireless (www.attwireless.bm) and Mobility LTD (www.mobilityltd.bm). Coverage is excellent. TDMA and AMPS (800 MHz) networks operated by Cellular One (website: www.cellularone.bm) and Mobility LTD. Fax This service is available from many hotels and offices. Internet ISPs include Logic Communications (website: www.logic.bm) and NorthRock Communications (website: www.northrock.bm). There are Internet cafes in Hamilton and St George. Telegram Cable & Wireless Ltd operates Bermuda’s international telecommunications system. Cablegrams may be sent from the C&W office in Hamilton. Post Most letters will automatically travel airmail even if surface rates are paid, although paid-for airmail will be given priority. Airmail letters to Europe take five to seven days. Poste Restante facilities are available. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1700. In addition, the General Post Office in Hamilton is open on Saturday mornings until 1200. Press The main newspapers are The Mid-Ocean News (weekly), The Royal Gazette (daily) and The Bermuda Sun (twice weekly). Radio BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online. |
