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The Bermudas are a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean east of North Carolina. The group consists of approximately 150 small islands, islets, and rocks, of which about 20 are inhabited. Only six islands are of importance: Bermuda, is the largest being 14 miles long.
Hamilton, on Bermuda Island, is the capital and the chief town and port. The estimated population of the Bermuda Islands in 1989 was 58,800. The picturesque scenery and the warm, sunny climate make the Bermudas a popular resort. Tourism, ship repairing, and servicing the military bases on the islands are the economic mainstays. Manufactures include pharmaceuticals, perfumes, flavoring extracts, mineral-water extracts, and essential oils. Only a very small area is under cultivation; bananas, vegetables, and cut flowers are produced. Food supplies and fuels form the major part of Bermudian imports. Favorable tax conditions have made Bermuda a banking center. The Bermuda dollar is the unit of currency (1 Bermuda dollar equals U.S.$1). Bermuda is serviced by several international airlines and shipping companies.
Bermuda is a self-governing dependency of Great Britain. Administration in Bermuda is based on a constitution adopted in 1968. A governor, appointed by the British crown, is responsible for external affairs, internal security, defense, and the police and is advised by an executive council on other matters. The executive council consists of the premier, who is the head of the leading party in the House of Assembly, and at least six other members of the legislature. The legislature comprises the elected House of Assembly and an appointed Senate. The 40 members of the House are elected to terms of up to five years. The electorate of Bermuda recently rejected a proposal for a move towards independence from Britain.
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