Location of Bermuda
Bermuda is an archipelago consist of 180 islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina and southeast of New York. It shares maritime borders with the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico, a part of the Caribbean Sea. Its total land area is 53 square miles. Bermuda lies about 650 miles northeast of the Dominican Republic, about 1000 miles east of Florida and about 800 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Despite being located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is a part of the British Overseas Territories and is not part of any country geographically.
Is Bermuda in the Caribbean Sea?
Typically, Bermuda is not considered to be in the Caribbean Sea, despite its proximity to the Caribbean region. Because of its geographical position, the islands are associated with the Caribbean, but this fact is mostly due to its location and common culture, rather than its depending on the Caribbean Sea. The climate in Bermuda is similar to that of the Greater Antilles, an island group that forms the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea. The populations of both regions also share a Caribbean heritage and culture.
Climate
The climate of Bermuda is considered to be a humid subtropical climate, which is often characterized by high temperatures with moderate rain precipitation. Due to its location to the south of the hurricane belt, Bermuda is less likely to experience hurricanes or tropical storms. The archipelago consists mainly of hot and humid summers with mild to cool wet winters. Its average temperature range is from 13–30 degrees Celsius (55–86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Economy
The main source of income for Bermuda comes from its position as an offshore finance centre. It is an important player in the insurance, reinsurance and investment funds industries. The island’s medical tourism sector is also becoming increasingly important to its economy. Bermuda is also considered an ideal destination for honeymoons and other luxury holidays, due to its vibrant beaches, scenery, and warm climate.
Political system
Bermuda is a self-governing colony of the United Kingdom, and has its own government, legislature, and political system. It has a unicameral parliamentary system and is considered a constitutional monarchy. The governor, who is appointed by the Queen of England, is the head of state. It is important to note that while Bermuda is part of the UK, its foreign policy is largely independent and its governance is distinct from that of its parent state.
Biodiversity
Bermuda is home to an array of local plants and animals, with the Great Sound area serving as its own miniature oceanic ecosystem. The island is particularly known for its 500 year old cedar trees, which can reach heights of 30 feet tall. Other plant species include Juniper trees, grassland plants and daisies. Locally, Bermuda hosts fish, crustacean, mollusks, reptiles, and marine mammals. There are also over 300 different species of birds in the area, making Bermuda a popular destination for wildlife photographers.
Cultural attractions
Bermuda’s culture is heavily influenced by its Afro-Caribbean heritage, and the island offers an array of cultural attractions for visitors. The city of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a number of historic sites such as the over 400-year-old town centre, Fort St. Catherine, and the Clocktower Mall. The Royal Naval Dockyard is another popular attraction, and the city of Hamilton is home to the Bermuda National Trust, which preserves the island’s historical and cultural heritage. The port city of Hamilton also boasts a variety of restaurants, shopping, beaches, and nightlife.
Geopolitics
As an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, Bermuda’s geopolitics are shaped by its proximity to the United States and its dependence on the global economy. The US Navy and other foreign navies have a large presence in Bermuda, given its strategic naval position in the North Atlantic. Bermuda is also an important logistics hub for international trade routes, and a popular tourist destination. Consequently, how the region manages issues of sovereignty and US influence will be key considerations for its continued stability in the future.
Inter-Island Relationships
Bermuda’s geography is made up of small and loosely connected islands, which can sometimes lead to differences between the people that live on each one. These include disputes between mainland Bermuda and the smaller islands about resources, governance and ownership rights. Despite this, the Bermudian people have maintained a strong sense of unity, most notably in their commitment to keeping the English language and culture alive throughout the archipelago.
Conclusion of British Presence
Due to its former colonial relationship with the United Kingdom, British culture is still strongly present in Bermuda. The British monarch is still regarded as the figurehead of Bermuda, and the Bermudian government follows many of the same conventions as the UK. The island is still part of the Commonwealth of Nations, with Queen Elizabeth II as its Head of State. Significantly, the British Royal Navy formerly maintained a base in the city of Bermuda, although this has since been phased out.
