If lurid knee-length shorts spring to mind when you think of Bermuda it is entirely understandable, for the eighties fashion phenomenon put the remote collection of islands on many people’s world map. However, the chain of coral islets couldn’t be further from the in-your-face fashion faux pas, having embraced many a
quintessential English tradition; from sophisticated gents playing
cricket to refined ladies supping on
afternoon tea.
In all, Bermuda consists of around
180 islands and islets, lying just off the coast of Cape Hatterras, North Carolina,
in the Atlantic Ocean
. Its many coastlines are characterized by small bays with beaches of fine
pale pink coral sand and surrounding vivid blue-green waters. Inland is an abundance of
subtropical plants and flowers, interspersed with quaint pastel cottages.
Bermuda was first discovered by Juan de Bermudez, a Spanish sailor, in 1505. It was claimed in England’s name by Sir George Somers, in July 1609. After
colonization, the island prospered and has continued to do so almost continuously ever since.
In 1968, the island was granted internal self-government (formally a British Dependent Territory) while the UK retained control of defense and foreign policy. The issue of
independence continues to crop up. A referendum on independence was last held in 1995 but a low turnout produced a majority against independence.
GeographyBermuda consists of a chain of some 180 coral islands and islets lying 1,046km (650 miles) off the coast of Cape Hatteras. The seven largest of the islands are linked by bridges and one causeway to form the principal mainland. There are no rivers or streams and the islands are entirely dependent on rainfall for fresh water.
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