Part 81

Languages: English

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 99%

Government ----------

Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda

Data code: BD

Type of government: dependent territory of the UK

Capital: Hamilton

Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick

Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)

National holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May

Constitution: 8 June 1968

Legal system: English law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor Lord David WADDINGTON (since 25 August 1992), who was appointed by the queen head of government: Premier David SAUL (since 25 August 1995) was appointed by the governor; Deputy Premier Jerome DILL (since 1 September 1995) cabinet: Cabinet was nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor

Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of an 11-member body appointed by the governor House of Assembly: elections last held 5 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October 1998); results - UBP 50%, PLP 46%, independents 4%; seats - (40 total) UBP 22, PLP 18

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), David SAUL; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL

Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), Ottiwell SIMMONS

International organization participation: Caricom (observer), CCC, ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC

Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK)

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert A. FARMER consulate general(s): Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5300 telephone: (441) 295-1342 FAX: (441) 295-1592

Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag

Economy -------

Economic overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. International business contributes over 60% of Bermuda's economic output; a failed independence vote in late 1995 can be partially attributed to Bermudian's fear of scaring away foreign firms. Hurricane Felix, which hit Bermuda twice over three days, caused an estimated $2.5 million in damages in August of 1995.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.7 billion (1994 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2.5% (1994 est.)

GDP per capita: $28,000 (1994 est.)

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%