Your browser version is outdated. We recommend that you update your browser to the latest version.

Happy Bermuda Day!

Flag of BermudaFlag of Bermuda

 

Today's Flag

is Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory located in the north Atlantic about 650 miles from Cape Hatteras in the United States.  Bermuda was discovered in 1505 by Juan de Bermudez, a Spanish explorer.  There have been people living at St-George's since establishment of an English colony there in 1612.  The flag of Bermuda is defaced with a depiction of British sailing ship Sea Venture, that was wrecked off Bermuda in 1609 during a hurricane.  The ship was carrying 150 colonists who were enroute to Virginia at the time.  Interestingly, private vessels of British colonies were required to fly plain red ensigns.  Following the example of Canada getting permission to deface the red ensign with its arms in 1892, yacht owners began applying Bermuda arms to their ensign unofficially.  It became such a popular flag, it was eventually seen on land as well and British authorities finally granted legal authority for this use in October of 1967.

The United Nations continues to hold a decolonization position with regards to Bermuda.  

The archipelago of Bermuda is made up of seven main islands and 170 named rocks and islets. With the building of the most important and largest Royal Navy dockyard in the Caribbean, the economy of Bermuda transformed from growing tobacco to the servicing ships and naval vessels.  While tourism has been an important sector, especially since the beginning of the jet age, banking and financial services contribute about 85% of its economy.

24 May has been observed in Bermuda successively as Victoria Day, Empire Day and Commonwealth Day.  Since 1979, it has been known as Bermuda Day and continues a tradition of colourful parades, half-marathons and many festivities marking the beginning of summer.  In corporate settings, it is acceptable to wear Bermuda shorts as business attire starting on this date!

Gombeys in Bermuda Day ParadeGombeys in Bermuda Day Parade

Quick Facts:

Monarch: His Majesty King Charles III

Title: Charles III, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith

Accession: 8 September 2022

Governor: Rena Lalgie, December 2020

Population: 63,949 (click here for Worldometer current statistic)

Subjects of Bermuda are called: Bermudian or Bermudan

State Religion: n/a

Currency: $, Bermudian Dollar: click here for current CAD exchange rate

Capital: Hamilton

Population: 63,949

Type of Government: British Overseas Territory

Governing Body:  UK Parliament, PremierHouse of Assembly

Founded: 1620, first parliament convened.

Flag Adopted: October 1967

Special National Holidays: Bermuda Day: 24 May 2024; National Heroes Day: 17 June; Emancipation Day: 1 August

Maps of Bermuda: CIA World FactBook

            Today's Flag: ©1989-2024 DJ CLIFFORD,  All Rights Reserved