Bermuda Government
Bermuda Government: A summary of information about Bermuda Government, from government research data as well as independent research and other sources.
Bermuda: Government
Country name
conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda
Data code
BD
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK
Government type
parliamentary British overseas territory with internal self-government
Capital
Hamilton
Administrative divisions
9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday
Bermuda Day, 24 May
Constitution
8 June 1968, amended 1989
Legal system
English law
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Thorold MASEFIELD (since NA June 1997) head of government: Premier Jennifer SMITH (since 10 November 1998) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; governor invites leader of largest party in Parliament to form a government as premier
Legislative branch
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body appointed by the governor) and the House of Assembly (40 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 9 November 1998 (next to be held NA November 2003) election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 54%, UBP 44%, NLP 1%, independents 1%; seats by party - PLP 26, UBP 14
Judicial branch
Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders
National Liberal Party or NLP [Charles JEFFERS]; Progressive Labor Party or PLP ; United Bermuda Party or UBP
Political pressure groups and leaders
Bermuda Industrial Union or BIU ; Bermuda Public Services Association or BPSA [Betty CHRISTOPHER]
International organization participation
Caricom (observer), CCC, ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Consul General Lawrence OWEN consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone: (441) 295-1342 FAX: (441) 295-1592
Flag description
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
