Bermuda

Bermuda floats in splendid isolation in the North Atlantic — 1,000 kilometers from the US coast, this British Overseas Territory of just 54 square kilometers packs extraordinary beauty into its 181 islands. Pink-sand beaches, pastel-colored houses with white limestone roofs designed to catch rainwater, and the clearest turquoise waters in the Atlantic define this unique archipelago.

Despite its tiny size, Bermuda punches well above its weight as a global financial center, with one of the world's highest GDPs per capita. The island's blend of British colonial charm, Caribbean warmth, and mid-Atlantic sophistication creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Bermuda comprises 181 islands atop an extinct submarine volcano, with the seven largest connected by bridges. The main island is just 35 km long and less than 2 km wide. Coral reefs surround the archipelago, creating lagoons of impossibly clear water. The famous pink-sand beaches get their color from crushed coral and shells of foraminifera.

Bermuda's 64,000 residents are predominantly of African descent (54%), reflecting the island's history of slavery (abolished 1834). European Bermudians (31%) and other groups create a diverse society. Bermudian culture blends British formality with Caribbean rhythm — Gombey dancers in colorful costumes represent the island's African, Caribbean, Native American, and British heritage.

Hamilton, the capital since 1815, is a compact waterfront city of pastel buildings, duty-free shops, and the imposing Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. Front Street faces the harbor where cruise ships dock, while the adjacent Royal Naval Dockyard (now a tourism hub) preserves 19th-century military architecture. St. George's, the original capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, retains its 17th-century colonial character.

The Royal Gazette (daily newspaper since 1828) and Bernews.com are the primary news sources. ZBM Television provides local broadcasting. Bermuda's small size means tight-knit media with strong community connections.

Bermuda defies easy categorization — it's British but not, Caribbean but not, American-adjacent but distinctly its own. The pink beaches and turquoise waters are stunning, but it's the island's quiet self-assurance, its perfectly maintained pastel world, and its genuine sense of community that make it truly memorable.