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

@Bermuda:Economy

Economy - overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita
incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by
providing financial services for international firms and luxury
tourist facilities for 360,000 visitors annually. The tourist
industry, which accounts for an estimated 28% of GDP, attracts 84% 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