Bermuda: Pink Sands, Global Finance, and the Triangle Myth

Bermuda (UK Overseas Territory, 640 km off NC) punches far above its 54 km². Famous for:

1. Tourism: Pink Sand & Turquoise Water

• Horseshoe Bay (iconic pink sand from foraminifera), Elbow Beach, Tobacco Bay (snorkeling).
• Luxury resorts (Rosewood, Hamilton Princess, Cambridge Beaches).
• UNESCO Historic Town of St. George (1612) + fortifications.

2. Global (Re)Insurance Capital

• #1 domicile for reinsurance (after NYC/London). 15+ of top 40 global reinsurers based here.
• Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) – gold-standard regulator.
• Captive insurance, ILS (cat bonds), aircraft/ship financing.

3. International Business

• Zero corporate tax (transitioning to 15% global min for MNEs).
• Funds, trusts, SPVs, shipping registry (6th largest).
• High GDP/capita (~$120k); expat-driven.

4. Sports & Culture

• Golf: Port Royal (Robert Trent Jones) – hosted PGA Grand Slam. 7 courses/54 km² = highest density.
• Sailing: Newport-Bermuda Race (biennial, 635 nm). America's Cup (2017).
• Cricket: National sport (Cup Match = 2-day holiday).
• Gombey dancers – African/Indigenous/Caribbean fusion.

5. Bermuda Triangle?

Myth popularized 1960s/70s. Statistically, no more incidents than any busy maritime zone. Gulf Stream, methane hydrates, human error explain losses. Locals roll eyes.

Bermuda = subtropical sophistication: British charm, American convenience, Atlantic power.