Nearly 500 years ago the Spanish navigator Juan de Bermudez discovered Bermuda. Its treacherous reefs led the Spanish to name it "The Isle of Devils". The 1609 storm that shipwrecked the Sea Venture on its reefs was immortalised in Shakespeare's "The Tempest".

Bermuda is not geographically in the Caribbean. It lies 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic. It is a semi-tropical archipeligo which has a remarkably mild climate that seldom sees extremes of either hot or cold. During the winter months (December through March), temperatures average 70°F. The hottest part of the year is between May and mid-October, when temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F. The summer months are somewhat drier, although rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Arranged in the shape of a fish hook, the islands (about 180) have a land area of 20.75 sq. miles from east to west and are about 23 miles long with a maximum width of almost 1.75 miles. Since 1612 Bermuda has remained under the British flag and Bermudians are proud of the fact that their country is the oldest British colony with a House of Assembly elected by the people. Most faiths are represented however, the majority of the islanders are Christians.

The capital Hamilton is the heart of the island, whilst unspoilt St George's, the most interesting for sightseeing, was the island's first capital and is home to the Old State House, Bermuda's oldest building. Places to visit include the view of Hamilton Harbour from Fort Hamilton, swim with dolphins at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the Bermuda Maritime Museum and the restored Commissioner's House which exhibit the grandeur of Bermuda's naval heritage and seafaring history. It is not possible to hire a car but many visitors choose to travel around the island on motor scooters which are almost as famous as Bermuda shorts. Frequent, comfortable buses call at nearly every corner and friendly, helpful taxi drivers are eager to show off the island.

Bermuda offers a vibrant choice of entertainment and sporting activities throughout the year. Barbeques with calypso and reggae bands, theatrical performances, and international artists at the Bermuda Jazz Festival (September), the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts (January to March), the Bermuda International Film Festival (April) and the World Rugby classic (November) are just a few of the options available. Between November and March however, entertainment may be reduced somewhat. Water sports activities include wreck diving, helmet diving, snorkelling, fishing and sailing. Golf is a major land sport and very popular with visitors as there are eight championship courses of which two are world class. Racquet sports, horseback riding, bird watching and nature trails are also available. Spectator sports include cricket, horse shows, karting and sailing.