BERMUDA

Courtney Bosnick
http://www.classicurbanharmony.net/
bermuda_vocal_groups.htm
http://www.aquamoonadven
tures.com/Bermuda_Round_t
he_Sound_Swim.html
CAPITAL CITY AND
COUNTRYS FLAG
The capital city of Bermuda is Hamilton.
*Bermuda is overseas
territory of the UK, hence
the British flag design.
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/c
ountrys/europe/bermuda.htm
PRIMARY LANGUAGE
AND RELIGION
The primary language in Bermuda is English (official language) and
Portuguese.

The primary religion in Bermuda is Protestant (46.1%).



*This is a picture of St.
Anne's Church in
Southampton, Bermuda.
This Anglican parish
church was built in 1616.
http://www.elbowbeachcycles.co
m/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/st-
annes-church-bermuda.jpg
TOURIST ATTRACTION 1:
HORSESHOE BAY
Horseshoe bay is crescent-shaped, with soft, pink sand and beautiful, clear
blue water. Surrounding the beach are sand dunes and sandstone cliffs.
Horseshoe Bay is located in Southampton Parish.
http://rumshopryan.com/2012/09/07/bermuda-
horseshoe-bay-photos/
http://rumshopryan.com/2
012/09/07/bermuda-
horseshoe-bay-photos/
TOURIST ATTRACTION 2:
CRYSTAL AND FANTASY CAVES
These caves are known as Natures Jewelry Box. The crystal stalactites and
stalagmites were formed over 30 million years ago and surround a crystal clear
lake. The cave was founded in 1884 by the property owner. Underground
passageways connect the lakes of the caves with the ocean. The Crystal and
Fantasy Caves are located in Baileys Bay.

http://www.elysium-
uk.com/site/desire/the-discerning-gents-
guide-to-bermuda/
http://chronicleso
fcamille.wordpres
s.com/2013/06/15
/crystal-caves/
NATIONAL CUISINE
Dish 1: Fish Chowder (Bermudas national dish This soup has many variations,
but usually consists of fish, potatoes, and a variety of seasonings.

Dish 2: Codfish and Bananas This Bermudian meal is salt cod, served with
potatoes, sauce, and a banana. Codfish and bananas is a special favorite for
breakfast.


Beverage: Rum Most popular form of alcohol in Bermuda and is used in most
local cocktails. A Dark N Stormy is a cocktail made from dark rum and ginger
beer.
http://0-
www.globalroadwarrior.com.library.ccb
cmd.edu/ContentInfo.asp?iso3ltr=BMU&
nid=20.14&cid=16&next_nid=20.15&pare
nt=Food and Recipes
http://0-
www.globalroadwarrior.com.library.cc
bcmd.edu/ContentInfo.asp?iso3ltr=BM
U&nid=20.14&cid=16&next_nid=20.15&
parent=Food and Recipes
http://www.wanderingedu
cators.com/best/traveling/i
nsider-s-guide-bermuda-
traditional-codfish-
breakfast.html
STEREOTYPES BY AMERICANS OF
PEOPLE OF THIS CULTURE
Stereotype 1: Rich and Relaxed
Bermudians have a very relaxed attitude toward life and seem unaffected by
the wealth of the islands. (Bermuda: Stereotypes)

Stereotype 2: Offshore Tax Haven
Bermuda specializes in offshore banking, which is just another term for giving
big corporations tax breaks. (Bermuda: Stereotypes)

Stereotype 3: Tourist Clipper
Bermudians like to look down their noses at tourists while they are picking their
pockets. (Bermuda: Stereotypes)


SUPERSTITIONS
Superstition 1: The Bermuda Triangle
The Bermuda Triangle has claimed over 100 ships and planes and over 1,000 lives.
These mysterious disappearances occurred in the triangular-area between Bermuda,
Puerto Rico, and Miami. The government denies its existence despite the
disappearances of Flight 19 in 1945, the German freighter in 1972, and the German
yacht in 1997. There have also been reported sightings of USO, radiant fogs, clock and
compass malfunctions, and phantom ships and planes.
Superstition 2: Hurricane
Though Bermudas reef can protect it from hurricanes during the season from June to
November, low-lying areas often have a lot of destruction. Bermudians have
developed a belief in their ability to know when hurricanes are going to hit them. They
use things such as sharks oil and golden silk spiders to forecast. Some older residents
even claim that they can smell a storm coming.

http://www.musinumworld.co
m/Bermuda_Triangle.html
HAND GESTURES USED IN THIS
COUNTRY
Hand Gesture 1: Gun Gesture
A 21-year-old man threatened a taxi driver by pointing his hands in a shooting
motion. He was fined $1,500 in Magistrates Court. Due to the extent of the
punishment, we can see that these gestures are not tolerated and because of
the message that they display, are corrected by law.

Hand Gesture 2: High-Five
Bermuda celebrated its 55 years of overcoming segregation with a high-five
event. Everyone high-fiving each other acts as a symbol of the citizens coming
together as one nation. In Bermuda people also use high-fives to say hello or
to say good job.

BUSINESS CULTURE:
ETIQUETTE AND BODY LANGUAGE
Etiquette: When meeting a Bermudian in a business setting, a handshake is
the most appropriate greeting. People also make small talk about each
others health and family life. Politeness and formality are extremely
important since it is an Anglocentric country. The business culture in Bermuda
is also hierarchical, which means introductions go by order of rank from
highest to lowest and at meetings, individuals with equal rank are seated
opposite of one another. Even when exchanging business cards, top ranking
business people dont give their cards to people of lower rank. Your rank
must also be displayed on the card.
Body Language: In business, Bermudians value formality. When meeting
someone for the first time in a business setting, a handshake is the best way
to show respect. Despite the laidback attitudes, people are still expected to
sit up straight and make eye contact to show that they are actively listening.
BUSINESS CULTURE:
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
When meeting someone for the first time in a business environment, people
exchange business cards. Because the business world in Bermuda is so hierarchal,
people of higher rank do not exchange business cards with people of lower rank.
This limits relationship building among individuals of different statuses. Therefore, it is
hard for Bermudians to have an extremely diverse social network.
At meetings, people of the same rank are expected to sit opposite of each other.
This is to spark conversations between individuals that are almost expected to have
similar minds and ideas.
Bermudian business people are known as incredible entertainers. These individuals
have a large amount of entertainment options at their disposal and love showing
their counterparts a good time. These activities can range from going to clubs and
five-star restaurants to a day at the beach with activities and watersports.
BUSINESS CULTURE: COMMUNICATION
STYLES IN DECISION MAKING
Bermudians are reserved but polite in their business decision making styles.
Thy use expressive emotional display to communicate and want others to do
the same.
Meetings in Bermuda have a professional but welcoming tone. This allows
individuals to be more relaxed in the business setting but also to emphasize
the importance of formality.
Small talk and getting to know you conversations will be minimal when
dealing with large and well known Bermudian firms. These meetings are
extremely professional.
Dealing with smaller businesses, getting to know everyone in the meeting is
desired. These are much more relaxed gatherings and small talk does go on.

BUSINESS CULTURE:
POWER STRUCTURES IN DECISION MAKING
The business structure in Bermuda is extremely hierarchical. Though this is true
with most companies, it is especially prominent within the well-established
Bermudian firms.
Decisions are usually always made by those of top rank. This style of decision
making is very obscure to foreign business people who are used to a
consensus style of decision making. Only certain individuals are given
decision-making power.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisf
ree/2013/jun/27/bermuda-we-are-not-tax-
haven
COMPARISON TO THE US:
BODY LANGUAGE
Similarities:
Body language in a business setting in Bermuda is very similar to that of the United
States. During meetings, individuals are expected to be sitting up straight and making
eye contact to show that they are actively listening. In both cultures, handshakes are
the most proper form of business greeting. b
Differences:
The biggest difference between body language in a business environment in the US
an Bermuda is the emphasis on hierarchy and exchange of business cards. In
Bermuda, people of different ranks dont exchange business cards. In the United
States, there is a more open system where rank sometimes doesnt matter. In the
United States, individuals are even friends with their bosses outside of work. In the
United States, business cards are not that prominent anymore. In Bermuda,
exchanging business cards are a ritual part of a business meeting.
COMPARISON TO THE US:
COMMUNICATION STYLES
Similarities:
Most business meetings in both Bermuda and the United States have a
professional yet welcoming tone. People of higher rank in both cultures are
expected to be key figures in the decision-making process. Small talk and
getting to know you conversations are only prominent when dealing with
smaller companies. During meetings with large-scale firms, this small talk is very
limited in both cultures.
Differences:
The biggest difference in communication styles between Bermuda and the
United States is the use of expressive emotional display. In Bermuda, business
people use this emotional display to communicate and expect the same in
return. In the United States, individuals tend to keep emotion away from the
business world.
COMPARISON TO THE US:
POWER STRUCTURES
Similarities:
In both Bermuda and the United States, individuals of higher rank are
expected to step up as leaders abd play a key role in decision-making.
Differences
There are more differences then similarities between power structures in
Bermuda and the United States. Though high-ranked individuals play a key
role in decision-making in the United States, this individual is given all the
decision-making power in Bermuda. In the United States, there is a more
consensus-style form of decision-making. When introduced to the Bermudian
culture, foreign business people are often surprised with this style of decision-
making and this level of power given to one person.
INTERNET PENETRATION AND MOST
POPULAR SOCIAL NETWORK
Internet Penetration:
Bermuda is number 24 on the list of countries with the highest internet
penetration rates. By December 31, 2013, the penetration calculated based
on the percent of the population was 79.6%. 54,687 out of 68,679 people are
using the internet in this country.
Most Popular Social Network:
Facebook: About 91% of students in Bermuda have Facebook pages and
the numbers continue to increase.
People are also using Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo! Mail to stay connected.

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__
cb20130501121248/logopedia/im
ages/f/fb/Facebook_icon_2013.sv
g
HOFSTEDES CULTURAL DIMENSION:
INDIVIDUALISM VS COLLECTIVISM

Bermuda is an individualist country:
Encourage a greater concern for ones self and own interests rather than a
reliance on a group and focusing on group interests.
Leadership in Bermuda is given to a single individual. In decision-making,
there is usually no group phenomenon at all and the power is in the hands of
the individual of the highest rank.
People in Bermuda are encouraged to do things on their own and avoid
asking for help. There is not a lot of group effort at all.
HOFSTEDES CULTURAL DIMENSION:
LARGE OR SMALL POWER DISTANCE
Bermuda is a large power distance culture:
The business structure in Bermuda is a hierarchy. People both accept and
expect that each individual has a different rank and the balance of power is
unequal.
The leaders in this culture lead autocratically. This means that the power is in
the hands of a certain individual and there is rarely any group efforts in
decision-making at all.
In the business world, people are hesitant to question authority and it is even
difficult for some individuals to share their ideas.
An individuals title and rank is very important in this culture and relationships
are based off of this hierarchy.
HOFSTEDES CULTURAL DIMENSION:
STRONG OR WEAK UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
In Bermudian culture, there is a strong uncertainty avoidance:
Risk and uncertainty are avoided by leaders (decision-makers) at all times.
Definite truths are also embraced and opinions differing from their own are
often feared and seem threatening.
In this culture, followers rely heavily on their leaders and because they are
the single individual with the power. When these leaders make decisions, it is
seen as a law.
Bermudian leaders have more rules and are less tolerant to people who stray
from those rules.
HOFSTEDES CULTURAL DIMENSION:
MASCULINITY VS FEMININITY
Bermuda is a masculine country:
Though women play an active role in the business world, the power roles are
almost always given to men. This shows that even though women are
treated equally in the job force, men are ultimately the ones making the
decisions.
Women are expected to perform their familial and domestic responsibilities
in addition to their job outside of the home.
There is not much emphasis on relationship-building in the business world.
There are times when small talk is seen as unprofessional and the getting to
know you conversations are ignored.
COMPARISON TO THE US:
INDIVIDUALISM VS COLLECTIVISM
Both the United States and Bermuda have an individualistic style of thinking.
These cultures both focus on self-interest in place of group-interest and
leadership is mainly given to a single individual. People in both the United
States and Bermuda are encouraged to do things on their own so they can
focus on personal goals rather than being part of a group where everyones
interests are taken into account. Since there is usually one person making most
of the decisions, workers have a lot of faith and trust in this individual.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_joocSCHwEM8/Sn-
RyTLJ02I/AAAAAAAAAas/xWto97mcYik/s320/indi
vidualism.jpg
COMPARISON TO THE US:
LARGE OR SMALL POWER DISTANCE
While Bermuda is a large power distance society, the United States is a small
power distance society. In Bermuda, the individual in the leadership position
lead autocratically. Statuses and ranks in business culture are extremely
important in Bermuda. Peoples ranks also determine relationships. Workers
show a great deal of respect for the person in charge and this individuals
word is a form of law. In Bermuda, workers are reluctant to question the
authority figure and are even afraid to share their ideas. On the other hand,
the United states is more open to differing opinions. Though the power is still in
the hand of a single leader, there is still communication between individuals of
different ranks. This enable more effective idea generation ad enables others
to share their input.
COMPARISON TO THE US:
STRONG OR WEAK UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
Bermuda is a culture with strong uncertainty avoidance and the United States
is a culture with weak uncertainty avoidance. In Bermuda, risks are rarely
taken by leaders and are avoided at all costs. There is also a strong emphasis
on absolute truths and rules which everyone is expected to follow by. In the
United States, leaders tend to be more open to taking risks and avoid the idea
of absolute truths. In the United States, individuals are more open to differing
opinions and dont feel threatened by ideas that are different from their own.
Workers are also encouraged by their superiors to speak their mind and be
open about their ideas.
COMPARISON TO THE US:
MASCULINITY VS FEMININITY
Both the United States and Bermuda are masculine cultures. In both
societies, men are usually given the power positions. Though women are
extremely active and influential in the workplace, it is usually men with the
decision-making responsibilities. In both cultures, women are also expected to
continue their traditional responsibilities in the home in addition to their job.
Male roles are of a greater degree of importance and are associated with
assertiveness and independence.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-
fd7iU6U55AQ/UZO5GG5RJJI/AAAAA
AAAG1Q/ekI0IOhfjHg/s1600/masculin
ity12.JPG
CURRENT EVENTS
(WITHIN THE PAST MONTH)
Current Event #1: Tropical Storm Fay
A tropical storm hit Bermuda on October 12, 2014. Though it remained at TS
status, the storm felt like a hurricane, knocking down trees and transporting
debris throughout the streets. Tropical storm conditions included heavy rain,
severe thunderstorms, and the possibility of hurricane force winds and
tornadoes. Clean-up efforts are underway with 27,000 people without power
and roadways blocked by debris.
Current Event #2: Bermudas First Police Woman is Honored
On October 7, 2014, the islands first police woman, Jean Delight Vickers, was
recognized as part of Police Week. She began her service in the Bermuda
Police Force on January 8, 1962, and retired on May 27, 1987. Mrs. Vickers is
80 years old.
http://www.royalgaze
tte.com/article/20141
008/NEWS/141009766
http://www.royalgazette.
com/article/20141012/NE
WS/141019928
CITATIONS
Arandjelovic, Nadia. "Threatening hand gesture leads to a $1,500 fine | The Royal Gazette:Bermuda Court." The Royal Gazette. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110713/NEWS02/707139965/0/ISLAND05>.
Bell, Jonathon . "Fay didnt become hurricane | The Royal Gazette:Bermuda News." The Royal Gazette. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20141012/NEWS/141019928>.
"Celebrating anniversary with high-fives | The Royal Gazette:Bermuda News." The Royal Gazette. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20140612/NEWS/140619914&template=mobileart>.
"Internet 50 Countries with Highest Penetration Rates - Internet World Stats." Internet World Stats . Web. 11 Oct. 2014. <http://www.internetworldstats.com/top25.htm>.
McGrath, Leanne . "Bermudas first policewoman is honoured | The Royal Gazette:Bermuda News." The Royal Gazette.. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20141008/NEWS/141009766>.
Moniz, Jesse. "Youth and social media | The Royal Gazette:Bermuda Women." The Royal Gazette. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20121031/ISLAND01/710319911>.
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The Global Road Warrior. "Bermuda: National Cuisine." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 October 2014 <http://0-
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www.globalroadwarrior.com.library.ccbcmd.edu/ContentInfo.asp?iso3ltr=BMU&nid=20.35&cid=16&next_nid=20.36&parent=undefined>.
The Global Road Warrior. "Bermuda: Religion." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 October 2014 <http://0-
www.globalroadwarrior.com.library.ccbcmd.edu/ContentInfo.asp?iso3ltr=BMU&nid=20.28&cid=16&next_nid=20.29&parent=Religion>.
The Global Road Warrior. "Bermuda: Stereotypes." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 October 2014 <http://0-
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The Global Road Warrior. "Bermuda: Superstitions and Folklore." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 October 2014 <http://0-
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