I recently went on vacation on the Bermutifal island of Bermuda! Aside from enjoying the view and the hidden treasures of the island, I learned a lot about Bermuda. I learned facts that I am almost positive no one really knows about the beautiful island. So, in honor of my fantastic vacation coming to a close (and some unhealthy paradise withdraws) I decided to list 11 facts you probably didn't know about Bermuda!
1. It is a British territory.
What I did not know (and what most people don't know) is that Bermuda is actually a British-owned territory. Many people think it is located in the Caribbean Islands, but it is not. Fun Fact: Bermuda was once voted the nicest of the Caribbean islands (see the problem there?).
2. Bermuda is home to the world's smallest drawbridge.
You won't believe it until you see it. The bridge only opens once every year in order to keep its record in the Guinness World Record Book for smallest drawbridge.
3. Bermuda has the most churches per capital.
'Nuff said.
4. It is home to one of the world's longest airport runways.
Bermuda seems to have many hidden treasures on the island, this runway is just another one.
5. No franchises (except for an overpriced KFC).
The simple answer is it is illegal to have any of these food franchises in Bermuda. A law was passed that stated that there would not be any franchises in Bermuda. However, one KFC was bult before the law was passed so there is one KFC. Also, the taxes in Bermuda are crazy high, so many of their products are extremely expensive. The island has a very easygoing, chill vibe. They support one another by making and producing their own products.
6. Bermuda used to be the home of one of the US Army base.
That is until Bill Clinton broke lease in 1995.
7. John Smith came to Bermuda and stayed for a period of time.
Move over Pocahontasand make way for a new women. After the death of his wife Pocahontas John Smith, John Smith explored the islands of Bermuda for a while (he was also with another women during his stay in Bermuda).
8. Bermuda was almost settled by two different countries.
It could've been Portugal territory, or it could have been Spanish territory. However, neither were successful in colonizing so it became British territory.
9. The coral reef helps prevent natural disasters.
The large reefs that surround the island protect it from large waves, tidal waves,and help break them down so by time they come to coast they are small.
10. Gas in Bermuda is $9.50 per gallon.
Pretty crazy, right?
11. Bermuda is home to the pink sand beaches.
The island's parrot fish produce 200 pounds of pink sand per year. The sand is essentially the parrot fish's waste (poop). Because of the certain kind of rock they eat, this gives a pink color. The shore becomes pink because the water pushes it up to the shore and since the water is constantly pushed up, the sand is pink.
And there are 11 facts you most likely did not know about Bermuda. Now, do yourself a favor and go visit!