Little Britains

The British Empire was, at its height, the largest in history and the greatest global power. In recent years we’ve seemed more like a sidekick to the USA, but all is not lost: there are still 14 British Overseas Territories scattered around the world. They may not sing our anthem or fly our flag, but as far as we’re concerned they’re always welcome to come over for a cup of tea. But who are they?

What: Bermuda
Where: Mid-Atlantic.
Population: 66,536

How did we get it? The islands were sighted by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez in the early 16th century, but it was the Brits who officially colonised them in 1684.

To the superstitious, the islands are famous for the ‘Bermuda triangle’, which is rumoured to be the location of lots of mysterious disappearances. The less exciting true story? Research has shown that most of those disappearances either weren’t mysterious or simply never happened. Guess that knocks the old ‘the truth is stranger than fiction’ myth on the head.

Is it like here? Not a million miles away in terms of favourite pastimes: they love football, cricket, golf and rugby. And they have warm winters! What’s not to like?