The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The capital and largest city is George Town, located on Grand Cayman.
The Cayman Islands have a population of around 66,000 people, with the majority living on Grand Cayman. The official language is English and the currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD), which is pegged to the US dollar.
The economy of the Cayman Islands is largely based on offshore banking, with the territory being one of the world's largest financial centers. Tourism is also an important industry, with visitors attracted to the islands' beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs. The islands are known for their luxury resorts, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, and other water sports.
The Cayman Islands are a popular destination for international businesses and wealthy individuals due to the territory's tax-neutral status and the absence of direct taxes such as income tax, capital gains tax, or corporate tax. The government derives the majority of its revenue from indirect taxes such as import duties and fees.
The Cayman Islands are known for their natural beauty and wildlife, including the endangered blue iguana. The islands have a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F throughout the year. The official hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak of the season in September and October.
The Cayman Islands have a stable government and a low crime rate, making it a safe and attractive destination for tourists and businesses. The territory has a British-style legal system and a high level of political and economic stability.
National holiday
Constitution Day, the first Monday in July (1959)
Telephone Code
345
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
Climate
Tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool , relatively dry winters (November to April)
Currency (Code)
Caymanian dollars (KYD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
English, Spanish, Filipino
Major Religions
Protestant 67.8%, Roman Catholic 14.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Seven Mile Beach; Stingray City; George Town; Atlantis Submarines; Cayman Turtle Centre; Bloody Bay Marine Park
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, netball
Cultural Practices
Handshakes between men and women are the most common form of greeting.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is usually expected everywhere you go to eat or drink. Even though many eating establishments may include a service charge; service staff in restaurants and bars rely on tips for a large portion of their salary.
Souvenirs
Caymanite jewelry and decorative items, black coral and shell jewelry, shipwreck artifacts, handwoven baskets and other woven items, luxury items, rum
Traditional Cuisine
Turtle stew — a stew containing turtle meat, cassava, potatoes, onions, and peppers
Geography
Area
total: 264 sq km
land: 264 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)
Natural resources
fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism
People and Society
Population
65,483 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups
mixed 40%, White 20%, African descent 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%
Languages
English (official) 90.9%, Spanish 4%, Filipino 3.3%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)
Religions
Protestant 67.8% (includes Church of God 22.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 9.4%, Presbyterian/United Church 8.6%, Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 7.1%, non-denominational 5.3%, Anglican 4.1%, Wesleyan Holiness 2.4%), Roman Catholic 14.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other 7%, none 9.3%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.)
Population growth rate
1.79% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK
Capital
name: George Town (on Grand Cayman)
Economy
Economic overview
dominant offshore banking territory; services sector accounts for over 85% of economic activity; recently adopted a fiscal responsibility framework to combat tax evasion and money laundering; large tourism sector; does not have any welfare system; high standard of living
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$4.599 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$67,500 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming
Industries
tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture
Exports
$3.652 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners
Netherlands 82%, Spain 11% (2019)
Exports - commodities
recreational boats, gold, broadcasting equipment, sulfates, collector's items (2019)
Imports
$2.507 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners
Netherlands 56%, United States 18%, Italy 8%, Switzerland 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
recreational boats, ships, gold, refined petroleum, cars (2019)