One Destination for 392 Properties in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands
at a Glance

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Location:
Caribbean, three island (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) group in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica

Area: 262 sq km

Area - comparative:
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate:
Tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Average Temperature:
Daily average is between 77°F and 84°F

Population: 46,600
note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2007 est.)

Population growth rate:
2.496% (2007 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Caymanian(s)
adjective: Caymanian

Languages: English

Dependency status:
Overseas territory of the UK

Government type:
British crown colony

Capital:
George Town (on Grand Cayman)

Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Legal system:
British common law and local statutes

Diplomatic representation from the US:
None (overseas territory of the UK)

Economy - overview:
With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 68,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2003, including almost 500 banks, 800 insurers, and 5,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 2.1 million in 2003, with about half from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world.

GDP - real growth rate:
0.9% (2004 est.)

Currency (code):
Caymanian dollar (KYD)

Internet hosts: 4,888 (2007)

International Airports:
• Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), Grand Cayman

Quick links:
U.S. Travel Regulations
Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce
U.S. State Dept. Page

American Express Global Assist Hotline: 1-800-333-AMEX (2639)