Overview of Cayman

Profile

The Cayman Islands consist of three coral reef islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The capital George Town functions as one of the world's leading offshore financial centers, with investment funds and insurance companies from around the world establishing bases here. Meanwhile, the crystal blue waters make it a diving and sailing mecca, with Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City attracting millions of tourists annually. Security is relatively good, and public services and living standards are top-class within the Caribbean. The climate is warm year-round, but June to November is hurricane season.

Official name: Cayman Islands
Common name: Cayman
Numeric code: 136
Alpha-3 code: CYM
Alpha-2 code: KY
Population: Approximately 69,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 260 people/km2
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Protestant majority, Roman Catholic, Other Christian denominations
National anthem: God Save the King / Beloved Isle Cayman (territorial anthem)
Calling code: +1-345
Internet TLD: .ky

History

Known as 'Las Tortugas' by Spanish in 1503, became British territory from 1670. After administration under Jamaica, established self-government in 1972.

When Columbus discovered it during his 1503 voyage, he named it 'Las Tortugas' for the abundance of sea turtles. Later it was renamed to the current name derived from 'Caymanas' meaning crocodile. Britain took possession along with Jamaica in the late 17th century, used as a pirate hideout and sailor supply point. After Jamaica's independence in 1962, it remained a British territory, gaining internal autonomy under a new constitution in 1972. Since the 1990s, it grew rapidly as a tax haven due to financial liberalization, establishing a dual-pillar economy of tourism and finance.

Geography & climate

Flat limestone islands formed by coral reefs with white sand beaches and mangrove wetlands.

Tropical savanna climate (Aw)

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 264 km²
Capital: George Town
Largest city: George Town
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Coral reefs, Mangrove forests, Sea salt, Caymanite limestone, Abundant marine life, Highly transparent waters as tourism resource

Politics

Government: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy (British Overseas Territory)

Economy

Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)

GDP (nominal): 4.41 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 5.5 billion international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (no daylight saving)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mixed (Mulatto), African, White, Hispanic, Asian

Life expectancy

82.3 years

Literacy rate

98.8%

National sports

Cricket, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Scuba diving, Golf