2017 Edition

CIA World Factbook 2017 Archive (HTML)

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Countries

268

Data Records

71,914

Cayman Islands

2017 Edition · 254 data fields

View Current Profile

Introduction

Background

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency. The territory has transformed itself into a significant offshore financial center.

Geography

Area

264 sq km 264 sq km 0 sq km
land: 264 sq km
total: 264 sq km
water: 0 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)

Coastline

160 km

Elevation

NA lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m
mean elevation: NA

Environment - current issues

no natural freshwater resources; drinking water supplies are met by reverse osmosis desalination plants

Geographic coordinates

19 30 N, 80 30 W

Geography - note

important location between Cuba and Central America

Irrigated land

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

11.2% arable land 0.8%; permanent crops 2.1%; permanent pasture 8.3% 52.9% 35.9% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 11.2%
forest: 52.9%
other: 35.9% (2011 est.)

Location

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

Map references

Central America and the Caribbean

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

Natural hazards

hurricanes (July to November)

Natural resources

fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Population - distribution

majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman

Terrain

low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

People and Society

Age structure

18% (male 5,298/female 5,224) 12.41% (male 3,601/female 3,654) 42.52% (male 12,123/female 12,727) 14.47% (male 4,030/female 4,427) 12.59% (male 3,425/female 3,932) (2017 est.)
0-14 years: 18% (male 5,298/female 5,224)
15-24 years: 12.41% (male 3,601/female 3,654)
25-54 years: 42.52% (male 12,123/female 12,727)
55-64 years: 14.47% (male 4,030/female 4,427)
65 years and over: 12.59% (male 3,425/female 3,932) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

12 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Death rate

5.8 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 97.4% of population rural: NA total: 97.4% of population urban: 2.6% of population rural: NA total: 2.6% of population (2015 est.)
rural: NA
total: 2.6% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 2.6% of population

Education expenditures

Ethnic groups

mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

HIV/AIDS - deaths

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

Infant mortality rate

5.9 deaths/1,000 live births 6.7 deaths/1,000 live births 5 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
female: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
male: 6.7 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 5.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official) 90.9%, Spanish 4%, Filipino 3.3%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

81.3 years 78.6 years 84.1 years (2017 est.)
female: 84.1 years (2017 est.)
male: 78.6 years
total population: 81.3 years

Literacy

age 15 and over has ever attended school 98.9% 98.7% 99% (2007 est.)
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
female: 99% (2007 est.)
male: 98.7%
total population: 98.9%

Major infectious diseases

active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)
note: active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

Major urban areas - population

GEORGE TOWN (capital) 31,000 (2014)

Median age

40 years 39.3 years 40.7 years (2017 est.)
female: 40.7 years (2017 est.)
male: 39.3 years
total: 40 years

Nationality

Caymanian(s) Caymanian
adjective: Caymanian
noun: Caymanian(s)

Net migration rate

13.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2017 est.)
note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2017 est.)

Population

58,441 most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2017 est.)
note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman

Population growth rate

2.01% (2017 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.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 95.6% of population total: 95.6% of population urban: 4.4% of population total: 4.4% of population (2015 est.)
total: 4.4% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 4.4% of population

Sex ratio

1.02 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 0.91 male(s)/female 0.89 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.85 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

13.8% 16.4% 11.4% (2015 est.)
female: 11.4% (2015 est.)
male: 16.4%
total: 13.8%

Urbanization

100% of total population (2017) 0.98% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
urban population: 100% of total population (2017)

Government

Administrative divisions

6 districts; Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, West Bay

Capital

George Town (on Grand Cayman) 19 18 N, 81 23 W UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W
name: George Town (on Grand Cayman)
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

see United Kingdom

Constitution

several previous; latest approved 10 June 2009, entered into force 6 November 2009 (The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009) (2016)

Country name

none Cayman Islands the islands' name comes from the native Carib word "caiman," describing the marine crocodiles living there
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Cayman Islands
etymology: the islands' name comes from the native Carib word "caiman," describing the marine crocodiles living there

Dependency status

overseas territory of the UK

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Executive branch

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Helen KILPATRICK (since 6 September 2013) Premier Alden MCLAUGHLIN (since 29 May 2013) Cabinet selected from the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition appointed premier by the governor
cabinet: Cabinet selected from the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Helen KILPATRICK (since 6 September 2013)
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition appointed premier by the governor
head of government: Premier Alden MCLAUGHLIN (since 29 May 2013)

Flag description

a blue field with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle, representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue wavy lines representing the sea and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

Government type

parliamentary democracy (Legislative Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Independence

none (overseas territory of the UK)

International organization participation

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Judicial branch

Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); Grand Court (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) Court of Appeal and Grand Court judges appointed by the governor on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an 8-member independent body consisting of governor appointees, Court of Appeal president, and attorneys; Court of Appeal judges' tenure based on their individual instruments of appointment; Grand Court judges normally appointed until retirement at age 65 but can be extended until age 70 Summary Court
highest resident court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); Grand Court (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Grand Court judges appointed by the governor on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an 8-member independent body consisting of governor appointees, Court of Appeal president, and attorneys; Court of Appeal judges' tenure based on their individual instruments of appointment; Grand Court judges normally appointed until retirement at age 65 but can be extended until age 70
subordinate courts: Summary Court

Legal system

English common law and local statutes

Legislative branch

unicameral Legislative Assembly (21 seats; 19 members directly elected by majority vote and 2 ex officio members - the deputy governor and attorney general - appointed by the governor; members serve 4-year terms) last held on 24 May 2017 (next to be held in 2021) percent of vote by party - independent 44.7%, PPM 31.2%, CDP 24.1%; seats by party - independent 9, PPM 7, CDP 3
description: unicameral Legislative Assembly (21 seats; 19 members directly elected by majority vote and 2 ex officio members - the deputy governor and attorney general - appointed by the governor; members serve 4-year terms)
election results: percent of vote by party - independent 44.7%, PPM 31.2%, CDP 24.1%; seats by party - independent 9, PPM 7, CDP 3
elections: last held on 24 May 2017 (next to be held in 2021)

National anthem

"Beloved Isle Cayman" Leila E. ROSS adopted 1993; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930; as a territory of the United Kingdom, in addition to the local anthem, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)
lyrics/music: Leila E. ROSS
name: "Beloved Isle Cayman"
note: adopted 1993; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930; as a territory of the United Kingdom, in addition to the local anthem, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

National holiday

Constitution Day, first Monday in July (1959)

National symbol(s)

green sea turtle

Political parties and leaders

People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Alden MCLAUGHLIN] Cayman Democratic Party or CDP [McKeeva BUSH]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Coalition for Cayman or C4C People's National Alliance or PNA National Trust environmentalists
other: environmentalists

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Economy

Agriculture - products

vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming

Budget

$844.9 million $725 million (2016 est.)
expenditures: $725 million (2016 est.)
revenues: $844.9 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

5.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

Economy - overview

With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 93,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2008, including almost 300 banks, 800 insurers, and 10,000 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Nearly 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy a standard of living comparable to that of Switzerland. 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 1.9 million in 2008, with about half from the US.

Exchange rates

Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - 0.82 (2016 est.) 0.82 (2015 est.) 0.82 (2014 est.) 0.83 (2013 est.) 0.83 (2012 est.)

Exports

$47.6 million (2016 est.) $45 million (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition, by end use

62.6% 14.7% 22.4% 0.1% 59.3% -59% (2016 est.)
exports of goods and services: 59.3%
government consumption: 14.7%
household consumption: 62.6%
imports of goods and services: -59% (2016 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.4%
investment in inventories: 0.1%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

0.3% 7.5% 91.4% (2016 est.)
agriculture: 0.3%
industry: 7.5%
services: 91.4% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$43,800 (2004 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

1.7% (2014 est.) 1.2% (2013 est.) 1.6% (2012 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$2.25 billion (2008 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$2.507 billion (2014 est.) $2.465 billion (2013 est.) $2.435 billion (2012 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%
highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: NA%

Imports

$585.2 million (2016 est.) $579.5 million (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels

Industrial production growth rate

2.4% (2016 est.)

Industries

tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-0.6% (2016 est.) -2.3% (2015 est.)

Labor force

39,000 nearly 55% are non-nationals (2007 est.)
note: nearly 55% are non-nationals (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

1.9% 19.1% 79% (2008 est.)
agriculture: 1.9%
industry: 19.1%
services: 79% (2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$315.6 million (31 December 2015 est.) $183.5 million (31 December 2007) $188.4 million (31 December 2006)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Stock of broad money

$5.564 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Stock of narrow money

$334.3 million (31 December 2008)

Taxes and other revenues

37.6% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

4% (2008) 4.4% (2004)

Broadcast media

4 TV stations; cable and satellite subscription services offer a variety of international programming; government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5 stations; 10 privately owned radio stations operate alongside Radio Cayman (2007)

Internet country code

.ky

Internet users

45,242 79.0% (July 2016 est.)
percent of population: 79.0% (July 2016 est.)
total: 45,242

Telephone system

reasonably good overall telephone system with a high fixed-line teledensity liberalization of telecom market in 2003; introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004 boosted subscriptions dramatically country code - 1-345; landing points for the Maya-1, Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS), and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2015)
domestic: liberalization of telecom market in 2003; introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004 boosted subscriptions dramatically
general assessment: reasonably good overall telephone system with a high fixed-line teledensity
international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the Maya-1, Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS), and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

34,116 60 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 60 (July 2016 est.)
total subscriptions: 34,116

Telephones - mobile cellular

95,656 167 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 167 (July 2016 est.)
total: 95,656

Transportation

Airports

3 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2017)
total: 3

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2012)
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012)
total: 1

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

VP-C (2016)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 19, cargo 3, chemical tanker 61, liquefied gas 1, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 10, vehicle carrier 16 102 (Germany 3, Greece 9, Italy 7, Japan 23, Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 57) (2010)
by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 3, chemical tanker 61, liquefied gas 1, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 10, vehicle carrier 16
foreign-owned: 102 (Germany 3, Greece 9, Italy 7, Japan 23, Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 57) (2010)
total: 116

National air transport system

6 (2015)
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 (2015)
number of registered air carriers: 1

Ports and terminals

Cayman Brac, George Town
major seaport(s): Cayman Brac, George Town

Roadways

785 km 785 km (2007)
paved: 785 km (2007)
total: 785 km

Military and Security

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Military branches

no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (2012)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

none

Illicit drugs

major offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug transshipment to the US and Europe