CapitalGeorge Town (on Grand Cayman)
Population66,653
Area264 km²
GDP per capita$78,100
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Filipino, other languages, unspecified
CurrencyCaymanian dollars
Life Expectancy82.5 yr
GovernmentA parliamentary democracy; a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Introduction
Background
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Cayman Islands were colonized by the British, with administration of the islands being conducted by Jamaica, another British colony, from 1863 onwards. In 1959, the islands were designated as a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. Following the dissolution of the Federation in 1962, the Cayman Islands opted to continue as a British dependency. The territory has evolved into an important offshore financial hub.
Geography
Area
land
264 sq km
water
0 sq km
total
264 sq km
Climate
tropical marine climate characterized by warm, rainy summers from May to October and cooler, relatively dry winters from November to April
Terrain
a low-lying limestone foundation encircled by coral reefs
Land use
other
35.8% (2023 est.)
forest
53% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
11.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 8.3% (2023 est.)
Location
located in the Caribbean Sea, this triad of islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) is positioned 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica
Coastline
160 km
Elevation
lowest point
Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point
1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m
Irrigated land
NA
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
hurricane season occurs from July to November
Geography - note
strategically significant location between Cuba and Central America
Natural resources
rich in marine life, a favorable climate, and beaches that support tourism
Area - comparative
1.5 times greater in area than Washington, D.C.
Geographic coordinates
19 30 N, 80 30 W
Population distribution
the majority of inhabitants live on Grand Cayman
People & Society
Languages
English (official) 88.8%, Spanish 3.9%, Filipino 3.8%, other languages 2.8%, unspecified 0.7% (2021 estimate)
Religions
Protestant 60.8% (includes Church of God 19.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.7%, non-denominational 8.3%, Baptist 6.9%, Pentecostal 6.8%, Presbyterian/United Church 5.7%, Anglican 2.8%, Wesleyan Holiness 1.5%, Methodist 0.5%), Roman Catholic 13.6%, Hindu 1.7%, Jehovah's Witness 0.9%, other 4.8%, none 16.7%, unspecified 1.4% (2021 est.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.02 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.96 male(s)/female
total population
0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.84 male(s)/female
Birth rate
11.41 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.24 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
40.3 years
total
41.3 years (2025 est.)
female
42 years
Population
male
32,379
total
66,653 (2024 est.)
female
34,274
Nationality
noun
Caymanian(s)
adjective
Caymanian
Urbanization
urban population
100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
17.4% (male 5,845/female 5,767)
15-64 years
65.9% (male 21,480/female 22,456)
65 years and over
16.7% (2024 est.) (male 5,054/female 6,051)
Ethnic groups
Cayman Islander 35.4%, Jamaican 24.8%, Filipino 5.5%, British 5.3%, American 5.2%, Honduran 4.2%, Canadian 3.3%, Indian 2.1%, Cuban 1.6%, Nicaraguan 1%, other 11.1%, unspecified 0.5% (2021 est.)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
51.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
26.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
25.3 (2024 est.)
Net migration rate
11.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.81 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: total
total: 95.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 95.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 4.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 4.5% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
15% national budget (2019 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
8.8 deaths/1,000 live births
total
7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
5.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
1.71% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.9 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the largest portion of the population lives on Grand Cayman
Life expectancy at birth
male
79.8 years
female
85.2 years
total population
82.5 years (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total
total: 93.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 93.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 6.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 6.5% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
35,000 GEORGE TOWN (capital) (2018)
Environment
Climate
tropical marine climate characterized by warm, rainy summers from May to October and cooler, drier winters from November to April
Land use
other
35.8% (2023 est.)
forest
53% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
11.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 8.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
60,000 tons (2024 est.)
Environmental issues
absence of natural freshwater sources; accumulation of trash on beaches; lack of recycling or waste management facilities; deforestation
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
737,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
737,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Government
Flag
description: a blue backdrop featuring the UK flag in the upper-left corner and the Cayman Islands coat of arms prominently displayed on the right side of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple, a turtle, a shield adorned with a golden lion and three green stars, along with a scroll beneath the shield inscribed with the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS
meaning: the pineapple signifies connections to Jamaica; the turtle embodies the seafaring heritage of the Cayman Islands; the lion represents Great Britain; the green stars denote the three islands; the undulating white and blue lines on the coat of arms symbolize the sea.
Capital
name
George Town (on Grand Cayman)
etymology
Initially referred to as Hogstyes, the town was renamed around 1800 to honor King GEORGE III of England (1738-1820).
time difference
UTC-5 (coincides with the time in Washington, DC, during Standard Time).
geographic coordinates
19 18 N, 81 23 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
see United Kingdom
Constitution
history
Several prior constitutions; the most recent was approved on 10 June 2009 and became effective on 6 November 2009 (The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009).
Country name
etymology
Spanish explorers gave the islands their name in the early 16th century, derived from the Carib term for marine crocodiles, caiman.
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Cayman Islands
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Legal system
Based on English common law and local legislation.
Government type
A parliamentary democracy; a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
The Court of Appeal (comprising the court president and a minimum of 2 judges); the Grand Court (also consisting of the court president and at least 2 judges).
subordinate courts
Summary Court
judge selection and term of office
Judges of the Court of Appeal and Grand Court are appointed by the governor based on the recommendations of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent committee of 8 members made up of governor appointees, the president of the Court of Appeal, and legal practitioners; the tenure of Court of Appeal judges is determined by their specific appointment documents; Grand Court judges are typically appointed until the age of 65, with the possibility of extension to 70.
Executive branch
cabinet
Cabinet selected from the Parliament and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier
chief of state
King CHARLES III (ascended on 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Jane OWEN (took office on 21 April 2023).
head of government
Premier André Martin EBANKS (in office since 6 May 2025).
election/appointment process
The monarchy operates on a hereditary basis; the governor is appointed by the monarch; after legislative elections, the governor selects the leader of the majority party or coalition to serve as premier.
National holiday
Constitution Day, the first Monday in July (1959)
Dependency status
An overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Political parties
Cayman Islands Peoples Party or CIPP
People's Progressive Movement or PPM
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
21 (directly elected and appointed)
legislature name
Parliament
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
4/14/2021
expected date of next election
2025
percentage of women in chamber
23.8%
parties elected and seats per party
independent (12); PPM (7)
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
official anthem, as an overseas UK territory
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
green sea turtle
National coat of arms
The coat of arms for the Cayman Islands was sanctioned by the Queen of England in 1958, designed with public input; it features a shield with the lion of England and three green stars representing the islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman; the green turtle signifies the islands’ maritime history, the rope beneath it symbolizes the thatch-rope industry, and the pineapple reflects historical connections with Jamaica; the motto, derived from Psalms 24, acknowledges the Christian heritage of the Cayman Islands.
Administrative divisions
Comprises 6 districts: Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, West Bay.
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
None (as an overseas territory of the UK); consular services are facilitated through the US Embassy in Jamaica.
International organization participation
Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU.
Economy
Budget
revenues
$874.5 million (2017 est.)
expenditures
$766.6 million (2017 est.)
Exports
Exports 2021
$3.542 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$4.215 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$4.6 billion (2023 est.)
Imports
Imports 2021
$2.808 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$3.287 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$3.444 billion (2023 est.)
Industries
tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture
Remittances
Remittances 2021
0.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
0.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
0.833 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
0.833 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
0.833 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
0.833 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
0.833 (2024 est.)
Economic overview
predominantly an offshore banking jurisdiction; the services industry constitutes more than 85% of economic activity; has recently implemented a fiscal responsibility framework aimed at curbing tax evasion and money laundering; significant tourism industry; lacks a welfare system; exhibits a high standard of living
Exports - partners
UK 40%, Cyprus 21%, Germany 9%, Grenada 8%, Italy 5% (2023)
Imports - partners
Germany 30%, USA 29%, Italy 20%, Turkey 5%, China 5% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2021
$74,200 (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022
$76,400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$78,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2021
4.9% (2021 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022
5.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
4.4% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming
Exports - commodities
aircraft, ships, refined petroleum, natural gas, broadcasting equipment (2023)
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, cars, furniture, jewelry (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2021
-$794.205 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022
-$749.482 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$712.684 million (2023 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$7.139 billion (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2015
-2.3% (2015 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2016
-0.6% (2016 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2017
2% (2017 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
3.4% (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021
$5.199 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$5.467 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$5.705 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$228.3 million (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$225.4 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$234 million (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
8.2% (2022 est.)
services
85.4% (2022 est.)
agriculture
0.5% (2022 est.)
Energy
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption
5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
consumption
698.767 million kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
176,000 kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
2.117 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
143.149 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
3.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
96.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
81% (2017 est.)
Broadcast media
Four television stations and cable as well as satellite subscription services provide international programming; government-operated Radio Cayman runs two networks across five stations; in addition to Radio Cayman, there are ten privately owned radio stations.
Internet country code
.ky
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
36,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
50 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
99,737 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
139 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
40,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
56 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
0
medium
0
key ports
Cayman Brac, Georgetown
very small
2
total ports
2 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
2
Airports
3 (2025)
Heliports
5 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
130 (2023)
by type
29 bulk carriers, 3 container ships, 1 general cargo vessel, 20 oil tankers, and 77 others
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
VP-C
Military & Security
Military - note
The United Kingdom holds the responsibility for defense
Military and security forces
There are no standing military forces; the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is tasked with this role.
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees
65 (2024 est.)
