Cayman Islands
dependent territory of the UKIndependence none (dependent territory of the UK)
Cayman Islands as the 1996 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 83 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe open editionEach field below ends in its editions, 1990 to 2025. Point at a year above to follow it down.
No fields match. Try a shorter word.
Geography
Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly | one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras
15 fieldsLand useshare of 260 sq km
Climate
tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)
Terrain
low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs
- lowest point:
- Caribbean Sea 0 m
- highest point:
- The Bluff 43 m
Environment
- current issues:
- no natural fresh water resources, drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment
- natural hazards:
- hurricanes (July to November)
- international agreements:
- NA
People
15 fieldsPer 1,000 population(1996 est.)
Male · female(1996 est.)
Net migration rate
33.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US
Sex ratio
- at birth:
- NA male(s)/female
- under 15 years:
- NA male(s)/female
- 15-64 years:
- NA male(s)/female
- 65 years and over:
- NA male(s)/female
- all ages:
- NA male(s)/female
Religions
United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations
Government
Dependent territory of the UK; Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; Governor and President of the Executive Council John OWEN (since 15 September 1995)
19 fieldsLegislature, 12 seatsone dot, one seat
Administrative divisions
8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western
Executive branch
- chief of state:
- Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch
- head of government:
- Governor and President of the Executive Council John OWEN (since 15 September 1995)
- cabinet:
- Executive Council - three members are appointed by the governor, four members are elected by the Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly
- election last held 18 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (15 total, 12 elected) independents 12
Flag
- blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag;
- the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS
Economy
With no direct taxation, the Islands are a | thriving offshore financial center.
21 fieldsGDP composition by sector(1994 est.)
Installed generating capacity, 80,000 kW
Economic overview
With no direct taxation, the Islands are a thriving offshore financial center. 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 one million visitors in 1995 for the first time.
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.
Labor force
8,061; by occupation: service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance and investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979)
Illicit drugs
a major money-laundering center for illicit drug profits; transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe
Exports
$10 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.)
- commodities:
- turtle products, manufactured consumer goods
- partners:
- mostly US
Imports
$312 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.)
- commodities:
- foodstuffs, manufactured goods
- partners:
- US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan
Transportation
5 fieldsAirports by runway lengthpaved left, unpaved right · 3 in all
Networkskm
Merchant marine
- total:
- 19 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 283,734 GRT/432,610 DWT
- ships by type:
- bulk 3, cargo 6, chemical tanker 2, container 1, oil tanker 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4
note: a flag of convenience registry; UK owns 1 ship, India 1, Norway 1, US 3, Sweden 1, and UAE 1 (1995 est.)
Communications
Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF)
8 fieldsTelephone system
- domestic:
- NA
- international:
- 1 submarine coaxial cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Cite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Cayman Islands.” The World Factbook 1996. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/cayman-islands/1996.