The rich population mix reflects the Islands’ history and geography. Cayman is a British Territory, formerly administered by – and close to – Jamaica, and enjoying significant financial links to the United States.
No evidence has yet been found of early Amerindian indigenous peoples, in contrast to other Caribbean islands. The majority of Caymanians are people of British or African descent, with much inter-racial mixing. The population comprises 40% people of mixed race, 20% black people, 20% white and 20% from other ethnic groups. 60% of the population is indigenous, 40% non-Caymanian.
In the 1999 census, of the non-Caymanians in the Islands, 8,320 were from Jamaica, 2,392 from the UK, 2,040 from USA, 1,562 from Canada, 873 from Honduras and 3300 from other nations.
Although it is the international finance which springs to the mind of the uninitiated, those who have been to the Cayman think first of the gorgeous natural beauty of the Islands.
As one of the world’s top scuba destinations, and home to some truly fabulous diving, Cayman is a center for water sports, both above and below the surface. Check out the page on Diving and Water Sports in the Cayman Islands for more information.
There is a strong, varied ecology in the Islands. Plants celebrated as particularly important to Cayman include the Silver Thatch Palm and the Wild Banana Orchid. In terms of wildlife, the Islands are home to formerly threatened species, like the Red Footed Booby, the Blue and Little Cayman Rock Iguanas, even the Green Sea Turtle itself. Come to Cayman and pick up turtles, swim with Stingrays, enjoy the call of the Caribbean Whistling Duck or the sight of the Cayman Brac Parrot winging its way over the Bluff.
The Cayman Islands are now administered as a British Overseas Territory, relying upon Britain for some functions, such as defense and foreign policy, but remaining independent. The Islands have their own law-making Assembly, tax system and currency.
This has led to a very stable political climate. Cayman is a parliamentary democracy with judicial, executive and legislative branches. The Assembly is elected every four years via a direct poll. The 15 Members of the legislative Assembly (MLAs) represent the Islands’ six districts; four members from each of George Town and West Bay, three from Bodden Town, two from Cayman Brac and Little Cayman and one each from North Side and East End.
Five Members are chosen to form a governing cabinet headed by the Governor. The head of the government is the Leader of Government Business. The cabinet consists of the five ministers plus the three top civil servants; the Chief Secretary, the Attorney General and the Financial Secretary.
The Governor is appointed by the British Government to represent the British Crown. He has blanket powers in the constitution to exercise complete executive authority if he/she feels this is required. Furthermore, on behalf of the Crown, the Governor gives royal assent to all proposed legislation.
In the 2005 elections, following hard upon the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, the ruling United Democratic Party lost to the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM). Only West Bay and Cayman Brac/Little Cayman returned any UDP candidates to the Assembly, leaving the PPM with a 10-5 majority.
In the early days, economic activity in the Islands was hindered by its geography. Still today, 90% of food and consumer goods are imported. Sea turtle meat for passing ships represented an early form of trade, but its popularity led to an almost complete exhaustion of stocks by the 1790’s.
The development of modern communications and transport from the 1950’s brought the two industries which now constitute the major part of the Islands’ economy; tourism and international finance. The economy is now thriving; Gross National Product per capita was estimated in 2005 at US$ 20,667, putting the Cayman Islands at 31st place in the world (one place above Jersey)
Attracted by the political stability and the Islands’ self-governance, the international finance industry settled upon Cayman. This influx of business was boosted by a series of laws in 1966 allowing for flexibility and security in international finance trade. Cayman is now the fifth largest offshore finance center in the world. See Offshore Financial Services for a more detailed look at the finance industry in Cayman.
But the economy in Cayman rests on more than just finance. The second pillar of the economy, tourism, represents 75% of the islands’ employment.
Financial services constitute 40% of Cayman’s Gross Domestic Product, tourism amounts to 35-40%. The unspoiled beaches, fabulous underwater scenery, breathtaking diving and an unhurried way of life draw around 1 million visitors each year.
The Cayman Islands is the jurisdiction of choice and is regarded as one of the world's premier international financial centers. The Cayman Islands offer services which include banking, trusts, mutual funds, company management, structured financing, vessel registration, insurance, and listings on the stock exchange. In addition there are a extensive number of professional advisors representing all facets of business to help facilitate any endeavor...... read more about Offshore Financial Services
The Cayman Islands is in the northeast trade wind belt of the Caribbean and enjoys a stable climate. Cool Cayman winter nights and hot summer days are the year-round norm, influenced only occasionally by winter storms known through the Cayman Island as Nor'westers. Summer humidity is often higher, but the cool sea breezes at night usually bring relief. In the daytime, a sun hat or cap is a good idea to have when at the Seven Mile Beach which is a major Cayman tourist attraction because it’s such a great place for Cayman diving...... read more about Cayman Islands Climate and Weather
We have put together a few of the more important things you may want to know about the Cayman Islands before you make your trip...... read more about Cayman Islands Facts
Many of the parks in Cayman are managed by the Government through its Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Unit. The Islands parks have benefited from the ‘Growing Communities’ scheme. This is a multi-million pound public/private partnership aiming to provide a public park in every district in Grand Cayman........ read more about Recreational Parks in the Cayman Islands
Unfortunately, life can throw up unexpected challenges. Whether you are visiting Cayman or resident here, there is the infrastructure to help you in times of emergency...... find out more about Emergency Numbers in the Cayman Islands
Consulates exist to represent their government, citizens, companies, and institutions. They aim to promote and protect the interests and welfare of their own nationals and provide a link to their home country. They can assist in emergencies, finding medical assistance or with lost or stolen passports........ find out more about Consulates in the Cayman Islands
It is easy to make an international call from Cayman....... find out more about International Dialing Codes in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are a huge draw for visitors from all over the world. They are blessed with natural attractions such as the spectacular oceanscapes, beautiful beaches and stunning coral reef snorkeling. The Islands are also full of interesting manmade or discovered attractions........ read more about Cayman Islands Attractions
