About the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Western Caribbean. Situated 480 miles south of Miami, Florida, 150 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are made up of 3 islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. By jet, the Cayman Islands is only a 70-minute direct flight from Miami. There are more than 55 weekly flights into the Cayman Islands including 28 flights each week between Miami and Grand Cayman with connections to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
The Cayman Islands is known for its stable macroeconomic and regulatory environment, modern infrastructure, tax neutrality and the absence of exchange controls. Its integration into the global economy coupled with dynamic growth in the two main economic sectors of tourism and financial services have delivered a high standard of living for the average Caymanian citizen.
The Cayman Islands economy is supported by the twin pillars of tourism and financial services.
As a thriving centre for international finance, Cayman's clientele have access to a wide array of services including banking, trusts, mutual funds, company management, structured financing, vessel registration, and insurance. Supporting this array of services are highly skilled legal, accounting and other professional advisors. It is home to the world's leading banks, investment agencies, and law and accounting firms.
The tourism sector provides a distinct, high-quality experience that attracts over two million visitors per year. Blessed with sun-kissed beaches and the calm, turquoise waters of the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands offers some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. All three islands are surrounded by healthy coral reefs which lie at the top of dramatic walls and drop-offs close to shore.
Other Useful Information
| Nationality: | Caymanian (British Overseas Territory Citizens) |
| Government: | The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. The islands possess a parliamentary democracy and a stable political climate. |
| Official Language | English. There is also a significant percentage of the population that speaks Spanish. |
| Currency: | Cayman Islands dollar. While US dollars are widely accepted, there is a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = CI$0.82. |
Last Updated: 2009-01-23