Country Profile: Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands, a British overseas territory, is composed of three islands located in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. With a population of approximately 66,653, the islands boast a vibrant economy primarily driven by the tourism and financial services sectors. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, they maintain a high standard of living without a welfare system. The islands' tropical climate and beautiful beaches promote a thriving tourism industry, while their status as an offshore financial center attracts global businesses.

Geography

The Cayman Islands are located in the Caribbean, approximately 240 km south of Cuba, and consist of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The islands cover a total area of 264 square kilometers and are characterized by low-lying limestone terrain surrounded by coral reefs, with the highest point reaching 50 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical marine, featuring warm, rainy summers and cooler dry winters.

• 240 km south of Cuba
• 264 sq km total area
• 160 km of coastline
• 12 nm territorial sea
• Predominantly 11.2% of land utilized for agriculture (2023 est.)

People and Society

As of 2024, the Cayman Islands have a population of approximately 66,653, with a gender distribution of about 48.6% male and 51.4% female. The society is ethnically diverse, with over 35% identifying as Caymanian and significant populations from Jamaica, the Philippines, and the UK. English is the official language, and the population enjoys a high life expectancy of 82.5 years. The urbanization rate is nearly 100%, with George Town as the capital.

• 82.5 years life expectancy (2024 est.)
• 1.71% population growth rate (2025 est.)
• 11.41 births/1,000 population birth rate (2025 est.)
• 16.7% of the population is aged 65 and over (2024 est.)
• 100% urban population (2023)

Economy

The economy of the Cayman Islands is heavily reliant on the services sector, particularly offshore banking and tourism, which together account for over 85% of economic activity. As of 2023, the estimated real GDP is $5.705 billion, with a notable per capita income of approximately $78,100. The government has implemented frameworks to combat financial malpractices, while the island maintains a high standard of living.

• $5.705 billion real GDP (2023 est.)
• 4.4% GDP growth rate (2023 est.)
• 85.4% of GDP comes from services (2022 est.)
• 0.5% contribution from agriculture (2022 est.)
• $7.139 billion GDP at official exchange rate (2023 est.)

Government

The Cayman Islands operate as a self-governing parliamentary democracy and remain a British overseas territory. The local governance structure comprises a unicameral parliament with 21 members. The head of state is King Charles III, represented by a governor, while the premier is the head of government. The legal system is based on English common law.

• King Charles III serves as the head of state (since 2022)
• Premier André Martin EBANKS has been in office since May 2025
• 21 seats in Parliament
• 18 years is the minimum voting age
• Constitution Day is celebrated on the first Monday in July

Military and Security

The Cayman Islands do not maintain regular military forces; security and defense responsibilities lie with the United Kingdom. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service ensures law enforcement and public safety within the territory.

• Royal Cayman Islands Police Service handles security
• No regular military forces present
• Defense responsibilities are held by the UK

Energy

The energy sector in the Cayman Islands is primarily powered by fossil fuels, which constitute 96.7% of the installed capacity. Electricity access is universal, with production attributed to a mix of sources. In 2023, energy consumption reached approximately 698.767 million kWh.

• 100% electricity access (2022 est.)
• 176,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 698.767 million kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 5,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)

Environment

The Cayman Islands face environmental challenges, including lack of freshwater resources and waste management issues. The islands' landscape includes significant forest coverage and agricultural land, yet they confront natural hazards such as hurricanes during the rainy season from July to November.

• 53% of land covered by forests (2023 est.)
• 60,000 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
• 737,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
• 11.2% of land is agricultural (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation in the Cayman Islands is facilitated by three airports, a merchant marine fleet, and small ports. The islands have a well-established civil aviation system, including heliports and a vibrant maritime sector for trade and tourism.

• 3 airports operate within the territory (2025)
• 130 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
• 2 ports are available for loading and unloading goods (2024)

Communications

The communications infrastructure includes extensive mobile and fixed-line telephone services, alongside a growing internet presence. Approximately 81% of the population uses the internet, and multiple broadcasting stations cater to the media landscape on the islands.

• 99,737 mobile subscriptions (2022)
• 36,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2021 est.)
• 40,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
• 81% internet usage rate within the population (2017 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	66,653 (2024 est.)
Area	264 sq km
GDP	$5.705 billion (2023 est.)
GDP per capita	$78,100 (2023 est.)
Electricity access	100%	(2022 est.)
Life expectancy	82.5 years (2024 est.)
Birth rate	11.41 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment rate	Not available
Forest coverage	53% (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste	60,000 tons (2024 est.)