Country Profile: Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean Sea, consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. With a population of approximately 66,653 (2024 est.), the territory is known for its thriving offshore financial services sector, which contributes significantly to its economy alongside tourism. Governance is characterized by a parliamentary democracy under the leadership of the Premier and a Governor appointed by the UK. The islands enjoy a high standard of living and a vibrant cultural diversity.

Geography

The Cayman Islands are situated 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica, comprising a total area of 264 square kilometers. The terrain is predominantly low-lying and limestone-based, surrounded by coral reefs, which contributes to the region's tourism appeal. The climate is tropical marine, with warm rainy summers and cooler dry winters. The islands are vulnerable to hurricanes from July to November.

264 sq km: Total area of the Cayman Islands.
160 km: Coastline length.
12 nm: Territorial sea claims.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.
50 m: Highest point on Cayman Brac.

People and Society

The population of the Cayman Islands is approximately 66,653 (2024 est.), with a diverse ethnic composition that includes Cayman Islanders, Jamaicans, and other nationalities. The official language is English, and the predominant religion is Protestantism. The population is fully urbanized, with George Town as the capital housing around 35,000 people. The median age is 41.2 years, and the islands experience a population growth rate of 1.75% annually.

100%: Urban population (2023).
11.5 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.).
82.5 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
51.7: Total dependency ratio (2024 est.).
1.82 children: Total fertility rate (2024 est.).

Economy

The economy of the Cayman Islands is heavily reliant on the services sector, which makes up over 85% of economic activity, driven largely by tourism and offshore banking. The islands have a high standard of living and have established a fiscal responsibility framework to address tax evasion and money laundering. In 2023, the GDP (PPP) was estimated at $5.705 billion, with a strong growth rate of 4.4%.

$5.705 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2023 est.).
$78,100: GDP per capita (PPP, 2023 est.).
85.4%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2022 est.).
0.5%: Agriculture sector contribution to GDP (2022 est.).
-12.1%: Net migration rate (2024 est.).

Government

The Cayman Islands operate as a parliamentary democracy and are a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The legislative power is vested in a unicameral Parliament, while the Executive is headed by the Premier, with the UK represented by a Governor. The latest constitution was approved in 2009. The islands do not have a formal military; defense responsibilities lie with the UK, and law enforcement is provided by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

21: Total seats in Parliament.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
2009: Current constitution enacted.
18: Universal suffrage.

Military and Security

The Cayman Islands do not maintain regular military forces, and defense is the responsibility of the United Kingdom. Security is primarily managed by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, which oversees law enforcement and public safety.

0: Regular military forces.
1: Main security service provider - Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

Energy

The energy sector in the Cayman Islands is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for 96.7% of total installed electricity generation capacity. The islands achieve 100% electrification, with a total electricity consumption of approximately 698.767 million kWh in 2023. Renewable energy sources such as solar comprise a smaller share of the energy landscape.

100%: Electrification rate (2022 est.).
176,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.).
698.767 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).
737,000 metric tonnes: CO2 emissions from energy (2023 est.).

Environment

The Cayman Islands face several environmental challenges, including a lack of natural freshwater resources, waste management issues, and deforestation. The islands are highly urbanized, and 100% of the population lives in urban areas. The tropical marine climate supports a rich biodiversity but is also susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

52.7%: Forest cover (2022 est.).
11.3%: Agricultural land use (2022 est.).
60,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2014 est.).
21%: Percentage of municipal waste recycled (2013 est.).

Transportation

Transportation in the Cayman Islands is facilitated by a network of airports and a merchant marine. The islands have three airports and a growing number of heliports, ensuring connectivity for both residents and visitors. The merchant marine includes a variety of vessels used for trade and transport.

3: Airports (2025 est.).
130: Total merchant marine vessels (2023 est.).
2: Main ports (2024 est.).

Communications

The Cayman Islands have a well-developed communications infrastructure, including mobile and fixed-line telephony. The internet penetration rate is significant, with approximately 81% of the population being internet users. Broadcast media features several television and radio stations, both state and privately owned.

100,000: Mobile subscriptions (2021 est.).
36,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2021 est.).
4: Television stations available.
81%: Internet usage rate (2017 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	66,653	2024 estimate
Area	264 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$5.705 billion	2023 estimate
GDP per capita (PPP)	$78,100	2023 estimate
Electricity access	100%	Total population (2022 est.)
Birth rate	11.5 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	82.5 years	2024 estimate
Population growth rate	1.75%	2024 estimate
CO2 emissions	737,000 metric tonnes	2023 estimate
Urbanization	100%	Urban population (2023)