The 1992 CIA World Factbook. United States. Central Intelligence Agency

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

      :Cayman Islands Geography

      Total area:

       260 km2

       Land area:

       260 km2

       Comparative area:

       slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

       Land boundaries:

       none

       Coastline:

       160 km

       Maritime claims:

       Exclusive fishing zone:

       200 nm

       Territorial sea:

       3 nm

       Disputes:

       none

       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

       Natural resources:

       fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

       Land use:

       arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 8%; forest and

       woodland 23%; other 69%

       Environment:

       within the Caribbean hurricane belt

       Note:

       important location between Cuba and Central America

      :Cayman Islands People

      Population:

       29,139 (July 1992), growth rate 4.4% (1992)

       Birth rate:

       16 births/1,000 population (1992)

       Death rate:

       5 deaths/1,000 population (1992)

       Net migration rate:

       33 migrants/1,000 population (1992)

       Infant mortality rate:

       8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)

       Life expectancy at birth:

       75 years male, 79 years female (1992)

       Total fertility rate:

       1.5 children born/woman (1992)

       Nationality:

       noun - Caymanian(s); adjective - Caymanian

       Ethnic divisions:

       40% mixed, 20% white, 20% black, 20% expatriates of various ethnic groups

       Religions:

       United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman

       Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations

       Languages:

       English

       Literacy:

       98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over having ever attended school

       (1970)

       Labor force:

       8,061; service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance

       and investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979)

       Organized labor:

       Global Seaman's Union; Cayman All Trade Union

      :Cayman Islands Government

      Long-form name:

       none

       Type:

       dependent territory of the UK

       Capital:

       George Town

       Administrative divisions:

       8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West

       End, Western

       Independence:

       none (dependent territory of the UK)

       Constitution:

       1959, revised 1972

       Legal system:

       British common law and local statutes

       National holiday:

       Constitution Day (first Monday in July)

       Executive branch:

       British monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet)

       Legislative branch:

       unicameral Legislative Assembly

       Judicial branch:

       Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of Appeal

       Leaders:

       Chief of State:

       Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Michael

       GORE (since May 1992)

       Head of Government:

       Governor and President of the Executive Council Alan James SCOTT (since NA

       1987)

       Political parties and leaders:

       no formal political parties

       Suffrage:

       universal at age 18

       Elections:

       Legislative Assembly:

       last held November 1988 (next to be held November 1992); results - percent

       of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected)

       Member of:

       CARICOM (observer), CDB, IOC

       Diplomatic representation:

       as a dependent territory of the UK, Caymanian interests in the US are

       represented by the UK

       US:

       none

       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

       HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

      :Cayman Islands Economy

      Overview:

       The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of export

       earnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist industry aimed

       at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America.

       About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods needs must be imported.

       The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region.

       GDP:

       exchange rate conversion - $384 million, per capita $14,500 (1989); real

       growth rate 8% (1990)

       Inflation rate (consumer prices):

       8% (1990 est.)

       Unemployment rate:

       NA%

       Budget:

       revenues $83.6 million; expenditures $98.9 million, including capital

       expenditures of $13.6 million (1990)

       Exports:

       $1.5 million (f.o.b.,