United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ More than 40,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 1998, including almost 600 banks and trust companies; banking assets exceed $500 billion. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.2 million in 1997, with 600,000 from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. ”

“ The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.27 billion (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.7% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $35,000 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 3.2%
services: 95.4% (1994 est.) Population below poverty line: NA (2002 est.) ”

“ The Bluff 43 m Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism Land use: arable land: 3.85%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 96.15% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: hurricanes (July to November) Environment - current issues: no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments Geography - note: important location between Cuba and Central America
People Cayman Islands Population: 43,103 (July 2004 est.) ”