Geography & Demographics
The Cayman Islands is most well known for its largest island of Grand Cayman which is a major center for international hedge funds, financial services, law and accounting.
Here are a few key figures and statistics about the Cayman Islands:
Population: Approx 60,000
Local Population: Approx 20,000
Tourists Per Year: 2,400,000 (2003)
Sovereignty: British Overseas Territory
GDP: US$1.939billion
Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$)
The rapid development of Grand Cayman in recent years has led to increased job opportunities for expat workers who can expect one of the highest standards of living in the world and high tax-free salaries.
Grand Cayman itself is four miles wide and 22 miles long with most of the population and commerce centred around the capital Georgetown and Seven Mile Beach.
Other popular areas of the island to live are West Bay, South Sound, Bodden Town and East End.
The island's economy initially revolved around fishing and turtles, however the explosion in global offshore finance and an improved transport network for tourists has seen the focus of the island change.
Although Grand Cayman is the focus of most international attention, the two 'Sister Islands' of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have a lot to offer:
Cayman Brac
The Brac, which takes its name from the huge limestone bluff which rises from sea level to over 140ft, supports a population of around 2,000 inhabitants on an island 12 miles long and a mile wide.
It attracts tourists with its offering of unrivalled and pristine dive sites. The island is attracting increased investment as it is the only island with any high ground and consequently there are plans to open a business centre and data backup and recovery center on the bluff.
Little Cayman
The smallest of the Cayman Islands supports a permanent population of just 200! It really is a throwback to the Caribbean of old, with beautiful sandy beached and friendly resorts. People are drawn to Little Cayman for its wildlife, diving and solitude. Many expats on Grand Cayman escape to Little Cayman for a quiet getaway at the weekend.
