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Facts about the Cayman Islands

ABOUT OUR ISLANDS

Nestled in the calm, turquoise waters of the western Caribbean sea, about 150 miles south of Cuba, 460 miles south of Miami, Florida and 167 miles northwest of Jamaica, lies the peaceful Overseas Territory known as the Cayman Islands. Regarded by many as the leading offshore centre in the world, there is far more to this gem of the Caribbean than just economics. A few of the incentives these beautiful islands have to offer are its spectacular natural beauty, a wealth of activities and points of interest along with all the modern conveniences.

These sunny islands comprised of Cayman Brac, Little Cayman and Grand Cayman, home of George Town, the capital, which is the largest and busiest of the three islands. The most striking topographical feature of Grand Cayman is the North Sound, a shallow reef-protected lagoon, which has an area of about 35 square miles. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, lie approximately 89 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, and are separated from each other by a channel about seven miles wide.

The Cayman Bractopography produced the island’s name. A Bluff (“brac” in Gaelic) runs down the island’s centre line. Many mysterious caves are carved throughout this dramatic natural attraction. Little Cayman is home to the famous Bloody Bay wall Marine Park that has been called one of the world’s best dive sites. All three islands are extremely low-lying, with the highest point on Grand Cayman approximately only 55 feet.

You’ll never be short of things to do in the Cayman Islands as there is an abundance of attractions, coupled with a very low crime rate, features that have also added to the allure and attractiveness of this idyllic tropical destination.

The population was estimated at about 57,000 in 2008 and represents a variety of cultures from around the world. Resident non-Caymanians represent some 28,000 people. The workforce includes personnel from more than 100 countries. It is estimated that there are currently 25,000 work permits in effect, including temporary work permits. The five main nationalities accounting for people with work permits are Jamaica, the Philippines, the UK, Canada and the USA.

The main language spoken is English.

LOCATION & GEOGRAPHY

Grand Cayman - Approximately 22 miles long with an average width of 4 miles, reaching a maximum elevation in the Beach Bay area of 55ft. The surface is 76 sq miles, which is about 75% of the total area of the Islands. Grand Cayman is home to about 95% of the population.

Cayman Brac - 12 miles long and just over a mile wide – has the most spectacular terrain of the trio. Its majestic Bluff, a massive central limestone outcrop, rises west to east along the length of the island to 140 feet at the eastern tip, ending in a sheer cliff. The surface area is 15 sq miles, which is close to 15% of the total area for the Islands. Cayman Brac is home to about 5% of the population.

Little Cayman - Only 10 miles long and a mile wide, reaching a maximum elevation of 40 feet. The surface area is 11 sq miles, which is about 15% of the total area of the Islands.

Also please visit our other directories:

Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean YP, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos