Caymans

The Caymans, commonly referred to as the Cayman Islands, are a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean. They consist of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The capital is George Town. English is the official language and the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD) is pegged to the U.S. dollar at 1 KYD = 1.20 USD. The territory has a population of about 67,000 and an area of roughly 264 square kilometers.

Geographically, the islands are low-lying and limestone-based, with coral reefs and white-sand beaches. The climate is tropical maritime, with warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. The region is exposed to tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season.

Early European contact was mainly by the Spanish in the 16th century. The islands were named Caymans, likely from a Carib or Arawak term referring to reptiles. In 1670 they became a British possession and were administered as part of the Colony of Jamaica for two centuries. The Cayman Islands achieved internal self-government in the mid-20th century and gained a separate status as a British Overseas Territory, with a modern constitution enacted in 2009.

The economy centers on international financial services and tourism. The jurisdiction is known as an offshore financial center with a regulatory framework designed for financial activity. The government relies on indirect taxation, import duties, and fees rather than broad direct taxes on income or profits.

Government is a British Overseas Territory with a Governor representing the Crown and a locally elected Premier-led government. The Legislative Assembly handles internal affairs, while national defense and foreign relations are the responsibility of the United Kingdom. The territory maintains a judicial system headed by a Grand Court, and education and healthcare services support residents and expatriates.