The Cayman Islands, located in the western Caribbean Sea, is a British Overseas Territory comprised of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
With a population of just over 65,000 people, the Cayman Islands is one of the smallest countries in the world. However, despite its size, the Cayman Islands is a major international financial centre and a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
Let’s explore the wonders of this beautiful and diverse island nation with these 19 fun facts about the Cayman Islands.
1. The Cayman Islands are technically British.
The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory consisting of 3 islands in the western Caribbean Sea.
2. It has lots of floating neighbours.
As a group of islands, it has no borders. Its nearest neighbours, however, are Cuba to the north, Haiti to the east, Jamaica and Colombia to the south east, Panama and Costa Rica to the south, Nicaragua, Honduras and Belize to the south west and Mexico to the west.
3. The islands are truly tiny.
This beautiful country has an area of just 100 square miles (259 square kilometres).
Cayman Islands’ population was 65,720 in 2020.
4. The capital is pretty walkable!
The capital city is called George Town; it covers an area of 11.2 square miles (29 square kilometres) and has a population of 40,957 (2022).
5. The capital has changed over the years.
Bodden Town used to be the capital city, which allegedly gained its name due to the number of residents with the surname ‘Bodden’!
6. It is gorgeous out here!
The terrain here is a low lying limestone base, surrounded by beautiful coral reefs.
7. Grab a compass and make a beeline.
The coordinates for the Cayman Islands are 19.3333° N, 81.4000°
8. Here’s the Cayman identifier.
Residents of the Cayman Islands are called ‘Caymanians’!
9. The climate really isn’t bad at all.
Caymanians enjoy a tropical marine climate with warm and rainy summers followed by cool and relatively dry winters. Sounds perfect to us!
10. The life expectancy in the Caymans is astounding.
The average life expectancy here is a healthy 82.19 years! (2010)
11. GBP isn’t the main currency here.
Despite being a British Overseas Territory, the currency of the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a current rate of 1 KYD = 1.22 USD. We’re not sure why it’s not CYD either!
12. Turtle power!
The national symbol of the Cayman Islands is the Green Sea Turtle!
13. Zero tax = plenty of business!
There is no direct taxation in the Cayman Islands, which has gone on to create a large banking sector and led to many businesses being registered here!
14. No need to learn any lingo.
As you may expect, the official language of the Cayman Islands is English, making it nice and easy for your beach holiday in the sun!
15. Seven Mile Beach is lying to you!
Despite its name, Seven Mile Beach is actually only 5.5 miles long! That’s long enough, mind!
16. It’s a mobile nation.
According to 2012 figures, there are nearly three times more mobile cellphones in the Cayman Islands than landlines!
17. Flying in and out of Cayman is a cinch.
Despite its tiny size, there are 4 airports here!
18. What do they grow and export from the Cayman Islands?
They grow vegetables and fruit and rear livestock and turtles.
The country’s industry consists of tourism, banking, insurance and finance, furniture, construction and construction materials.
Cayman Islands exports manufactured consumer goods and turtle products.
19. Keep this in your phone.
The international dialing code for the Cayman Islands is +1345.
FAQs about Cayman Islands
Are the Cayman Islands part of the USA?
No - they are British-owned, meaning they are technically part of the UK.
What are the names of the three Cayman Islands?
The islands’ individual names are Little Cayman, Grand Cayman, and Cayman Brac.
Is it safe for me to visit the Cayman Islands?
On the whole, yes - but as with any vacation, keep your possessions close to you and travel in groups if you can!
Do you know any fun facts about the Cayman Islands? Share them in the comments below!
