ECONOMY
Although
Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the
world, about 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must
be imported.
From the
earliest settlement of the Cayman Islands, economic activity was
hindered by isolation and a limited natural resource base. The
harvesting of sea turtles to resupply passing sailing ships was
the first major economic activity on the islands, but local stocks
were depleted by the 1790s. Agriculture, while sufficient to support
the small early settler population, has always been limited by
the scarcity of available land.
The advent of modern transportation and telecommunications in the 1950s led to the emergence of what are now considered the Cayman Islands' "twin pillars" of economic development: international finance and tourism. In 2004, there were more than 70,000 companies registered in the Cayman Islands, including 446 banks and trust companies. Forty of the world's largest banks are present in the Cayman Islands. .
It is estimated that financial services represent 40% and tourism between 30-40% of gross domestic product. Unspoiled beaches, duty-free shopping, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing draw almost a million visitors to the islands each year.
Education is compulsory to the age of 16 and is free to all Caymanian children. Schools follow the British educational system. The Government operates 10 primary, one special education, and two high schools. In addition, there is a university and a law school.
GDP per capita (2006 estimate): U.S. $46,500.
GDP (2004 est., purchasing power parity): $1.939 billion.
Growth rate: 6.5%.
Natural resources: Scenic beaches and underwater attractions, favorable climate.
Agriculture: Products--Minor production of vegetables and livestock, turtle farming, aquaculture.
Industry: Types--tourism, banking, insurance, mutual funds, finance, and construction.
Trade: Exports (2004)--$1.2 million: turtle products, manufactured consumer goods. Major market--United States. Imports (2004)--$722.4 million: machinery, manufactures, food, fuels, chemicals. Major suppliers--U.S., Jamaica, U.K., Netherlands Antilles, Japan.
Official exchange rate (fixed): CI $0.80=U.S. $1.
