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The Cayman Islands located in the western Caribbean Sea, are a British overseas territory comprising the islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. All three are formed by the large coral heads covering the submerged ice age peaks of western extensions of the Cuban Sierra Maestra range that are mostly flat. The islands are located in the centre of the Caribbean south of Cuba and West of Jamaica It is located within the hurricane belt.
The coastal lines stretch upto 160 km. It claims territorial sea of 12 nm and exclusive fishing zone of 200 nm. The geographical terrain is low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs. The lowest point is the Caribbean Sea and the highest point the with The Bluff (Cayman Brac) at 43 m.
The climate is tropical marine with warm and rainy summers from May to October and cool, relatively dry winters from November to April. The chief natural resources are fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism.
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| People |
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The total population is upto above 50000 representing a mix of more than 100 nationalities, and a majority population lives on Grand Cayman.
The chief ethnic groups are mixed with 40% mostly mixed African-European, white with 20%, black with 20% and expatriates of various ethnic groups comprises 20% of the population. The island population is largely Christian, with large number of Presbyterians and Catholics. English is the official language. Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean.
The health care systems of Cayman Islands are modern. The hospitals have modern facilities and the Government maintains a satellite clinic on Little Cayman.
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| Government |
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The Cayman Islands is dependent on overseas territory of the UK. And the political framework is that of a British crown colony. Queen Elizabeth II is the chief of the state represented by Governor. Head of the government is the Leader of Government Business. An Executive Council of three members is appointed by the governor, four members elected by the Legislative Assembly. The monarch is hereditary and the governor is appointed by the monarch. Following the legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or coalition is appointed by the governor Leader of Government Business.
Cayman Island is divided into 8 districts Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End and Western.
Capital: George Town or Grand Cayman
Governor: Stuart Jack
Leader of Government Business: Kurt Tibbetts
Currency: Cayman dollar
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| Economy |
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The islands are a thriving offshore financial center, with no direct taxation. More than 68,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands in 2003, including almost 500 banks, 800 insurers, and 5,000 mutual funds. Tourism has a major role play with 75% of the GDP and 75% of the foreign currency earnings.
A majority of the labor force is into the service industry with 86%, 12.6% are in industrial sector and about1.4% is into agricultural sector. The chief agricultural produce is vegetables, fruit, livestock and turtle farming. The major industrial services is tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials and furniture.
A work permit is required in order to work in the Cayman Islands as a non-citizen. This involves clearing through a police background check and a health check. Work permits are not granted if there are any negativity in the medical reports.Work permits are not issued after age 60.
The Cayman Islands are known as one of the world's leading offshore financial centres, and has more registered businesses than it has people |
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| Tourism |
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Tourism accounts upto 70-75 of the GDP. The tourist industry is majorly aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. And the maximum tourist visit Grand Cayman. The main attractions of the grand Cayman is the world-famous Seven Mile Beach on which a number of the island's hotels and resorts are located. Seven Mile Beach is considered as one of the best beaches in the world.
The Cayman Islands are also considered as one of the world's best SCUBA diving destinations because of its crystal-clear waters and pristine walls. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are also elite scuba diving destinations. There are many snorkelling locations where tourists can enjoy the luxury of swimming with stingrays including the popular Stingray City, Grand Cayman. It is also regarded as a interesting destination for divers find two shipwrecks off the shores of Cayman Brac particularly mesmerizing including the MV Keith Tibbetts. |
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