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Quick Facts - The Cayman Islands

Christopher Columbus sailed the area in 1503 and provided Cayman Islands with its first official name - Las Tortugas, after the abundance of turtles swimming in the surrounding sea - but did not land there. Acquired by the British (along with Jamaica) from Spain under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670, settlers came from all over Europe, Africa, and other Caribbean colonies, creating a multicultural mosaic that has continued unabated throughout Cayman Islands' history.

The islands' name was changed to Cayman, after a local species of crocodile and is made up of three small islands. The islands have a total population of about 45,017. 

 

Language:
 English
Government:
 Overseas territory of the UK
Capital: George Town
Size: 3 islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman
Location: 180 miles (290 km) northwest of Jamaica - 19 30 N, 80 30 W
Sovereign: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
Governor: His Excellency Stuart Jack (2005)
Head of Government: Hon Kurt Tibbetts (2005)
Climate: 78 - 86°F
Electricity: 110 Volts AC
Currency: Cayman Dollar (US currency widely accepted); $1 KYD = $1.227 USD (this rate is indicative)
Driving: On left, license required
Rentals: Car, jeeps, boats
Airports/Seaports: Owen Roberts International Airport
Entry: Passport and return or onward ticket required.
Banker's Code: Cayman Islands Banker's Association's Code of Conduct
Online Newspaper(s): Cayman Net News