International Relations of Cayman Islands

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 2 relations tracked

The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. The three islands that make up the territory are Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The Cayman Islands are known for their financial services industry and are a popular tourist destination.

Population

75.8K#192 of 205

Land area

264 km²#194 of 205

GDP

$7.8B#160 of 199

Global influence

#202Very Low

Map legend

Closest relations Strained relations Cayman Islands No data

The territory is self-governed, with the United Kingdom responsible for its defense and international relations. The Cayman Islands have a parliamentary democracy, with a governor appointed by the British monarch and a cabinet led by the premier. The Cayman Islands have a high standard of living and are known for their political stability and low crime rate.

The territory has a small population of around 65,000 people, with the majority being of African or mixed African-European descent. The official language is English, and the majority of the population is Christian.

The economy of the Cayman Islands is based largely on financial services, tourism, and construction. The territory is home to many offshore banks and investment funds, and is a major hub for offshore financial activity. The Cayman Islands also rely on tourism as a significant source of income, with many visitors coming to the islands to enjoy the warm climate and beaches.

The Cayman Islands have a close relationship with the United States, and the territory is a popular destination for American tourists. The Cayman Islands are also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), an organization of 15 Caribbean countries that promotes economic integration and cooperation.

Geography & terrain

Three low-lying limestone islands in the northwestern Caribbean, fringed by coral reefs and never rising more than a few dozen meters above sea level. Tropical climate, hot and humid, sitting directly in the Atlantic hurricane belt. Grand Cayman holds almost the entire population and all significant infrastructure; Cayman Brac and Little Cayman remain sparsely inhabited. No elevation and no natural chokepoints worth defending -- its weight as an offshore financial hub matters far more than any terrain feature.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, Cayman Islands Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	George Town (47.0K people, 62.0% of total population)
Population	75.8K (2025) (#192 of 205 countries)
Land area	264 km² (#194 of 205 countries)
Main religion	Christianity
Life expectancy	82 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data (2024)
Currency	Cayman Islands Dollar
Main language(s)	English
Government type	British Overseas Territory (parliamentary)
Time zone	UTC-5.0
GDP	$7.8B (#160 of 199 countries)
GDP per capita	$104.3K (#7 of 199 countries)
International calling code	+1345
Driving side	Left
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	0
Nuclear power	No
European Union	Not a member
NATO	Not a member

Land borders

Cayman Islands has no land borders (it is an island nation or otherwise has no neighboring countries).

Most similar countries, by language, currency, GDP per capita, borders & international groups

Rank #202 Very Low International Influence

Cayman Islands's actions have no significant effect on the world, and a very limited impact on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of Cayman Islands by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.