The Cayman Islands are made up of three distinct, separate islands. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The Cayman Islands are not an autonomous nation but rather a British overseas territory. In total, the islands cover a small area of just 264 sq. km. Located in the Caribbean Sea, the islands benefit from warm and sunny weather all year round aside from the odd tropical storm here and there.
The Cayman Ridge is an enormous underwater mountain range that is responsible for the formation of the islands. The islands are themselves the peaks of this ridgeline. These peaks just barely break the surface and flank the Cayman Trough, extending from Sierra Maestra to the Misteriosa Bank.
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are located close together with only about 135 km separating the two. These two islands' geographical features are typical of others in the Caribbean. Low-lying limestone bases surrounded by coral reefs dominate the shoreline with a few hills and peaks closer to the interior of the islands. The highest point of the Cayman Islands is an area known as the Bluff, a limestone hill standing at 155 feet (47 m) in height; and is located in the eastern part of the second-largest island – Cayman Brac. The lowest point is the Caribbean Sea (0m). Collectively, the Cayman Islands have a coastline of 99 miles (159 km).
Grand Cayman, which is the largest and the most populous island. The capital city of George Town can be found here along with other towns and villages. The large natural bay of North Sound is the largest and most noticeable feature here. Not far from here is the jagged and rocky Rum Point as well as the tranquil Seven Mile Beach.
The British Overseas Territory of Cayman Islands is administratively divided into 6 districts. These districts are Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, and West Bay.
Covering an area of 264 sq. km, the three-island groups of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman together form the territory of Cayman Islands. Located on the Grand Cayman island is George Town – the capital and the largest city of Cayman Islands. It is the administrative and financial servicing center of the island nation.
The three-island groups of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman together form the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands, which are located in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. The islands are geographically positioned both in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth. The Cayman Islands are situated to the north of Panama; to the northeast of Costa Rica; to the south of Cuba; to the east of Quintana Roo and Yucatán State; and the northwest of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.
Regional Maps: Map of North America
Legal Name | Cayman Islands |
---|---|
Flag | |
Capital City | George Town (on Grand Cayman) |
19 18 N, 81 23 W | |
Total Area | 264.00 km2 |
Land Area | 264.00 km2 |
Water Area | N/A |
Population | 64,948 |
Currency | Caymanian dollars (KYD) |
GDP | $5.49 Billion |
GDP Per Capita | $85,477.29 |
This page was last updated on December 16, 2023