Introduction
The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica since 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former became independent.
Location
Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras
Geographic coordinates
19 30 N, 80 30 W
Area - comparative
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Climate
tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)
Natural resources
fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism
Environment - international agreements
NA
Population
43,103 (July 2004 est.)