Cayman Islands Introduction - 2023

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

Background

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency. The territory has transformed itself into a significant offshore financial center.

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Definitions and Notes

NOTE: The information regarding Cayman Islands on this page is re-published from the 2023 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Cayman Islands 2023 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Cayman Islands 2023 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.