People and Society of Cayman Islands

Nationality

Caymanian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%

Population

68,706

Population in Major Urban Areas

GEORGE TOWN (capital) 28,000

The quality of medical care in the Cayman Islands is generally comparable to that available in the United States; however, some procedures and cases requiring critical care may require medical evacuation to the United States. Several American citizens each year drown or suffer cardiac arrest while snorkeling or SCUBA diving in the Cayman Islands. These deaths may be attributed in part to tourists attempting to do more than they are trained to do or to poor physical conditioning or preexisting medical conditions that are exacerbated when snorkeling or diving. A hyperbaric chamber is available for the treatment of decompression illness. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment for health services. Emergency response services in the Cayman Islands are on par with those generally available in the United States.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in the Cayman Islands is among the highest in the Caribbean region, reflecting the territory's high standard of living, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and relatively affluent population. Residents can expect to live, on average, into their early to mid-80s, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy hovers around 84 to 85 years, while male life expectancy generally falls in the range of 80 to 82 years. These figures place the Cayman Islands well above many of its Caribbean neighbors and broadly comparable to highly developed nations in North America and Western Europe. The territory's strong economic base, driven largely by financial services and tourism, enables significant public and private investment in healthcare. The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority operates modern medical facilities, including the George Town Hospital on Grand Cayman, and residents have access to quality primary, specialist, and emergency care. Several factors contribute to the territory's favorable longevity outcomes. The Cayman Islands benefits from a relatively high per capita income, low rates of extreme poverty, clean water and sanitation infrastructure, and a stable political environment as a British Overseas Territory. Additionally, the population has access to health education programs and preventive care services that help manage chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which remain among the leading causes of mortality in the territory. It is worth noting that the Cayman Islands has a relatively small and somewhat transient population, which can cause statistical fluctuations from year to year. A significant portion of the workforce consists of expatriate residents, many of whom are working-age adults, which can influence overall demographic health statistics. Nevertheless, the sustained trend of high life expectancy reflects genuine strengths in the territory's healthcare system and overall quality of life. For travelers and prospective residents, the Cayman Islands presents a health environment that is reassuringly well-resourced by regional standards, with emergency medical services and modern clinical facilities readily accessible across Grand Cayman in particular.

Infant Mortality Rate

The Cayman Islands maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the Caribbean region, reflecting the territory's high standard of living, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and access to quality medical services. The infant mortality rate for the Cayman Islands is estimated at approximately 5 to 6 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure comparable to many developed nations and significantly lower than the regional average for the Caribbean and Latin America. This favorable outcome is largely attributable to the territory's robust healthcare system, which includes the Cayman Islands Hospital (Health City Cayman Islands) and a network of clinics that provide comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care. Expectant mothers have reliable access to trained medical professionals, modern obstetric facilities, and neonatal intensive care services, all of which contribute to positive birth outcomes and reduced infant deaths. The Cayman Islands benefits from its status as a British Overseas Territory, which has historically supported investment in public health services, sanitation infrastructure, and clean water supply — all critical factors in reducing infant mortality. The territory's high per capita income also enables residents to access private healthcare options, further reinforcing the overall quality of maternal and child health services available. Compared to broader global benchmarks, the Cayman Islands performs well above the world average infant mortality rate, which hovers around 27 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. The territory's rate also compares favorably with neighboring Caribbean nations, many of which face considerably greater challenges in maternal and infant healthcare due to limited resources and infrastructure gaps. While the small population size of the Cayman Islands means that year-to-year figures can fluctuate based on just a handful of cases, the long-term trend reflects consistent progress in child health outcomes. Continued investment in healthcare facilities, skilled birth attendance, and public health education positions the Cayman Islands to maintain and potentially improve upon its already strong infant mortality statistics in the coming years.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over has ever attended school

• Presbyterian32.0%
• Anglican23.0%
• Baptist20.0%
• Church of God15.0%
• Roman Catholic10.0%

English

• English

Crime Information

The crime threat in the Cayman Islands is generally considered low, although travelers should always take normal precautions when in unfamiliar surroundings. Petty theft, pick-pocketing, and purse snatchings occur. A few cases involving sexual assault have been reported to the Embassy. Police in the Cayman Islands rigorously enforce laws against illegal drugs. U.S. citizens should avoid buying, selling, holding, or taking illegal drugs under any circumstances. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the Cayman Islands, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail for the night. In most cases, the passport is confiscated until you appear before a Magistrate Judge and a fine is imposed. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in the Cayman Islands, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Persons violating Caymanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the Cayman Islands are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.