B,
Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the
UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of
the UK)

Flag description: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk
centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a
pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing
the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE
HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

Cayman Islands Economy

Economy - overview: With no direct taxation, the islands are a
thriving offshore financial center. More than 40,000 companies were
registered in the Cayman Islands as of 1997, including almost 600
banks and trust companies; banking assets exceed $500 billion. A
stock exchange was opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay,
accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency
earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and
caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals
exceeded 1.2 million visitors in 1997. About 90% of the islands'
food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one
of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards
of living in the world.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $930 million (1997 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 4.9% (1999 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $24,500 (1997 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 3.2%

services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1998)

Labor force: 19,820 (1995)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 1.4%, industry 12.6%,
services 86% (1995)

Unemployment rate: 4.1% (1997)

Budget: revenues: $265.2 million

expenditures: $248.9 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1997)

Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction,
construction materials, furniture

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity - production: 330 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 306.9 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1999)

Electricity -