ay, Stake Bay, West End, Western

Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)

National holiday: Constitution Day (first Monday in July)

Constitution: 1959, revised 1972 and 1992

Legal system: British common law and local statutes

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6
February 1952) is a hereditary monarch
head of government: Governor and President of the Executive Council
John OWEN (since 15 September 1995)
cabinet: Executive Council - three members are appointed by the
governor, four members are elected by the Legislative Assembly

Legislative branch: unicameral
Legislative Assembly: election last held 18 November 1992 (next to
be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA;
seats - (15 total, 12 elected) independents 12

Judicial branch: Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders: no formal political parties

International organization participation: Caricom (observer), CDB,
Interpol (subbureau), IOC

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

US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag: 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

Economy
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Economic overview: With no direct taxation, the Islands are a
thriving offshore financial center. 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 one million visitors in 1995 for the first time. 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 - $750 million (1994 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 4.5% (1994 est.)

GDP per capita: $22,500 (1994 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 1.4%
industry: 3.2%
services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (con