Geography of Cayman Islands

Location: Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica.

Geographic coordinates: 19 30 N, 80 30 W

Area: total: 264 sq km; land: 264 sq km; water: 0 sq km

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 160 km

Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac 43 m

Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Land use: arable land: 3.85%; permanent crops: 0%; other: 96.15% (2005)

Irrigated land: NA

Natural hazards: hurricanes (July to November)

Environment - current issues: no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Geography - note: important location between Cuba and Central America.