The finance industry has grown rapidly since the late 1980s when many companies relocated to the islands from Panama, which was racked by political instability. Good communications and infrastructure helped to sustain its growth. Tourism is the islands' other main source of revenue. There is little agriculture, and most of the foodstuffs for the islands are imported.
Industry is confined to construction and food-processing.
The standard of living on the islands is generally high, and the per capita income is the highest in the region. The healthy state of the economy attracted immigrant workers from Jamaica, Europe and North America who now make up 30 per cent of the working population. The USA is substantially the islands' largest trading partner, followed by the UK, Japan and the Netherlands Antilles. Business suits are recommended when calling on senior officials and local heads of business and also for semi-formal or formal functions. Exchange of calling cards is usual and letters of introduction are sometimes used.