Topic: Photos of Tonga

Topic: Introduction
Background: The first humans arrived in Tonga around 1000 B.C. The islands’ politics were probably highly centralized under the Tu’i Tonga, or Tongan king, by A.D. 950, and by 1200, the Tu’i Tonga had expanded his influence throughout Polynesia and into Melanesia and Micronesia. The Tongan Empire began to decline in the 1300s, descending into civil wars, a military defeat to Samoa, and internal political strife that saw successive leaders assassinated. By the mid-1500s, some Tu’i Tongans were ethnic Samoan and day-to-day administration of Tonga was transferred to a new position occupied by ethnic Tongans.

Dutch sailors explored the islands in the 1600s and British Captain James COOK visited Tonga three times in the 1770s, naming them the Friendly Islands for the positive reception he thought he received, even though the Tongans he encountered were plotting ways to kill him. In 1799, Tonga fell into a new round of civil wars over succession. Wesleyan missionaries arrived in 1822, quickly converting the population. In the 1830s, a low-ranking chief from Ha’apai began to consolidate control over the islands and won the support of the missionaries by declaring that he would dedicate Tonga to God. The chief soon made alliances with leaders on most of the other islands and was crowned King George TUPOU I in 1845, establishing the only still-extant Polynesian monarchy. TUPOU I declared Tonga a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and his successor, King George TUPOU II, agreed to enter a protectorate agreement with the UK in 1900 after rival Tongan chiefs tried to overthrow him. As a protectorate, Tonga never completely lost its indigenous governance, but it did become more isolated and the social hierarchy became more stratified between a group of nobles and a large class of commoners. Today, about one third of parliamentary seats are reserved for nobles.

Queen Salote TUPOU III negotiated the end of the protectorate in 1965, which was achieved under King TUPOU IV, who in 1970 withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations. A prodemocracy movement gained steam in the early 2000s, led by future Prime Minister ‘Akilisi POHIVA, and in 2006, riots broke out in Nuku’alofa to protest the lack of progress on prodemocracy legislation. To appease the activists, in 2008, King George TUPOU V announced he was relinquishing most of his powers leading up to parliamentary elections in 2010; he died in 2012 and was succeeded by his brother ‘Aho’eitu TUPOU VI. Tropical Cyclone Gita, the strongest-ever recorded storm to impact Tonga, hit the islands in February 2018 causing extensive damage.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates: 20 00 S, 175 00 W
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 747 sq km

land: 717 sq km

water: 30 sq km
Area - comparative: four times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 419 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
Terrain: mostly flat islands with limestone bedrock formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic rock
Elevation: highest point: Kao Volcano on Kao Island 1,046 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: arable land, fish
Land use: agricultural land: 43.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 22.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 15.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 5.6% (2018 est.)

forest: 12.5% (2018 est.)

other: 44.4% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: over two-thirds of the population lives on the island of Tongatapu; only 45 of the nation's 171 islands are occupied
Natural hazards: cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ouvolcanism: moderate volcanic activity; Fonualei (180 m) has shown frequent activity in recent years, while Niuafo'ou (260 m), which last erupted in 1985, has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Late and Tofuacyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ouvolcanism: moderate volcanic activity; Fonualei (180 m) has shown frequent activity in recent years, while Niuafo'ou (260 m), which last erupted in 1985, has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Late and Tofua
Geography - note: the western islands (making up the Tongan Volcanic Arch) are all of volcanic origin; the eastern islands are nonvolcanic and are composed of coral limestone and sand
Map description: Tonga map showing the major islands that make up this archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.Tonga map showing the major islands that make up this archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 105,517 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Tongan(s)

adjective: Tongan
Ethnic groups: Tongan 97%, part-Tongan 0.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified <0.1% (2016 est.)
Languages: Tongan and English 76.8%, Tongan, English, and other language 10.6%, Tongan only (official) 8.7%, English only (official) 0.7%, other 1.7%, none 2.2% (2016 est.)

note: data represent persons aged 5 and older who can read and write a simple sentence in Tongan, English, or another language
Religions: Protestant 64.1% (includes Free Wesleyan Church 35%, Free Church of Tonga 11.9%, Church of Tonga 6.8%, Assembly of God 2.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.2%, Tokaikolo Christian Church 1.6%, other 4.3%), Church of Jesus Christ 18.6%, Roman Catholic 14.2%, other 2.4%, none 0.5%, unspecified 0.1% (2016 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 32% (male 17,250/female 16,698)

15-24 years: 19.66% (male 10,679/female 10,175)

25-54 years: 35.35% (male 18,701/female 18,802)

55-64 years: 6.17% (male 3,345/female 3,202)

65 years and over: 6.83% (2020 est.) (male 3,249/female 3,994)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 68.6

youth dependency ratio: 58.6

elderly dependency ratio: 10

potential support ratio: 10 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 24.1 years

male: 23.6 years

female: 24.5 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.26% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 20.31 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 4.95 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -18.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: over two-thirds of the population lives on the island of Tongatapu; only 45 of the nation's 171 islands are occupied
Urbanization: urban population: 23.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 23,000 NUKU'ALOFA (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 24.9 years (2012 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio: 52 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 12.41 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 13.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.53 years

male: 75.89 years

female: 79.23 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.76 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 29.3% (2019)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.8% of population

rural: 99.6% of population

total: 99.6% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population

rural: 0.4% of population

total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 5% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.95 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.4% of population

rural: 98.8% of population

total: 98.9% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.6% of population

rural: 1.2% of population

total: 1.1% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 48.2% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 31% (2020 est.)

male: 46.7% (2020 est.)

female: 15.3% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 0.8% (2019)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.4%

women married by age 18: 10.1%

men married by age 18: 2.8% (2019 est.)
Education expenditures: 8% of GDP (2019 est.)
Literacy: definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.4%

female: 99.5% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years

male: 15 years

female: 17 years (2020)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.9%

male: 5.7%

female: 13.1% (2018)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: deforestation from land being cleared for agriculture and settlement; soil exhaustion; water pollution due to salinization, sewage, and toxic chemicals from farming activities; coral reefs and marine populations threatened
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.08 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.13 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.12 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
Land use: agricultural land: 43.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 22.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 15.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 5.6% (2018 est.)

forest: 12.5% (2018 est.)

other: 44.4% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 23.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 17,238 tons (2012 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga

conventional short form: Tonga

local long form: Pule'anga Fakatu'i 'o Tonga

local short form: Tonga

former: Friendly Islands

etymology: "tonga" means "south" in the Tongan language and refers to the country's geographic position in relation to central Polynesia
Government type: constitutional monarchy
Capital: name: Nuku'alofa

geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W

time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in November; ends second Sunday in January

etymology: composed of the words "nuku," meaning "residence or abode," and "alofa," meaning "love," to signify "abode of love"
Administrative divisions: 5 island divisions; 'Eua, Ha'apai, Ongo Niua, Tongatapu, Vava'u
Independence: 4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate status)
National holiday: Official Birthday of King TUPOU VI, 4 July (1959); note - actual birthday of the monarch is 12 July 1959, 4 July (2015) is the day the king was crowned; Constitution Day (National Day), 4 November (1875)
Constitution: history: adopted 4 November 1875, revised 1988, 2016

amendments: proposed by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by the Assembly in each of three readings, the unanimous approval of the Privy Council (a high-level advisory body to the monarch), the Cabinet, and assent to by the monarch; revised 1988; amended many times, last in 2013
Legal system: English common law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Tonga; if a child is born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen of Tonga

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: King TUPOU VI (since 18 March 2012); Heir Apparent Crown Prince Siaosi Manumataogo 'Alaivahamama'o 'Ahoeitu Konstantin Tuku'aho, son of the king (born 17 September 1985); note - on 18 March 2012, King George TUPOU V died and his brother, Crown Prince TUPOUTO'A Lavaka, assumed the throne as TUPOU VI

head of government: Prime Minister Siaosi SOVALENI (since 27 December 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the monarch; election last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)

election results: Siaosi SOVALENI elected prime minister by the Legislative Assembly; Siaosi SOVALENI 16 votes, Aisake EKE 10

note: a Privy Council advises the monarch
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (26 seats); 17 people's representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 9 indirectly elected by hereditary leaders; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party (elected members) - independents 11, nobles' representatives 9,  Democratic Party 3, Peoples Party 3; composition - men 26, women 0, percent of women 0%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and a number of judges determined by the monarch); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are brought before the King in Privy Council, the monarch's advisory organ that has both judicial and legislative powers

judge selection and term of office: judge appointments and tenures made by the King in Privy Council and subject to consent of the Legislative Assembly

subordinate courts: Supreme Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land Courts
Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands or DPFI or PTOA
People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tesina FUKO]
Sustainable Nation-Building Party [Sione FONUA]
Tonga Democratic Labor Party
Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM
Tonga People's Party or PAK (Paati ʻa e Kakai ʻo Tonga) [Pohiva TU'I'ONETOA] (split from Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands)
International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Viliami Va’inga TONE (since 20 April 2021)

chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022

telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025

FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024

email address and website:
tongaunmission@aol.com

consulate(s) general: San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga
Flag description: red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner; the cross reflects the deep-rooted Christianity in Tonga, red represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice, and white signifies purity
National symbol(s): red cross on white field, arms equal length; national colors: red, white
National anthem: name: "Ko e fasi `o e tu"i `o e `Otu Tonga" (Song of the King of the Tonga Islands)

lyrics/music: Uelingatoni Ngu TUPOUMALOHI/Karl Gustavus SCHMITT

note: in use since 1875; more commonly known as "Fasi Fakafonua" (National Song)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Tonga has a small, open island economy and is the last constitutional monarchy among the Pacific Island countries. It has a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans, and yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish, make up two-thirds of total exports. Tourism is the second-largest source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had 53,800 visitors in 2015. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand.   The country remains dependent on external aid and remittances from overseas Tongans to offset its trade deficit. The government is emphasizing the development of the private sector, encouraging investment, and is committing increased funds for health care and education. Tonga's English-speaking and educated workforce offers a viable labor market, and the tropical climate provides fertile soil. Renewable energy and deep-sea mining also offer opportunities for investment.   Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and well developed social services. But the government faces high unemployment among the young, moderate inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and rising civil service expenditures.Tonga has a small, open island economy and is the last constitutional monarchy among the Pacific Island countries. It has a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans, and yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish, make up two-thirds of total exports. Tourism is the second-largest source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had 53,800 visitors in 2015. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains dependent on external aid and remittances from overseas Tongans to offset its trade deficit. The government is emphasizing the development of the private sector, encouraging investment, and is committing increased funds for health care and education. Tonga's English-speaking and educated workforce offers a viable labor market, and the tropical climate provides fertile soil. Renewable energy and deep-sea mining also offer opportunities for investment. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and well developed social services. But the government faces high unemployment among the young, moderate inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and rising civil service expenditures.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $670 million (2019 est.)

$660 million (2018 est.)

$660 million (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 2.5% (2017 est.)

4.2% (2016 est.)

3.5% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $6,400 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$6,400 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$6,472 (2017 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $455 million (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.4% (2017 est.)

2.6% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 19.9% (2017 est.)

industry: 20.3% (2017 est.)

services: 59.8% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 99.4% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 21.9% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 22.8% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -68.5% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: coconuts, gourds, cassava, sweet potatoes, vegetables, yams, taro, roots/tubers nes, plantains, lemons/limes
Industries: tourism, construction, fishing
Industrial production growth rate: 5% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 33,800 (2011 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2,006% (2006 est.)

industry: 27.5% (2006 est.)

services: 2,006% (2006 est.)
Unemployment rate: 1.1% (2011 est.)

1.1% (2006)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.9%

male: 5.7%

female: 13.1% (2018)
Population below poverty line: 22.5% (2010 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 37.6 (2015 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 181.2 million (2017 est.)

expenditures: 181.2 million (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 0% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 48% of GDP (FY2017 est.)

51.8% of GDP (FY2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 39.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Current account balance: -$53 million (2017 est.)

-$30 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $90 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$110 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$100 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: United States 38%, South Korea 18%, Australia 14%, New Zealand 14%, Japan 6%,  (2019)
Exports - commodities: squash, fish, various fruits and nuts, antiques, coral and shells (2019)
Imports: $300 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$330 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$320 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: Fiji 29%, New Zealand 23%, China 14%, United States 8%, Australia 6%, Japan 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, poultry meats, audio equipment, mutton, goat meat, broadcasting equipment (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $198.5 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$176.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $189.9 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$198.2 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar -

2.27015 (2020 est.)

2.29095 (2019 est.)

2.22717 (2018 est.)

2.106 (2014 est.)

1.847 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 98.9% (2018)

electrification - urban areas: 98.9% (2018)

electrification - rural areas: 98.9% (2018)
Electricity: Installed generating capacity: 26,000 kW (2020 est.)

Consumption: 54.448 million kWh (2019 est.)

Exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)

Imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)

Transmission/distribution losses: 5.9 million kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: Fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: Production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: Total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

Refined petroleum consumption: 1,200 bbl/day (2019 est.)

Crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 910 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: Production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 171,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From petroleum and other liquids: 171,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 22.841 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 7,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 62,104 (2019)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 59.43 (2019)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: high speed Internet provided by 3 MNOs, has subsequently allowed for better health care services, faster connections for education and growing e-commerce services; in 2018 new 4G LTE network; fixed-line teledensity has dropped given mobile subscriptions; mobile technology dominates given the island's geography; satellite technology is widespread and is important especially in areas away from the city; the launch in 2019 of the Kacific-1 broadband satellite has made broadband more widely available for around 89 remote communities (2020)

domestic: fixed-line 6 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity 59 telephones per 100; fully automatic switched network (2019)

international: country code - 676; landing point for the Tonga Cable and the TDCE connecting to Fiji and 3 separate Tonga islands; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2020)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station and 3 privately owned TV stations; satellite and cable TV services are available; 1 state-owned and 5 privately owned radio stations; Radio Australia broadcasts available via satellite (2019)
Internet country code: .to
Internet users: total: 42,844 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 41% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 5,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: A3
Airports: total: 6 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2021)
Roadways: total: 680 km (2011)

paved: 184 km (2011)

unpaved: 496 km (2011)
Merchant marine: total: 32

by type: container ship 4, general cargo 13, oil tanker 1, other 14 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Nuku'alofa, Neiafu, Pangai

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: His Majesty's Armed Forces Tonga (Tonga Defense Services): Joint Force headquarters, Tonga Royal Guard, Land Force (Royal Tongan Marines), Tonga Navy, Training Wing, Air Wing, and Support Unit (2022)
Military expenditures: 2.1% of GDP (2020 est.) (approximately $10 million)

2.4% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $12 million)

1.5% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $7.1 million)

2.1% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $10 million)

1.7% of GDP (2016 est.) (approximately $7.6 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 650 personnel (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Tonga military's inventory includes mostly light weapons and equipment from European (primarily the UK) countries and the US, as well as naval patrol vessels from Australia; Australia is the only supplier of military systems since 2010 (2021)
Military service age and obligation: men and women, 18-25, may volunteer; no conscription (2021)
Military - note: Tonga participated in World War I as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, but the Tonga Defense Force (TDF) was not established until 1939 at the beginning of World War II; in 1943, New Zealand helped train about 2,000 Tongan troops who saw action in the Solomon Islands; the TDF was disbanded at the end of the war, but was reactivated in 1946 as the Tonga Defense Services (TDS); in 2013, the name of the TDS was changed to His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga (HMAF); Tongan troops deployed to Iraq from 2004-2008 and Afghanistan to support UK forces from 2010-2014 (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Tonga-Fiji: Fiji does not recognize Tonga’s 1972 claim to the Minerva Reefs and their surrounding waters; the Minerva Reefs’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone includes valuable fishing grounds  Tonga-Fiji: Fiji does not recognize Tonga’s 1972 claim to the Minerva Reefs and their surrounding waters; the Minerva Reefs’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone includes valuable fishing grounds


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate: 0760-030-3000; US Embassy in Baghdad, Al-Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad, Iraq; BaghdadACS@state.gov; https://iq.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 964
Local Emergency Phone: Local numbers only
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq
Currency (Code): Iraqi dinars (IQD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, G

Major Languages: Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, Syriac, and Armenian are official in areas where native speakers of these languages constitute a majority of the population
Major Religions: Muslim 95-98% (Shia 64-69%, Sunni 29-34%), Christian 1%
Time Difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: required
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Erbil; Ziggurat of Ur; Iraq Museum (Baghdad); Basra; Karbala; Hatra; Samarra Archaeological City; Babylon
Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, kickboxing, wrestling
Cultural Practices: If meals are served on the floor, sit cross legged or kneel. It is impolite to let your food touch the floor.
Tipping Guidelines: If no service charge is included in the bill, a 10-15% tip is appropriate in nicer restaurants.
Souvenirs: Copperware, hand-woven carpets and rugs, silver, spices, teas, coffees, calligraphic paintings, woven baskets, musical instruments
Traditional Cuisine: Masgouf — seasoned grilled carp	Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022


Topic: Photos of Cayman Islands

Topic: Introduction
Background: The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency. The territory has transformed itself into a significant offshore financial center.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
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
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 264 sq km

land: 264 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 160 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 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: highest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism
Land use: agricultural land: 11.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.1% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 8.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 52.9% (2018 est.)

other: 35.9% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: NA
Population distribution: majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman
Natural hazards: hurricanes (July to November)
Geography - note: important location between Cuba and Central America
Map description: Cayman Islands map showing the islands that comprise the UK territory in the Caribbean Sea.Cayman Islands map showing the islands that comprise the UK territory in the Caribbean Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 64,309 (2022 est.)

note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman
Nationality: noun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian
Ethnic groups: mixed 40%, White 20%, African descent 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%
Languages: English (official) 90.9%, Spanish 4%, Filipino 3.3%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)
Religions: Protestant 67.8% (includes Church of God 22.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 9.4%, Presbyterian/United Church 8.6%, Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 7.1%, non-denominational 5.3%, Anglican 4.1%, Wesleyan Holiness 2.4%), Roman Catholic 14.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other 7%, none 9.3%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 17.75% (male 5,535/female 5,457)

15-24 years: 11.86% (male 3,673/female 3,675)

25-54 years: 41.37% (male 12,489/female 13,140)

55-64 years: 14.78% (male 4,398/female 4,755)

65 years and over: 14.24% (2020 est.) (male 4,053/female 4,769)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Median age: total: 40.5 years

male: 39.7 years

female: 41.2 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.83% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 11.69 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 5.97 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 12.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)

note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US
Population distribution: majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 35,000 GEORGE TOWN (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 82.04 years

male: 79.35 years

female: 84.79 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 97.4% of population

total: 97.4% of population

unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population

total: 2.6% of population (2015 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 95.6% of population

total: 95.6% of population

unimproved: urban: 4.4% of population

total: 4.4% of population (2015 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA
Literacy: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.8%

male: 16.4%

female: 11.4% (2015 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: no natural freshwater resources; drinking water supplies are met by reverse osmosis desalination plants and rainwater catchment; trash washing up on the beaches or being deposited there by residents; no recycling or waste treatment facilities; deforestation (trees being cut down to create space for commercial use)
Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 0.55 megatons (2016 est.)
Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)
Land use: agricultural land: 11.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.1% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 8.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 52.9% (2018 est.)

other: 35.9% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 60,000 tons (2014 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 12,600 tons (2013 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21% (2013 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Cayman Islands

etymology: the islands' name comes from the native Carib word "caiman," describing the marine crocodiles living there
Government type: parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK
Capital: name: George Town (on Grand Cayman)

geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: named after English King George III (1738-1820)
Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, West Bay
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday: Constitution Day, the first Monday in July (1959)
Constitution: history: several previous; latest approved 10 June 2009, entered into force 6 November 2009 (The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009)

amendments: amended 2016, 2020
Legal system: English common law and local statutes
Citizenship: see United Kingdom
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Martyn ROPER (since 29 October 2018)

head of government: Premier Wayne PANTON (since 21 April 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet selected from the Parliament and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition appointed premier by the governor
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament (21 seats; 19 members directly elected by majority vote and 2 ex officio members - the deputy governor and attorney general - appointed by the governor; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 April 2021 (next to be held on 2025)

election results: percent of vote by party - independent 79.1%, PPM 19.6%; seats by party - independent 12, PPM 7; composition of elected members - men 15, women 4, percent of women 21.1%; ex-officio members - men 2
Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); Grand Court (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)

judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Grand Court judges appointed by the governor on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an 8-member independent body consisting of governor appointees, Court of Appeal president, and attorneys; Court of Appeal judges' tenure based on their individual instruments of appointment; Grand Court judges normally appointed until retirement at age 65 but can be extended until age 70

subordinate courts: Summary Court
Political parties and leaders: Cayman Islands Peoples Party or CIPP [Ezzard MILLER]
People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Roy McTAGGART]
International organization participation: Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica
Flag description: a blue field with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle, representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue wavy lines representing the sea; a scroll below the shield bears the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS
National symbol(s): green sea turtle
National anthem: name: "Beloved Isle Cayman"

lyrics/music: Leila E. ROSS

note: adopted 1993; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930; as a territory of the United Kingdom, in addition to the local anthem, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 65,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2017, including more than 280 banks, 700 insurers, and 10,500 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Nearly 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy a standard of living comparable to that of Switzerland.   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 2.1 million in 2016, with more than three-quarters from the US.With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 65,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2017, including more than 280 banks, 700 insurers, and 10,500 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Nearly 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy a standard of living comparable to that of Switzerland. 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 2.1 million in 2016, with more than three-quarters from the US.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $4.78 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$4.61 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$4.409 billion (2017 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 1.7% (2014 est.)

1.2% (2013 est.)

1.6% (2012 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $73,600 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$71,800 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$69,573 (2017 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $2.25 billion (2008 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2% (2017 est.)

-0.6% (2016 est.)
Credit ratings: Moody's rating: Aa3 (1997)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.3% (2017 est.)

industry: 7.4% (2017 est.)

services: 92.3% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 62.3% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 14.5% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 22.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 65.4% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -64.2% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming
Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture
Industrial production growth rate: 2.2% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 39,000 (2007 est.)

note: nearly 55% are non-nationals
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.9%

industry: 19.1%

services: 79% (2008 est.)
Unemployment rate: 4% (2008)

4.4% (2004)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.8%

male: 16.4%

female: 11.4% (2015 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 874.5 million (2017 est.)

expenditures: 766.6 million (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 4.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 38.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Current account balance: -$492.6 million (2017 est.)

-$493.5 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $4.13 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$3.96 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Netherlands 82%, Spain 11% (2019)
Exports - commodities: recreational boats, gold, broadcasting equipment, sulfates, collector's items (2019)
Imports: $2.7 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$2.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: Netherlands 56%, United States 18%, Italy 8%, Switzerland 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: recreational boats, ships, gold, refined petroleum, cars (2019)
Exchange rates: Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar -

0.82 (2017 est.)

0.82 (2016 est.)

0.82 (2015 est.)

0.82 (2014 est.)

0.83 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 174,000 kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 655.165 million kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 40 million kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 97.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 5,500 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 4,285 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 808,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 808,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 175.578 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 36,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 55 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 100,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 152 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the telecom sector has seen a decline in subscriber numbers (particularly for prepaid mobile services the mainstay of short term visitors) and revenue; fixed and mobile broadband services are two areas that have benefited from the crisis as employees and students have resorted to working from home; one major casualty may be the region’s second largest telco operator, Digicel; the company filed for bankruptcy in the US in April 2020; it continues to operate in all of its Caribbean markets as it seeks to refinance billions of dollars of debt; the other major telco, regional incumbent Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), is experiencing similar drops in subscriber numbers and revenue; CWC is expanding and enhancing its fixed and mobile networks in many of the countries it serves around the Caribbean, despite many locations being small islands with very small populations; one area of the telecom market that is not prepared for growth is 5G mobile; governments, regulators, and even the mobile network operators have shown that they have not been investing in 5G opportunities at the present time; network expansion and enhancements remain concentrated around improving LTE coverage. (2021)

domestic: introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004 boosted subscriptions; nearly 55 per 100 fixed-line and 153 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019)

international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the Maya-1, Deep Blue Cable, and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: 4 TV stations; cable and satellite subscription services offer a variety of international programming; government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5 stations; 10 privately owned radio stations operate alongside Radio Cayman
Internet country code: .ky
Internet users: total: 53,233 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 81% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 3,200 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VP-C
Airports: total: 3 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012)
Roadways: total: 785 km (2007)

paved: 785 km (2007)
Merchant marine: total: 160

by type: bulk carrier 32, container ship 1, general cargo 1, oil tanker 23, other 103 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Cayman Brac, George Town

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Service
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: nonenone
Illicit drugs: major offshore financial center vulnerable to drug trafficking money laundering  major offshore financial center vulnerable to drug trafficking money laundering


This entry gives the total number of airports or airfields recognizable from the air. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, earth, sand, or gravel surfaces) and may include closed or abandoned installations. Airports or airfields that are no longer recognizable (overgrown, no facilities, etc.) are not included. Note that not all airports have accommodations for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control.

Topic: Afghanistantotal: 46 (2021)

Topic: Akrotiritotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Albaniatotal: 3 (2021)

Topic: Algeriatotal: 149 (2021)

Topic: American Samoatotal: 3 (2021)

Topic: Angolatotal: 102 (2021)

Topic: Anguillatotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Antarcticatotal: 17 (2021)

Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal: 3 (2021)

Topic: Argentinatotal: 916 (2021)

Topic: Armeniatotal: 7 (2021)

Topic: Arubatotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Australiatotal: 418 (2021)

Topic: Austriatotal: 50 (2021)

Topic: Azerbaijantotal: 23 (2021)

Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal: 54 (2021)

Topic: Bahraintotal: 4 (2021)

Topic: Bangladeshtotal: 18 (2021)

Topic: Barbadostotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Belarustotal: 65 (2021)

Topic: Belgiumtotal: 41 (2021)

Topic: Belizetotal: 47 (2021)

Topic: Benintotal: 6 (2021)

Topic: Bermudatotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Bhutantotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Boliviatotal: 855 (2021)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal: 24 (2021)

Topic: Botswanatotal: 74 (2021)

Topic: Braziltotal: 4,093 (2021)

Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorytotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal: 4 (2021)

Topic: Bruneitotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Bulgariatotal: 68 (2021)

Topic: Burkina Fasototal: 23 (2021)

Topic: Burmatotal: 64 (2021)

Topic: Burunditotal: 7 (2021)

Topic: Cabo Verdetotal: 9 (2021)

Topic: Cambodiatotal: 16 (2021)

Topic: Cameroontotal: 33 (2021)

Topic: Canadatotal: 1,467 (2021)

Topic: Cayman Islandstotal: 3 (2021)

Topic: Central African Republictotal: 39 (2021)

Topic: Chadtotal: 59 (2021)

Topic: Chiletotal: 481 (2021)

Topic: Chinatotal: 507 (2021)

Topic: Christmas Islandtotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Colombiatotal: 836 (2021)

Topic: Comorostotal: 4 (2021)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal: 198 (2021)

Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal: 27 (2021)

Topic: Cook Islandstotal: 11 (2021)

Topic: Costa Ricatotal: 161 (2021)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal: 27 (2021)

Topic: Croatiatotal: 69 (2021)

Topic: Cubatotal: 133 (2021)

Topic: Curacaototal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Cyprustotal: 15 (2021)

Topic: Czechiatotal: 128 (2021)

Topic: Denmarktotal: 80 (2021)

Topic: Djiboutitotal: 13 (2021)

Topic: Dominicatotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Dominican Republictotal: 36 (2021)

Topic: Ecuadortotal: 432 (2021)

Topic: Egypttotal: 83 (2021)

Topic: El Salvadortotal: 68 (2021)

Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal: 7 (2021)

Topic: Eritreatotal: 13 (2021)

Topic: Estoniatotal: 18 (2021)

Topic: Eswatinitotal: 14 (2021)

Topic: Ethiopiatotal: 57 (2021)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total: 7 (2021)

Topic: Faroe Islandstotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Fijitotal: 28 (2021)

Topic: Finlandtotal: 148 (2021)

Topic: Francetotal: 464 (2021)

Topic: French Polynesiatotal: 54 (2021)

Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landstotal: 4 (2021)

Topic: Gabontotal: 44 (2021)

Topic: Gambia, Thetotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Gaza Striptotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Georgiatotal: 22 (2021)

Topic: Germanytotal: 539 (2021)

Topic: Ghanatotal: 10 (2021)

Topic: Gibraltartotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Greecetotal: 77 (2021)

Topic: Greenlandtotal: 15 (2021)

Topic: Grenadatotal: 3 (2021)

Topic: Guamtotal: 5 (2021)

Topic: Guatemalatotal: 291 (2021)

Topic: Guernseytotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Guineatotal: 16 (2021)

Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal: 8 (2021)

Topic: Guyanatotal: 117 (2021)

Topic: Haititotal: 14 (2021)

Topic: Hondurastotal: 103 (2021)

Topic: Hong Kongtotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Hungarytotal: 41 (2021)

Topic: Icelandtotal: 96 (2021)

Topic: Indiatotal: 346 (2021)

Topic: Indonesiatotal: 673 (2021)

Topic: Irantotal: 319 (2021)

Topic: Iraqtotal: 102 (2021)

Topic: Irelandtotal: 40 (2021)

Topic: Isle of Mantotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Israeltotal: 42 (2021)

Topic: Italytotal: 129 (2021)

Topic: Jamaicatotal: 28 (2021)

Topic: Jan Mayentotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Japantotal: 175 (2021)

Topic: Jerseytotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Jordantotal: 18 (2021)

Topic: Kazakhstantotal: 96 (2021)

Topic: Kenyatotal: 197 (2021)

Topic: Kiribatitotal: 19 (2021)

Topic: Korea, Northtotal: 82 (2021)

Topic: Korea, Southtotal: 111 (2021)

Topic: Kosovototal: 6 (2021)

Topic: Kuwaittotal: 7 (2021)

Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal: 28 (2021)

Topic: Laostotal: 41 (2021)

Topic: Latviatotal: 42 (2021)

Topic: Lebanontotal: 8 (2021)

Topic: Lesothototal: 24 (2021)

Topic: Liberiatotal: 29 (2021)

Topic: Libyatotal: 146 (2021)

Topic: Lithuaniatotal: 61 (2021)

Topic: Luxembourgtotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Macautotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Madagascartotal: 83 (2021)

Topic: Malawitotal: 32 (2021)

Topic: Malaysiatotal: 114 (2021)

Topic: Maldivestotal: 9 (2021)

Topic: Malitotal: 25 (2021)

Topic: Maltatotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Marshall Islandstotal: 15 (2021)

Topic: Mauritaniatotal: 30 (2021)

Topic: Mauritiustotal: 5 (2021)

Topic: Mexicototal: 1,714 (2021)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal: 6 (2021)

Topic: Moldovatotal: 7 (2021)

Topic: Mongoliatotal: 44 (2021)

Topic: Montenegrototal: 5 (2021)

Topic: Montserrattotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Moroccototal: 62 (2021)

Topic: Mozambiquetotal: 98 (2021)

Topic: Namibiatotal: 112 (2021)

Topic: Naurutotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Nepaltotal: 47 (2021)

Topic: Netherlandstotal: 29 (2021)

Topic: New Caledoniatotal: 25 (2021)

Topic: New Zealandtotal: 123 (2021)

Topic: Nicaraguatotal: 147 (2021)

Topic: Nigertotal: 30 (2021)

Topic: Nigeriatotal: 54 (2021)

Topic: Niuetotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Norfolk Islandtotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: North Macedoniatotal: 10 (2021)

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal: 5 (2021)

Topic: Norwaytotal: 95 (2021)

Topic: Omantotal: 132 (2021)

Topic: Pakistantotal: 151 (2021)

Topic: Palautotal: 3 (2021)

Topic: Panamatotal: 117 (2021)

Topic: Papua New Guineatotal: 561 (2021)

Topic: Paracel Islandstotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Paraguaytotal: 799 (2021)

Topic: Perutotal: 191 (2021)

Topic: Philippinestotal: 247 (2021)

Topic: Polandtotal: 126 (2021)

Topic: Portugaltotal: 64 (2021)

Topic: Puerto Ricototal: 29 (2021)

Topic: Qatartotal: 6 (2021)

Topic: Romaniatotal: 45 (2021)

Topic: Russiatotal: 1,218 (2021)

Topic: Rwandatotal: 7 (2021)

Topic: Saint Barthelemytotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Saint Luciatotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Saint Martintotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal: 6 (2021)

Topic: Samoatotal: 4 (2021)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal: 214 (2021)

Topic: Senegaltotal: 20 (2021)

Topic: Serbiatotal: 26 (2021)

Topic: Seychellestotal: 14 (2021)

Topic: Sierra Leonetotal: 8 (2021)

Topic: Singaporetotal: 9 (2021)

Topic: Sint Maartentotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Slovakiatotal: 35 (2021)

Topic: Sloveniatotal: 16 (2021)

Topic: Solomon Islandstotal: 36 (2021)

Topic: Somaliatotal: 52 (2021)

Topic: South Africatotal: 407 (2021)

Topic: South Sudantotal: 89 (2021)

Topic: Spaintotal: 135 (2021)

Topic: Spratly Islandstotal: 8 (2021)

Topic: Sri Lankatotal: 18 (2021)

Topic: Sudantotal: 67 (2021)

Topic: Surinametotal: 55 (2021)

Topic: Svalbardtotal: 4 (2021)

Topic: Swedentotal: 231 (2021)

Topic: Switzerlandtotal: 63 (2021)

Topic: Syriatotal: 90 (2021)

Topic: Taiwantotal: 37 (2021)

Topic: Tajikistantotal: 24 (2021)

Topic: Tanzaniatotal: 166 (2021)

Topic: Thailandtotal: 101 (2021)

Topic: Timor-Lestetotal: 6 (2021)

Topic: Togototal: 8 (2021)

Topic: Tongatotal: 6 (2021)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal: 4 (2021)

Topic: Tunisiatotal: 29 (2021)

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total: 98 (2021)

Topic: Turkmenistantotal: 26 (2021)

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal: 8 (2021)

Topic: Tuvalutotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Ugandatotal: 47 (2021)

Topic: Ukrainetotal: 215 (2021)

Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal: 43 (2021)

Topic: United Kingdomtotal: 460 (2021)

Topic: United Statestotal: 13,513 (2021)

Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesBaker Island: (2013) one abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m covered with vegetation and unusable

Howland Island: (2013) airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN; the aviators left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island but were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable

Johnston Atoll: (2013) one closed and not maintained

Kingman Reef: (2013) lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938

Midway Islands: (2013) 3 - one operational (2,377 m paved); no fuel for sale except emergencies

Palmyra Atoll: (2013) 1 - 1,846 m unpaved runway; privately owned

Topic: Uruguaytotal: 133 (2021)

Topic: Uzbekistantotal: 53 (2021)

Topic: Vanuatutotal: 31 (2021)

Topic: Venezuelatotal: 444 (2021)

Topic: Vietnamtotal: 45 (2021)

Topic: Virgin Islandstotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Wake Islandtotal: 1 (2021)

Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: West Banktotal: 2 (2021)

Topic: Worldtotal: 41,820 (2021)

top ten by passengers (2021): Atlanta (ATL) - 75,704,760; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) 62,465,756; Denver, CO (DEN) 58,828,552; Chicago, IL (ORD) 54,020,399; Los Angeles, CA (LAX) 48,007,284; Charlotte, NC (CLT) 43,302,230; Orlando, FL (MCO) 40,351,068; Guangzhou (CAN) 40,259,401; Chengdu (CTU) 40,117,496;  Las Vegas, NV (LAS) 39,754,366 (2021)

top ten by passengers (2020): Guangzhou (CAN) 43,767,558; Atlanta (ATL) - 42,918,685; Chengdu (CTU) 40,741,509; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) 39,364,990; Shenzhen (SZX) 37,916,054; Beijing (PEK) - 34,513,827; Denver, CO (DEN) 33,741,129; Kunming (KMG) 32,990,805; Shanghai (PVG) 31,165,641; Xi'an (XIY)  31,073,924 (2020) note - 2020 numbers included to allow for a comparison with the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on international air travel in 2020

top ten by cargo (metric tons): Hong Kong (HKG) - 5,025,495; Memphis, TN (MEM) - 4,480,465; Shanghai (PVG) - 3,982,616; Anchorage, AK (ANC) - 3,555,160; Incheon (ICN) - 3,329,292; Louisville, KY (SDF) - 3,052,269; Taipei (TPE) - 2,812,065; Los Angeles, CA (LAX) 2,691,830; Tokyo (NRT) 2,644,074; Doha, Qatar (DOH) 2,620,095 (2021)

Topic: Yementotal: 57 (2021)

Topic: Zambiatotal: 88 (2021)

Topic: Zimbabwetotal: 196 (2021)


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens consult its website daily via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances about visiting United Kingdom and Cook Islands.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days. It is possible to extend visit up to 5 months.
US Embassy/Consulate: None (self-governing in free association with New Zealand); US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the Embassy in New Zealand [64] (4) 462-6000; United States Embassy Wellington, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Telephone Code: 682
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 998; Fire: 996; Police: 999
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season (April to November) and a more humid season (December to March)
Currency (Code): New Zealand dollars (NZD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I

Major Languages: English 86.4%, Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) 76.2%, other 8.3%; note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
Major Religions: Protestant 62.8%, Roman Catholic 17%, Mormon 4.4%
Time Difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: A local license is required.
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Tapuaetai (One Foot Island); Muri Beach; Titikaveka Beach; Te Vara Nui Village; cross-island hike to Te Rua Manga (The Needle); Aroa Marine Reserve
Major Sports: Netball, rugby, soccer
Cultural Practices: Swimwear should be confined to the beach and resort pool areas.
Tipping Guidelines: Don't feel that you need to leave a tip, unless you believe that you have received outstanding service.
Souvenirs: Pareu cloth and quilted items, woven hats and baskets, carved wooden instruments and decorative items,  pearl and shell items, collectible coins and stamps
Traditional Cuisine: Ika Mata — freshly caught fish cooked in lemon juice and then combined with fresh coconut cream, onion, and chilis; typically served with a side salad Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022