The economy of the Cayman Islands is based on its role as one of the world’s leading international financial centres and its vibrant tourism industry. Central to both of these is real estate and development which both benefit from and provide necessary infrastructure to the primary industries. Although there is no taxation, the Government obtains its money through duties and license fees and successfully operates with a budget surplus. The Cayman Islands Government has never had to depend on the British Government for its recurrent budget and operates fiscally independent of the United Kingdom. Per capita income is US$48,300 and GDP is almost US$2 billion making the Cayman Islands one of the strongest economies in the world.
