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In spring 2004 the estimated
population was 42,397; 19% of the
population was under 15 years of
age, and about five percent was over
65. About 49% of the work force was
non-Caymanians admitted under the
work permit system which controls
the inflow of foreign skills and
labor. The majority of work permit
holders come from West Indian and
Central American countries, followed
by the United States and Canada, and
the United Kingdom and Ireland. The
population of the Islands at the
last census, taken in 1999, was
39,410. The resident total was
divided between Grand Cayman 23,881;
Cayman Brac 1,822; and Little Cayman
115. Of the 14,908 households in the
Islands, 45% were owner-occupied.
Christianity has played a large role
in the lives of Caymanians, and
there are a variety of churches. The
largest according to the 1999 census
include the United Church of Jamaica
and Grand Cayman
(Presbyterian/Congregational),
Church of God, Baptist, Anglican,
Roman Catholic, and Seventh-day
Adventist. Residents also follow the
Baha’i, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and
Muslim faiths. Although these
communities aren’t large enough to
support houses of worship, services
are held in family homes and
visitors are welcome. While taking
measures to preserve their past,
Caymanians are also proud of the
progress their country has made.
The stability of the country
politically -- a factor of great
value in the finance and tourism
industries -- is due in large
measure to Caymanians having assumed
leading positions in commerce, the
civil service, the professions and
skilled trades. Most Caymanians are
churchgoers and abhor violent
behavior, impoliteness, drunkenness,
gambling and drug-taking. Socially,
there are many things to do, from
community, church and service club
involvement to a wide range of
sports on land and water, and
participation in a variety of
special interest organizations.
Generally, dress is informal. Office
attire normally is shirt and tie for
men, with jackets being worn for
official functions, and suits and
dresses for women. A business suit
for men is appropriate for many
official social functions, with
short or long cocktail dresses or
dressy pants outfits for women.
Bathing suits are worn at the beach
or pool, work-out clothes at the
gym. Residents won’t wear these
kinds of clothes while shopping at
the grocery store or walking around
downtown George Town. The Islands
become particularly alive in the
winter months -- "the tourist
season" -- from November through
April, when many part-time residents
and when the greater number of
tourists arrive. The Christmas
season is a highlight, with many
parties, celebrations and special
activities.
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