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The main influences on the culture of the Cayman Islands come from the United Kingdom, North America, and Jamaica. In total, there are approximately 113 nationalities on the three islands that make up the country. The total population of the Cayman Islands consists of just over 52,000 people, spread throughout the island group with the majority of the people found on Grand Cayman. Roughly 20,000 are native Caymanian, with the remainder of the residents originating elsewhere in the world.
In the past, most of the people of the Cayman Islands got their livelihood from the sea through fishing, turtle harvesting, and being merchant seamen.
The influences of American and European culture are most evident in the religion of the Cayman Islands, where Christianity is the most practiced religion. Within the island group, the denominations of Christianity that are practiced are Anglican, Baptist, Catholicism, Church of God, Presbyterian, and United Church, among others. Because religion is an important aspect of the culture of the Cayman Islands, most of the local businesses as well as the harbors and ports are closed on Sunday. As well, the same establishments are closed on Christmas day.
British English is the most commonly spoken language in the Cayman Islands, albeit with a distinctive Caymanian dialect. Jamaican patois is also commonly spoken in the Cayman Islands, and certain words have been integrated into the speech of younger Caymanian generations.
The food of the Cayman Islands includes traditional Caribbean fare such as cassava, johnny cake, bread fruit, Plantain, and meat pie. Jamaican cuisine has also found its way onto the menus of the Cayman Islands and Jerk seasoning has become popular for use on meat dishes such chicken, fish and pork. Curry is also used frequently in rice, chicken, and fish dishes. Traditional Caymanian fare includes dishes made from turtle meat, Conch, goat, and fish such as Grouper and Snapper.