The largest of Britain's territories in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands lie 225 km (140 miles) west of Jamaica and south of Cuba. The abundance of exotic wildlife, especially marine life, is a powerful draw for tourists. Grand Cayman is credited as the home of modern scuba diving, the first ever specialist shop opening there in 1957. The islanders have rejected greater autonomy, persuaded that their economic stability is linked to their dependent territory status. Thanks to the absence of tax and foreign-exchange controls, the islands form one of the world's largest offshore financial centers, but tourism continues to underpin the economy.