THE COUNTRY
First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834.
Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export.
Independence was attained in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing. The government is struggling to reverse a surge in violent crime.
- Port of Spain;
- Maracas Bay;
- Pigeon Point;
- Caroni Bird Sanctuary;
- Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge;
- Little Tobago Island;
- Mount Saint Benedict Monastery
- Private Jets, Helicopters and Airliners
- Finest Onboard Catering
- Ground Transport and Yachts
- Luxury Villa & House Rentals
- Local Guide & 24/7 Assistance
- Customized Global Services
TO BE KNOWN
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The State's CapitalPort of Spain
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Time ZoneUTC -4
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Telephone Code868
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Total Area5 128 Km2
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Population1 407 460 (2023 est.)
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Main LanguagesEnglish, Trinidadian Creole English
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CurrencyTrinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD)
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GDP Per CapitaUSD 23000
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Airports4
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Tropical; rainy season (June to December)
East Indian 35.4%, African descent 34.2%, mixed - other 15.3%, mixed - African/East Indian 7.7%, other 1.3%, unspecified 6.2% (2011 est.)
Avoid cursing or using foul language as it is considered a criminal offense.
Callaloo — a stew with a soup-like consistency; dasheen (a type of taro) leaves are cooked with a variety of herbs and spices; crabs are traditionally added, however, chicken or salted pork may also be used
High-income Caribbean island economy; predominantly driven by oil and gas (80% of exports); growing Venezuelan relations threaten US support; growing tourism; key regional finance hub
Location
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Trinidad and Tobago
