The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, situated 11 km (7 miles) off the coast of Venezuela. It is an archipelagic state consisting of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and 21 smaller islands. The larger and more populated island is Trinidad, while Tobago is smaller (303 square kilometres; about 6% of the total area) and less populous (50,000 people; 4% of the total population). Citizens are officially called Trinidadians or Tobagonians or Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, but are informally referred to as Trinis or Trinbagonians.
Unlike most of the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is a primarily industrialised country whose economy is based on petroleum and petrochemicals. People of Indian and African descent make up almost 80% of the population, while the remainder are mostly mixed race with small European, Chinese and Syrian-Lebanese minorities. Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its pre-Lenten Carnival and as the birthplace of steelpan and limbo.
The capital city Port-of-Spain is currently a leading candidate to serve as the headquarters of the Permanent Secretariat of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA-ALCA).
In 1976 the country severed its links with the British monarchy and became a republic within the Commonwealth.
Petroleum, petrochemicals and natural gas continue to be the backbone of the economy. Tourism is the mainstay of the economy of Tobago, although it has declined in the environment after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean, although less so than it was during the "oil boom" between 1973 and 1983.
The country consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and 21 smaller islands, the most important being Chacachacare, Monos, Huevos, Gaspar Grande (or Gasparee), Little Tobago and St. Giles Is. The terrain of the islands is a mixture of mountains and plains. The highest point in the country is found on the Northern Range at El Cerro del Aripo which is situated at 940 m above sea level. The climate is tropical. There are two seasons annually: the dry season for the first six months of the year, and the wet season in the second half of the year. Winds are predominantlly from the northeast and are dominated by the Northeast Trade winds. Unlike most of the other Caribbean islands, Trinidad and Tobago have frequently escaped the wrath of major devastating hurricanes including Hurricane Ivan, the most powerful storm to pass close to the islands in recent history in September 2004.
As the majority of the population live in Trinidad, this is the location of most major towns and cities. There are three major municipalities in Trinidad: Port-of-Spain, the capital, San Fernando, and Chaguanas. Of these three, Chaguanas is the fastest growing. The largest town in Tobago is Scarborough.
Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its pre-Lenten Carnival. It is also the birthplace of calypso music and the steelpan, which is widely claimed to be the only acoustic musical instrument invented during the 20th century. The diverse cultural and religious background allows for many festivities and ceremonies throughout the year. Other indigenous art forms include soca (a derivate of calypso), Parang (Venezuelan-influenced Christmas music), chutney, and pichakaree (musical forms which blend the music of the Caribbean and India) and the famous Limbo dance.
The artistic scene is vibrant. Trinidad and Tobago claims two Noble Prize-winning author, V. S. Naipaul and St. Lucian-born Derek Walcott. Mas' designer Peter Minshall is renowned not only for his carnival costumes, but also for his role in opening ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics, the 1994 Football World Cup, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics, for which he won an Emmy Award.
Things you should know when travelling to Trinidad and Tobago
TRINIDAD: In each of the four months since July 2005, during approximately the second week of each month, Port of Spain has experienced a bombing in a public area. Up to 25 people have been injured as a result of these bombings with the most recent incident occurring October 14, 2005. The police are investigating all four bombings.
Crime continues to be on the increase, particularly in Port of Spain and other urban areas. Gang-related violence, including shootings and kidnapping, occurs and can affect bystanders. Canadians should avoid Laventille and other known high-crime areas. Canadians should also exercise caution at popular tourist sites such as Fort George and La Brea (Pitch Lake), as well as at supermarket and shopping mall parking lots in the western part of Port of Spain, since crimes targeting foreigners have been reported in these areas. Deserted beaches and unpopulated areas (e.g. scenic overlooks) should be avoided, especially after dark. Extra care should be taken when travelling late at night. Crimes of opportunity such as petty theft increase during the annual Trinidad Carnival in February or March. Visitors should ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times and that hotel room doors and windows are secure. It is not advisable to carry large amounts of cash nor to show signs of affluence.
TOBAGO: Tourists and foreign nationals are also victims of crime in Tobago, where such incidents appear to be on the increase. Visitors should seek the advice of local contacts and be vigilant, especially after dark. Robberies with violence, including assaults and rape, continue to occur frequently. Visitors should satisfy themselves that personal security arrangements are in place at any villas or other types of accommodation where they choose to stay. Personal belongings should never be left unattended, and deserted beaches should be avoided. Conspicuous displays of wealth, including jewellery, and the carrying of large amounts of cash should be avoided.
