TRINIDAD & TOBAGO IN PROFILE

Location, Geography & Area

Trinidad and Tobago’s geographic location is strategic as a gateway to the Caribbean and North and South America. These southernmost Caribbean islands were once linked to South America and their rich flora and fauna reflect this. The larger of the two islands, Trinidad is only 10 km (seven miles) off the east coast of Venezuela. The islands lie south of the hurricane belt, which is particularly favourable to the yachting community Trinidad has a mountainous range running along its north coast, a flat central plain and rolling hills in the south. Tobago also has a central spine of hills with a flatter area in the south. Trinidad is 4,828 sq. km (1,864 sq. miles); Tobago is 300 sq. km (116 sq. miles). The two islands are 33 km (21 miles) apart.

Climate/Time Zone

The climate is tropical: warm all year and pleasantly cool at night. Average daytime temperature is 29 degrees Centigrade. The dry season runs from January to May and the wet season, from June to December. One hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time

People

About 1.3 million people, the majority of whom live in Trinidad. The Englishspeaking, cosmopolitan population has roots in Africa, India, Europe, Middle East and China. Africans and East Indians are the largest groups (appx. 40% each). The hospitality of its people is wellknown, as are their friendliness, charm and love of a celebration. Places of worship cater to Roman Catholics, Hindus, Anglicans, Muslims, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists and several evangelical denominations.

Unique Lifestyle

The country is a collage of cultures that is reflected in the food, festivals, music, dance, art and traditions that enrich national life. The strong appeal of this unforgettable destination has a lot to do with its unique lifestyle. It is the home of the Steelpan, Calypso and Limbo and of course, its world-famous Carnival – the ultimate street party! Its Cuisine reflects the diversity of its people; Soca and Chutney – music as unique as the islands; Cricket – the bond that unites. These are but a few of the elements that are mixed into the cosmopolitan ambiance, making Trinidad and Tobago an experience that delights those who embrace it.

Currency

The Trinidad and Tobago dollar floats against the US dollar (appx. TT$6.3 to US$1). Automatic Banking Machines (ABMs) are available and credit cards are widely used.

Infrastructure

Modern infrastructure and communications, 5-star hotels and fine dining restaurants, modern shopping malls. Two international airports at Piarco (Trinidad) and Crown Point (Tobago) and two fully developed seaports make the country a trans-shipment trendsetter in the Caribbean. Close to 18 shipping lines and 12 airlines have business links with Trinidad and Tobago.

Economy

The country has the strongest and most industrialized economy in the Caribbean, and is the region’s biggest oil and gas producer with a multi-billion dollar energy industry, and a strong manufacturing sector A highly skilled and computer-literate workforce is among Trinidad and Tobago’s assets. The country has the highest direct foreign investment per capita, in the Caribbean and Latin America and is the global export leader of ammonia and methanol as well as the number one exporter of LNG to North America. Trinidad is the bustling business hub, the seat of Government and the financial centre of the Caribbean. Tobago, with its beautiful white sand beaches and unhurried pace, is the country ’s tourism capital, offering a cozy retreat for vacationers as well as the business traveller

Leisure Guide

•Beaches and watersports, including scuba diving in Tobago’s spectacular reefs and sailing ‘down de islands’ (small islands off Trinidad’s north-west coast), water-skiing and wind-surfing

•Golfing

•Spectator Sports: Cricket, Football, Rugby, Basketball, Hockey, Horseracing

•Hiking, nature trails, eco tours, river ‘limes’, bird-watching

•Nightlife includes casinos, pubs, public parties, cultural shows

•Art galleries