Table of Contents
ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an English-speaking country located just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Its capital is Port of Spain, and the total population was approximately 1,349,667 as of 2015. It is a twin-island nation bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, and it shares maritime boundaries with Barbados to the northeast, Grenada to the northwest, Guyana to the southeast, and Venezuela to the south and west.
1. History
The island of Trinidad became a Spanish colony following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1498. It remained under Spanish rule until 1797, when a British fleet of 18 warships led to the capitulation of the Spanish Governor, Don José María Chacón. Meanwhile, Tobago experienced a turbulent colonial history, changing hands more frequently than any other Caribbean island among Spanish, British, French, Dutch, and Courlander powers.
Although the islands remained administratively separate for much of their colonial history, Trinidad and Tobago were unified in 1889 under British rule. The nation gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1962 and became a republic in 1976.
2. Economy
Trinidad and Tobago boasts one of the strongest economies in the Caribbean. It ranks as the third richest country by GDP per capita in the Americas, following the United States and Canada, and is officially recognized as a high-income economy by the World Bank.
Unlike most English-speaking Caribbean nations, Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is heavily industrialized, with a strong focus on petroleum and petrochemicals. The country is the leading producer of oil and natural gas in the Caribbean, and its economic wealth is largely attributed to its vast reserves and efficient exploitation of these natural resources.
3. Culture
Trinidad and Tobago has a vibrant and diverse culture, renowned around the world for its Carnival, often considered one of the best in the world. The country is the birthplace of the steelpan (the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century), as well as the limbo dance, and various musical genres including calypso, soca, Parang, and chutney.
Its culture reflects a rich blend of African, Indian, European, and Indigenous influences, making it a unique cultural mosaic in the Caribbean.
4. Wildlife
Despite its small size, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most biodiverse nations per square mile in the Caribbean. The country is home to more than 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Nature reserves and protected areas across the islands preserve this impressive biodiversity, including the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
Fun Facts about Trinidad and Tobago
- Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of the steelpan, the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century.
- The national instrument is the steel drum (steelpan), and large orchestras perform in events like Panorama during Carnival.
- The world’s largest brain coral can be found off the coast of Tobago, at Speyside.
- Trinidad’s Pitch Lake is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world.
- The country’s diverse cuisine includes influences from Indian, African, Chinese, and European traditions — doubles (curried chickpeas in flatbread) is a beloved street food.
- Cricket and football (soccer) are among the most popular sports in the country.
- English is the official language, but Trinidadian Creole and Tobagonian Creole are widely spoken in informal settings.
- Trinidad and Tobago is one of the few Caribbean nations to have qualified for the FIFA World Cup — the national team, known as the Soca Warriors, played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Read more about Trinidad & Tobago on Wikipedia.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Trinidad and Tobago?
Select the Right Answer:
- What is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago?
- A) San Fernando
- B) Scarborough
- C) Port of Spain
- D) Georgetown
- Which ocean or sea borders Trinidad and Tobago to the north?
- A) Atlantic Ocean
- B) Pacific Ocean
- C) Caribbean Sea
- D) Gulf of Mexico
- When did Trinidad and Tobago gain independence from Britain?
- A) 1952
- B) 1962
- C) 1976
- D) 1982
- 4. What is the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago?
A) Bongos
B) Steelpan
C) Violin
D) Saxophone - What is the name of the natural asphalt deposit found in Trinidad?
- A) Tar Pit
- B) Oil Lake
- C) Pitch Lake
- D) Black Bay
- What is the population of Trinidad and Tobago (as of 2015)?
- A) About 500,000
- B) About 1 million
- C) About 1.35 million
- D) About 2 million
- Which two islands make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago?
- A) Grenada and Tobago
- B) Trinidad and Tobago
- C) Trinidad and Aruba
- D) Tobago and Barbados
- What type of economy is Trinidad and Tobago primarily known for?
- A) Agriculture
- B) Tourism
- C) Petroleum and Petrochemicals
- D) Fishing
- Which of these music genres originated in Trinidad and Tobago?
- A) Reggae
- B) Salsa
- C) Soca
- D) Merengue
- What is a popular street food in Trinidad and Tobago made with curried chickpeas and flatbread?
- A) Bake and shark
- B) Doubles
- C) Roti
- D) Pelau
2 → C) Caribbean Sea
3 → B) 1962
4 → B) Steelpan
5 → C) Pitch Lake
6 → C) About 1.35 million
7 → B) Trinidad and Tobago
8 → C) Petroleum and Petrochemicals
9 → C) Soca
10 → B) Doubles
FAQs
Is Trinidad a rich or poor country?
Trinidad and Tobago is considered a high-income economy by the World Bank. It is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean due to its extensive oil and natural gas reserves. The country has a high GDP per capita compared to many of its regional neighbors and is the third richest country in the Americas after the United States and Canada.
Why is Trinidad famous?
Trinidad is famous for several things:
– Carnival, one of the most vibrant and celebrated in the world.
– Being the birthplace of the steelpan, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.
– Its diverse music scene, including calypso, soca, chutney, and parang.
– Its rich cultural mix and delicious cuisine, including dishes like doubles and roti.
– Pitch Lake, the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world.
Is Trinidad French or British?
Trinidad was originally colonized by the Spanish, but it became a British colony in 1797 and remained under British rule until it gained independence in 1962. Tobago changed hands many times among European powers, including the French, Dutch, and British, but was ultimately ceded to Britain. So, while there are French influences in the culture and names, Trinidad and Tobago is historically British.
Can a US citizen live in Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes, a U.S. citizen can live in Trinidad and Tobago, but they must comply with local immigration laws. For stays longer than 90 days, a visa or residency permit is required. U.S. citizens can apply for:
– Work permits
– Student visas
– Permanent residence (under certain conditions, including marriage to a citizen or long-term employment)
It’s also important to have proper documentation and ensure all legal requirements are met before relocating.
