Trinidad and Tobago

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.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 1,056,608

Nationality (Noun): Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: Chinese, English, French, Spanish

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Country Name (short form): Trinidad and Tobago

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Port-of-Spain

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Trinidad and Tobago: Venezuela, Grenada

Land Area: 5128 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Delaware

Coastline: 362 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

International Phone Code: -867

Currency Code: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)

Internet Country Code: .tt

US Embassy Location: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain