Trinidad and Tobago has a strong, vibrant culture, born of the many different people who came here. Music and dance are its great strengths, its lifestyle is festive, and it has produced major artists in literature, sculpture, design, painting and theatre.

Above all, Trinidad and Tobago is the home and the birthplace of Caribbean Carnival, which has been widely imitated across the Caribbean and in North America and Europe. It is the birthplace of calypso and soca, and of the steelband, born nearly sixty years ago among the narrow streets and backyards of Port of Spain. Hundreds of songs pour from these islands every year, thousands of musicians make music on instruments that were created and developed on their own back doorsteps, and dozens of small recording studios service an industry that has already made its mark on world music.

History

The islands were first settled by Amerindians moving northwards from the South American mainland. Trinidad was named by Columbus on his third voyage (1498) after the Trinity, and remained a Spanish backwater till the late 18th century. It was captured by the British in 1797. After emancipation, Indian labourers were recruited to replace African workers; descendants of these two groups each form about 40% of today’s population. Tobago was fought over by all the 18th-century European naval powers, became a prosperous sugar colony, and remained British from 1814. The two islands were joined as one country at the end of the 19th century and achieved
independence in 1962, becoming a republic in 1976.

Society

Archbishop Desmond Tutu called Trinidad and Tobago a “rainbow country” because of the many different races and traditions that make up the national character and society, and which co-exist peacefully and harmoniously — descendants of people from Africa, India, China, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, South America. The country’s music, food and drink, dance, literature and folk traditions all reflect these multiple influences.

The people of Trinidad and Tobago know how to live, how to welcome guests, and how to have a good time: just look at the famous Trinidad Carnival, the religious and cultural festivals that take place throughout the year, the music and the parties. But this is also a country where you can find the very latest in high technology, as well as high literacy   rates, outstanding schools, and well-established, stable institutions and traditions

Population: 1.3 million; about 40% of African descent, 40% of Indian descent, with mixed, European, Mediterranean and Chinese minorities.
Religion: Roman Catholic 29%, Hindu 24%, Anglican 11%, Muslim 6%
Language: English
Area: Trinidad 1,864 sq. miles, Tobago 116 sq. miles
Currency: TT dollar (floating: approx. TT$6.30 = US$1)
Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (EST +1, GMT -4)
Climate: tropical; average temperature 83¡F (29¡C). June to December are the wetter months
Driving: on the left. A valid international driving permit, or a valid US, Canadian, French, German, Bahamian or UK permit, can be used for 90 days
Electricity: 110 and 220v, 60 cycles
Tips and taxes: 15% Value Added Tax on most transactions. Tipping 10%.
Airport departure tax TT$100. Hotel Room Tax (in properties 16 rooms or over) 10%, instead of VAT
Transport: shared, route taxis are widely used; bus service on main routes. Private taxis in visitor areas
Political system: independent republic within the Commonwealth; democratic government; regular free elections
Prime Minister: The Honourable Basdeo Panday
Economy: oil and gas, petrochemicals, sugar, tourism.

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