Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago
Capital: Port of Spain Nationality: Trinidadian/Tobagonian Population: 1,227,505
Currency: T. & T. Dollars(TTD) Off. Lang: English Area: 5,128 sq km
Internet DM: tt GDP: $26.1 bil. Life Exp: 71.37 years
Literacy: 98.6% Location: 11 00 N, 61 00 W Calling Code: 868

Trinidad and Tobago is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of Windward Group of islands, located 11 00 N, 61 00 W. The country has an area of 5,128 sq km. The capital is Port of Spain.


Trinidad and Tobago has a population of 1,228,691, with a life expectancy of 71.09 years. The population is 40% Hindu, 37.5% African,  20.5% mix, 1.2% other, 0.8% unspecified. Trinidad and Tobago is majority Christian, with 5.8% muslim,  10.8% other, and 1.4% unspecified. English is the official language.

Climate Change Preparedness

 Cost of Inaction by 2025  4.0 bil.

Trinidad and Tobago are facing increase in temperature. Hurricanes have increased in number and intensity.  Trinidad and Tobago are trying to implement more sustainable energy, solar and wind. In so doing, they are trying to diversify their economy away from oil production and refining. Trinidad and Tobago are also putting into place a monitoring system for keeping track of negative weather events. To protect her coast, mangroves are being grown. 


 Index  Value
 Corruption Perception Index  39(2015)
 Ease of Doing Business  88 (2015)
 Human Development Index  .772(2015)
 World Press Freedom  23.39(2016)


Trinidad was originally inhabited by Arawaks, Chaimas,Tamanaques, Salives, Chaguanes, Quaquas, and Caribs. By 1824, the population was greatly diminished to 893. Columbus arrived in 1498. Trinidad was named after the Holy Trinity. Trinidad switched from Spanish, French,  and Dutch hands, until English rule became more permanent in 1797. 

African slaves began to be imported in mass around 1804, to work the cane fields. Slavery was abolished in Trinidad and Tobago in 1833 and all British territories, causing labor shortages. In 1844, to compensate for the labor shortage, East Indian indentured servants were imported. Chinese labor was imported around 1849.

Tobago was originally inhabited by Caribs. Columbus arrived in 1498. Tobago is a corruption of tobacco, a crop grown by Caribs. The island switched hands from the English, Dutch, and French, until the English gain more permanent ground in 1802. Sugar production took hold in the Eighteenth Century and reflected in the racial composition. For example, in 1756 the population was 181 whitemen to 3,864 black slave or 1 to 21. 

Tobago became a crown colony in 1877. In 1888, Trinidad and Tobago was joined politically. Trinidad and Tobago became independent in 1962, under Eric Williams.

Related Articles: Trinidadian French Creole, Soca , Dougla , Timeline of Caribbean History

Works Cited

Official Website of Trinidad and Tobago. <>

Cameron, Sarah and Box, Ben(1993). Travelers World Guides:Caribbean Islands Handbook. Trade and Travels: pp. 587-590 ISBN 0-13-116971-8