Trinidad and Tobago

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –South America
• Currency symbol of Trinidad and Tobago  –Trinidad and Tobago dollar,  TT$
• Capital City – Port of Spain
• Official languages –English
• Population –1.39 million (2018) World Bank
• Country dialling code  –  (+868)
• Official website –Trinidad and Tobago
• Top 3 biggest industries  –petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products
• Google Maps link –Trinidad and Tobago
• Where is it? –It is located in the far south-east of the Caribbean region, with the island of Trinidad being just 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) off the coast of Venezuela.

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Trinidad and Tobago In Pictures

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Trinidad and Tobago History

• How did the country get its first name? – The local Amerindians called Trinidad Leri, meaning “land of the hummingbird.”
• How did the country get its current name? – Christopher Columbus renamed it “La Isla de la Trinidad” (“The Island of the Trinity”) 31 July 1498, fulfilling a vow made before setting out on his third voyage of exploration.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – Arawak tribal groups from the Orinoco river were some of the first people to arrive on the island. Christopher Columbus was the first European to land on Trinidad in 1498.
• Who were the first Inhabitants? -Arawak and Carib Indians settled on the island when the Europeans first arrived, but the oldest settlement indications date back to around 5000 BC.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – Trinidad and Tobago became independent 31 August 1962.
• Who was the first leader of the country? – Eric Williams was the first Prime Minister. 

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Five significant events 

1. Christopher Columbus discovers in 1498 – Christopher Columbus visits the islands, naming Trinidad after the three peaks at its south-east corner and Tobago after a local type of tobacco pipe. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1209872.stm)
2. British Naval Expedition – A British naval expedition captures Trinidad from Spain. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1209872.stm)
3. Slavery abolished from Island in1834 – Slavery abolished; indentured workers brought in from India to work on sugar plantations. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1209872.stm)
4. Independence of Trinidad and Tobago in 1962 – Trinidad and Tobago leaves the West Indies Federation; becomes independent with Williams as prime minister. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1209872.stm)
5. End of of political deadlock in2002: October – Third general election in three years ends months of political deadlock. Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s ruling People’s National Movement declares victory. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1209872.stm)

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Five Places to Visit in Trinidad and Tobago

1. Maracas Bay, Trinidad: Fringed by coconut palms, Maracas Bay is one of Trinidad’s most famous beaches. From Port of Spain, the scenic 40-minute drive through mountainous rainforest provides breathtaking views of lush peninsulas jutting into the sea. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/trinidad-and-tobago-tri.htm)
2. Englishman’s Bay, Tobago: For a quintessential slice of coastal beauty in Tobago, pack a picnic and head to Englishman’s Bay. This secluded beach lies about 1.5 kilometers from Castara along a twisty narrow road, and it’s worth the journey. Kicking back on these dazzling shores is one of the top things to do in Tobago. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/trinidad-and-tobago-tri.htm)
3. Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge, Trinidad: A paradise for birders, the Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge encompasses 1,500 acres of dense forest in the Arima and Aripo Valleys. Hummingbirds, woodcreepers, pygmy owls, trogons, and the rare nocturnal oilbird are just some of the avian species spotted at this former cocoa, coffee, and citrus plantation. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/trinidad-and-tobago-tri.htm)
4. Pigeon Point, Tobago: Also known as the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Pigeon Point is one of the most popular stretches of coast on Tobago. White coral-sand rims the aqua waters here, and you’ll find a range of different water sports, including stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Unlike Englishman’s Bay, this beach offers many amenities, which makes it a great place to base yourself for a day. Snack bars, shops, change rooms, and thatch-covered seating are all available, and you can also rent sun loungers. But the beach does require an entrance fee. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/trinidad-and-tobago-tri.htm)
5. Port of Spain, Trinidad: Presidential Palace, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain Capital of the nation, this bustling business center is known for its many fine examples of colonial-style architecture, as well as a few tourist attractions. One of the most popular things to do in Port of Spain is to soak up the architectural highlights around Queen’s Park Savannah. Here, elegant mansions called the “Magnificent Seven,” line the sprawling green space. Architecture fans should also visit the impressive Red House Parliament in Woodford Square. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/trinidad-and-tobago-tri.htm)

References:

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1209872.stm
• https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/trinidad-and-tobago-tri.htm