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All about Trinidad Trinidad is the most southernly of the Caribbean Islands. Lying only seven miles off the Venezuelan coast, it is one of the most colorful of the West Indian Islands. It is an island of 1,864 square miles, tranversed by two ranges of hills, the North and South ranges, running roughly East and West, and a third, the central range, running diagonally across the island. Apart from small areas in the northern, forested range, which plunge into the sea on the North coast, all the land is below 1,000 feet. The main peaks are Cerro del Aripo and El Tucuche. The flatlands in central Trinidad are used for growing sugar cane. There are large areas of swamp on the East and West coasts. With a population of less than 2 million, half the population lives in the urban East-West corridor, stretching from Chaguaramas in the West, through Port of Spain, and to Arima in the East. Trinidad is separated from the mainland of South America by the Boca del Dragen strait in the North-West (Dragon's Mouth) and Boca del Serpiente in the South-West (Serpent's Mouth, both named by Christopher Columbus who discovered the islands). Off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, the convergence of the cool North Atlantic currents, the warmer Caribbean waters and the rich effluent of the Orinoco river creates coastal waters of unusual richness, and is teeming with many kinds of marine life. The islands were originally a part of the South American continent and retain many of the flora and fauna native to this continent, possessing a diversity which is unique. The various habitats that can be found throughout the islands include Tropical Rain Forest, Savannah, Semi-deciduous Forest, Mangrove Swamp, and Marsh Lands. Over 260 species of birds breed in Trinidad and Tobago, and another 150 migrate here from North and South America during the winter months. There is also an enormous variety of trees, orchids, shrubs, insects and other wildlife, which can all be seen year-round due in part to the mild climate of the islands. The climate consists of two main seasons - the rainy season and the dry season - which last six month of the year each. Trindad is blessed with petroleum and natural gas deposits, both offshore and onshore. In addition to its petroleum sector it also has a thriving maunfacturing sector. The direction of economic development began to change with first, the discovery of oil in Trinidad and then the commercialisation of the petroleum industry during the 20th century. The first oil deposits wre discovered in 1866 and by 1908 crude oil production began. In 1912, the first oil refinery in Trinidad was established. During the 1970s with the oil boom, Trinidad and Tobago was well poised to use the revenue generated from the increased production in the energy sector, to diversify its economy. In 1962, Trinidad and Tobago became independent and in 1976, it became a Republic. Here, on the twin-island republic, one can find the allure of an old world civilisation overlaid with a new world energy. This is the birthplace of calypso, limbo and steelband. The culture and heritage of our society boasts ethnic influences from every continent. Trinidad is sophisticated, possessing a savoir faire that is seen in the artistic expression of the people. It is also the home of Carnival, a unique expression that has spread far and wide. Still one is but moments away from lush forests verdant hills, and rich oceans, where a wealth of wildlife and flora testify to the richness of the land. A large part of this webpage was put together by my good friend Toddly..thanks a lot Todd. :) General Information Offical name - Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Capital City - Port of Spain. Main Airport - Piarco International in Trinidad (currently being re-made) and Crown Point International in Tobago. Population - 1,300,000 (1994). Ethnic Profile - 39.6% African descent, 40.3% East Indian descent, 18.4% Mixed Ethnicity, 0.6% European descent, 0.4% Chinese descent, 0.2% Other, 0.4% Not stated. Religions - Roman Catholic 32.2%, Hindu 24.3%, Anglican 14.4%, other Protestant 14%, Muslim 6%, none or unknown 9.1%. Official Language - English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish. Currency - Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TT$), with an exchange rate of approximately US$1=TT$6.30. Departure Tax - TT$100.00. Hotel Taxes - 10% service charge, 10% hotel room tax. Value Added Tax - 15% on goods and services. General Around Ground transportation includes buses, taxi associations, and privately owned taxis. All commuter transport vehicles are designated by the first letter in the number plates being an 'H'. Maxi-taxis are also identifiable by their colour-coding, which indicates the area they operate in. In Port of Spain, San Fernando and other major towns, the transportation services have been centralised into depots. In Port of Spain these services can be found near to Independent Square, with the major hub being City Gate at South Quay. Car rentals agencies are located throughout the country, and can be found at the airports, in Port of Spain, and in San Fernando. Visitors in possession of a valid driver's license may drive for up to three months. Just remember, we follow the Bristish system, in that, driving is on the left side of the road. *smile* There is a domestic ferry service which operates between Trinidad and Tobago. It is operated by the Trinidad and Tobago Port Authority, and provides transport for passengers, vehicles, and cargo. Tickets can be purchased from the Port of Spain and Scarborough offices of the Port Authority, and Royal Bank branches throughout the islands. The duration of the voyage is approximately 5 1/2 hours. There is also the option of flying between the two islands on a small aircraft. There are two airlines which currently operate the short flights between the islands, Liat or BWIA, and tickets can be purchased from any of the airline offices or any travel agent throughout the islands. Pictures of Trinidad A map of Trinidad A sketch of the new airport that is nearing completion in Trinidad A beach in Trinidad Sunset in Toco Mayaro Beach

Last updated on September 19, 2001.

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