If you believe the statistics, then half of the population of the island are Indians, but in fact, when you find yourself here, you can only meet black Africans, at least this is the case in the city of Port of Spain, which cannot boast of special cultural or architectural landmarks.
Standard of living
In fact, life in Trinidad and Tobago is no different from life in South America, of course, the standard of living is slightly higher than, for example, in the same Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, this can be traced by cars, if in the above countries the average market value of a car on the streets about 2,000 dollars, then in Trinidad and Tobago it is about 15,000 dollars, cars are only slightly poorer than in Moscow or Kiev. The reason lies in the high GDP, developed industrial sector, Trinidad and Tobago sits on the gas and oil pipeline as firmly as Russia.
In Port of Spain, you are unlikely to see whites, even all foreign tourists from the USA, Canada and Great Britain are rich blacks who came here to see how their ancestors or relatives live, who did not want or could not move to the developed countries of the West. Walking through the streets of cities, you will find hard-hitting dumps, piles of garbage, among which there are tents selling bananas and women's clothing. Immediately, for example, about shopping, tourists from Russia will not be able to buy clothes for themselves, since the style takes into account the physique of local residents, but it’s hard to find just small sizes of clothes.
Jobs and Salaries in Trinidad and Tobago
You can get a job if you graduate from one of the local universities, you will be happy to be taken to industrial enterprises, an office in the port, you can work as an agronomist or at a whiskey factory. The lion's share of BBB comes from gas and oil, but less than 5% of the population is employed in this sector, as you know, the rest are employed in trade, tourism or on welfare, although official unemployment in the country is very low, at the level of the United States, in other words, 5%. The average salary in Trinidad and Tobago is about 600 US dollars, this is the level of Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador or Venezuela, by the way, Venezuela, with its cosmic prices for goods and food, has recently had a very negative effect on Trinidad and Tobago, which is beginning to reorient itself in the import of goods from other countries, since the Venezuelans themselves have nothing to eat.
Trinidad and Tobago is a relatively small island nation located in the Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela. This country is notable for the fact that it has made tourism its main activity and the main branch of the economy.
Here, nature itself has created literally heavenly conditions for tourists - clean sandy beaches, a favorable climate in which there are no sudden changes in temperature and seasons, lush tropical greenery, and many rare animals. People also did their best by building comfortable hotels and offering travelers an excellent level of service by organizing magnificent carnivals.
For Russian tourists traveling to one of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, visas are not needed, but they will have to fly through Europe, for example, or.
The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see in Trinidad and Tobago?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.
This is the largest park area located in the capital of the state - the city of Port of Spain. It occupies about 1.1 square kilometers. At the same time, Queen Savannah Park is also the oldest park area on all the islands of the Caribbean. The residence of the President of the country, a zoo and a botanical garden are located around the park, so there is something to see here. And the walk itself along the beautiful alleys and lawns will be a real pleasure.
The castle is located in the capital of the country - Port of Spain. Thousands of tourists come here every year, attracted by the unusual architecture of Stolmeer and its history. The castle is quite reminiscent of a fortress, which looks like a Scottish fortifications, however, with a wooden floor and roof. You can visit the castle as part of a walk through Queen Savannah Park - it is located on the western side of this park area.
3. National Academy of Theater Arts
The building, built only in 2009, has a very distinctive, very modern architecture. The National Academy of Theater Arts is the pride of Port of Spain. The area of the building is 40 thousand square meters, the central place is given to the hall, which can accommodate up to 1.5 thousand spectators. Performances are regularly held here, as well as practical classes in theatrical skills.
This is the number one entertainment complex in the entire Caribbean. For the first time on the planet, a cinema with ten screens at once was equipped here! In addition, MovieTowne will be a great place for shopping, family vacations, going to a restaurant or just having fun. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants here, as well as a variety of boutiques, so it's better to set aside a whole day for a trip to MovieTowne. Trust me, you won't get bored!
5. Empire Valley Zoo
This zoo is located in the northern part of Queen Savannah Park. Empower Valley was opened in 1947 and collected great amount rare animals living in the Caribbean. When developing the zoo, all the features of the landscape were taken into account, and conditions for animals were created that were as close as possible to natural ones. It seems that you are not in a zoo at all, but really in the middle of a tropical forest or savannah.
6. Parliament building (Red House)
Unlike White, Trinidad and Tobago has its own Red House, the seat of the local parliament is located here. The building was built in the Greek Revival style and became the decoration of Port of Spain. The facade of the building is really red, so the name is quite justified. Part of the decorations and decorations were brought from the UK, and the panels on the ceilings were installed by Italian craftsmen. There is a fountain inside the building.
7. National Museum and Art Gallery
The complex is located opposite the Port of Spain Memorial Park, was created back in 1892 and is now the main museum of Trinidad and Tobago. The collection of the National Museum and Art Gallery exceeds 10 thousand exhibits. The complex includes seven main galleries, where you can see the artifacts of the first settlers, objects related to the art of carnivals, as well as exhibitions of artists, both famous and emerging.
8. Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank Money Museum
This is the youngest, but very interesting museum in the country. Founded in 2004, it collected absolutely all the banknotes and coins that have ever been used on the islands as a means of payment. The Money Museum of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago includes three halls - The History of State Money, The Role of the Central Bank and Money of the World. It is interesting that among the exhibits there are cowrie shells, and gold bars, and Katanga crosses, which were used by the first inhabitants of the islands as money.
9. Peach Lake
This lake is located near the city of La Brie and is one of the unique natural phenomena. Peach Lake is unique in that, under the influence of tectonic factors, the oil-bearing layers here turn into excellent quality asphalt, which is used in road construction around the world, including in London. Tourists can watch how the finished asphalt is mined. Near the lake is one of the business centers of the country - the city of Point Fotin.
10. Royal Botanic Garden
Queen Savannah Park is home to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens with a chic collection of plants from all over the world. Gardens began to be created back in 1818, now they occupy 25 hectares, so the walk can be delayed. The Botanical Garden is open to visitors from 6 am to 6 pm. In the gardens there is also an old cemetery, founded in 1819 and well preserved to this day.
11. Maracas Bay
Forty minutes drive from the capital of Trinidad is the most popular beach area of the island - Maracas Bay. It is a picturesque arc with a length of 1.85 thousand meters with unusual beaches of soft cream-colored sand. The beaches are lined with palm groves and offer excellent conditions for relaxation. There are especially many tourists here in February and March, when Trinidad has a dry season and you can sunbathe all day.
12. Caroni Swamp National Park
In Trinidad and Tobago, special attention is paid to eco-tourism, which is gaining popularity. The islands have preserved thousands of species of birds, butterflies, animals, reptiles and insects. Many of them can be found in the Caroni Swamp National Park, which is located near the capital of the country. You can get there by rented car or by bus, as part of an organized tour. The park is known for its large ibis population.
13. Pigeon Point Beach
This beach is very often found on advertising brochures, postcards and magazines. Pigeon Point is a truly amazing place, a sample of what a chic Caribbean beach should be like. It is located in Bakku Bay, on the island of Tobago. Tourists come here not only to swim and lie on the sand, but also to go kiting and freeriding, or just to watch how more experienced athletes do it. Pigeon Point is great for families.
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago(eng. Republic of Trinidad and Tobago [ˈtrɪnɨdæd ən təˈbeɪɡoʊ]) is an island nation in the southern Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela. It consists of two large islands - Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a large number of small islands. The country is located 10.6 kilometers (7 miles) north of Venezuela and slightly south of Grenada, between 10°2' - 11°12' north latitude and 60°30' - 61°56' west longitude.
The country until 1962 was a colony of Great Britain, since independence it has been part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Geography
Trinidad and Tobago is located on a small archipelago between the Atlantic Ocean and by the caribbean. The country is located on two large islands (Trinidad and Tobago) and numerous smaller islands (among them are the islands of Chacachacare, Monos, Huevos, Gaspar Grande, Lesser Tobago, St. Giles Islands, etc.).
The area of Trinidad and Tobago is 5128 km², 4768 of which (93%) are on the island of Trinidad (an average of 80 km in length and 59 in width). Tobago is located 30 kilometers northeast of Trinidad. Its length is 41 km, width is 12 km, the area of the island is approximately 300 km².
Relief of Trinidad and Tobago
Even though Trinidad and Tobago is considered part of the Lesser Antilles, their origin is different from the other islands in this archipelago. Trinidad was originally part of South America, Tobago is of volcanic origin; both islands are on the continental shelf of South America. The mountain ranges on both islands are extensions of the Venezuelan mountain ranges. Now the islands are separated from the continent by the Gulf of Paria, the straits of Boca del Serpiente and Boca del Dragon (translated from Spanish as the Mouth of the Serpent and the Mouth of the Dragon, respectively).
Trinidad is dominated by a low plain, but there are three mountain ranges - two of them are parallel to each other in the east of the island and do not exceed 325 meters in height. In the north, there is another mountain range, which is a continuation of the Coastal Cordillera of Venezuela. Its main peak - Mount Aripo (940 m) - the highest point in the country. A little lower is Mount El Tukuche (936 m). The two largest rivers of the island are Ortoire (50 km long, flows into the Atlantic Ocean) and Koroni (40 km, flows into the Gulf of Paria).
Tobago is dominated by a large mountain range that runs through most of the island (length - 29 km) and reaches a height of 640 meters. To the north and south of the ridge are fertile plains. 43% of Tobago is covered by forest. Many streams and small rivers can be found on the island, but the problem of soil erosion or flooding in Tobago, unlike Trinidad, is not.
Climate
The climate of Trinidad and Tobago is generally characteristic of the tropical climate zone in which the republic is located, and is shaped by northeast winds. The average annual temperature in Trinidad is 26°C. Relative humidity during the rainy season (from June to December) reaches an average of 85 - 87%, more than 200 centimeters of precipitation falls per year (average - 211 cm). The climate of Tobago is slightly cooler, but generally the same as that of Trinidad. The average annual rainfall here is about 250 cm.
The year is divided into two seasons - the rainy season lasts from June to December, the dry season - from January to May. The islands lie south of the tropical cyclone zone, and most hurricanes bypass Trinidad and Tobago.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna of Trinidad and Tobago is very diverse compared to neighboring islands, which is explained by its continental origin. Evergreen forests predominate, in the center of the island of Trinidad and on the leeward north-western slopes - the secondary savannah and light forests. Plants are represented by both South American species and those specific to the Antilles. More than 50 species of valuable tree species grow in the forests, including cedar, balsa (hare tree), sandalwood, cypress, pompom vanilla (V. pompona Schiede). Large areas are occupied by plantations of cocoa and other cultivated plants.
Tobago is included in the habitat of Melocactus broadwayi, other types of melocactus are also common on the islands. There is also a rare butterfly orchid (Oncidium papilio Ldl.) growing in Trinidad, which is declining due to commercial harvesting.
The fauna is similar to the animal world of South America. In Trinidad and Tobago, you can find the red ibis (Eudocimus ruber), which is the national bird of the republic; caimans, ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), agoutis, iguanas, opossums, capuchins, as well as more than 40 species of hummingbirds (hummingbirds are also depicted on the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago). Many species of birds nest in Tobago, such as the Caribbean swallow and the white-tailed nightjar. A wide variety of bats, there are representatives of the families Furipteridae (smoky bats), Natalidae (funnel-eared), Phyllostomidae (leaf-bearing), Mormoopidae (chin-leaved). Endemic to Trinidad is the lizard Proctoporus shrevei, the only reptile with the property of bioluminescence. The northern mountain range of Trinidad is the only place in the world where this species is found.
Considerable attention is paid to the protection of wildlife in the republic. There are 17 reserves and more than 40 forest reserves with a total area of 153 thousand hectares. A marine reserve has been established near the southwestern tip of Tobago.
Population
The majority (96%) of Trinidad and Tobago's 1.065 million inhabitants (as of 2006) live on the island of Trinidad. Almost all of the remaining 4% live on the island of Tobago. During the 20th century, the country's population has steadily grown, but at the moment there is a decrease in the population by 0.87% per year. This is explained not so much by the low birth rate as by the high level of emigration. In 2006, Trinidad and Tobago recorded the lowest rate of population growth in the world.
The capital of the country, Port of Spain, is only the fourth most populated city (49,000 in 2000), behind the cities of Chaguanas (67,400 in 2000), San Fernando (62,000 in 2002), San Juan (54,900 in 2004) .
Ethnic composition
The ethnic composition of the population is very diverse. Approximately 40% each are Afro- and Indo-Trinidadians, descendants of slaves and wage workers. The remaining 20% are Creoles, as well as Trinidadians of European, Chinese and Arab origin. National minorities include the Portuguese, Caribs, and Cocoa Panyol, an ethnic group that traces its origins to the early Spanish settlers and immigrants from Venezuela.
Languages
The only official language is English, but the Indo-Aryan language Bhojpuri is widely spoken and spoken by many Indo-Trinidadians. Colloquial speech mainly uses Trinidadian Creole based on English. The percentage of Spanish speakers, despite the proximity of Venezuela and other Spanish-speaking countries, is insignificant, but this language is the first foreign language: the state campaign SAFFL (Spanish As the First Foreign Language - Spanish as the first foreign language), launched in 2005, provides for the teaching of Spanish in the majority elementary schools and teaching it to at least a third of the country's government officials. The government also announced that by 2020, Spanish will again become the official language of the country along with English. Spanish was de jure the only official language of the island in 1498–1797, but in the 1780–1790s it was gradually pushed aside first by French, although the island was not a colony of France proper, and after 1870 by English.
Religions
7 religious denominations are fairly widely represented in the country: Catholics (26% of the population consider themselves to be among them); Hindus (22%); Anglicans (8%); Baptists, Pentecostals (7% each); Muslims (6%); Seventh-day Adventists (4%). The rest of the Trinidadians and Tobagos follow other religions or are atheists.
Political structure
Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary republic. According to the Constitution adopted in 1976, the head of state is the president, elected for a five-year term by an electoral college, which includes deputies from both houses of parliament. One person cannot hold the presidency for more than two consecutive terms. The powers of the president are very limited, so the actual leader of the state is the prime minister. The candidate for the presidency of the government is nominated by the parliament, and the president approves the candidacy. Usually, the leader of the party with the most votes in parliamentary elections becomes prime minister. The composition of the Cabinet of Ministers is also approved by Parliament. There are currently 21 ministries in the Government.
The current leaders of the state are President George Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who has been in office since December 2001.
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago is bicameral. The lower house is called the House of Representatives. It includes 36 deputies (from the next parliamentary elections this number will be increased to 41). The upper house - the Senate - has 31 members, 16 of whom are appointed by the prime minister (senators from the government), 6 by the leader of the opposition (senators from the opposition), the remaining 9 - by the president (independent senators). In Tobago, the executive power is represented by the local Assembly (15 deputies).
The country's highest court is the Court of Arbitration. The Chief Justice is appointed by the President of Trinidad and Tobago after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The Supreme Court, according to the Constitution, is independent of the executive branch.
International connections
Trinidad and Tobago declares respect for the sovereignty of other countries as the main principles of its foreign policy; non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries; respect for international laws and regulations of the United Nations.
Trinidad and Tobago is a member of several international organizations, including CARICOM (or Caribbean Community), LAES (Latin American Economic System), WTO (World Trade Organization), ACT countries. The country has been a member of the UN since September 18, 1962. At the same time, Trinidad and Tobago is not included in military blocs and participates in the Non-Aligned Movement.
In Port-of-Spain there are diplomatic missions of 26 states and the representation of the European Union; diplomatic missions of Trinidad and Tobago are located in 11 cities of 10 countries of the world, not counting the permanent missions to the UN in Geneva and New York.
Humanitarian organizations
The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TRCS) was founded in 1939 as an overseas branch of the British Red Cross. In 1963, after Trinidad and Tobago gained independence, OKC TiT became an independent organization by Act No. 15 of the First Session of the First Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. In August 1963, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and became a member of the League of Red Cross Societies (since November 1991 - the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies).
Human rights
According to the report of the American non-governmental organization Freedom House, thanks to the improvement of socio-economic policy in 2006, Trinidad and Tobago moved from the category of partially unfree states to the category of completely free (despite the high crime rate, discrimination against women, interethnic clashes, terrorist acts and corruption in the judiciary mentioned in the Freedom House report on Trinidad and Tobago). This report indicates that the citizens of the country have the opportunity to influence the political life of the country; the right to freedom of opinion and freedom of assembly is respected. The Economist also praised the level of civil liberties, pluralism and the electoral process in Trinidad and Tobago, but considered that the level of political culture in general leaves much to be desired.
Amnesty International reports in a 2005 report on numerous human rights violations in the country. According to Amnesty International, prison conditions in Trinidad and Tobago are very harsh and in some cases even cruel; there is often abuse of power by the police; there are laws providing for corporal punishment; the death penalty has not yet been abolished.
The International Gay and Lesbian Association (ILGA) notes that Trinidad and Tobago has laws criminalizing homosexuality.
In the Reporters Without Borders 2006 Free Speech Index, Trinidad and Tobago ranks highly at 19-22 (out of 168) with a score of 5.00, along with Denmark, New Zealand, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trinidad and Tobago in this ranking is ahead of Germany, Great Britain, the USA, France and other developed countries.
Administrative division
Administratively, Trinidad and Tobago is a unitary state. The territory of the country is divided into 9 counties, 5 municipalities and one self-governing territory (the island of Tobago).
Story
Islands before European colonization
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago were inhabited by Indians of South American origin as early as seven thousand years ago, which makes it possible to call the islands the earliest place of human settlement in the Antilles archipelago. Around 250 B.C. e. Tribes of Salado Indian farmers landed on the islands from the banks of the Orinoco; however, they soon left Trinidad and Tobago and settled on nearby islands. After another five hundred years, new settlers appeared - the Barranco Indians, who lived for about four centuries on the island of Trinidad, after which they were forced out by the Arauca tribe, who settled the islands around 650.
At the beginning of the 14th century, new Indian tribes appeared on the islands, speaking Arawakan and Caribbean languages: in Trinidad (Cairi in the language of the Indians) - Nepoya, Suppoya and Yao, in Tobago - Caribs and Galibi. It was these tribes that were found in Trinidad and Tobago by Europeans.
colonial period
The island of Trinidad was discovered by Christopher Columbus on July 31, 1498 and named after the feast of the Trinity, which was celebrated on that day (Spanish: Trinidad - Trinity). He also noticed the island of Tobago, which Columbus named Bella Forma, but which he did not land on. The name Tobago, apparently, comes from the Spanish word Tobago (tobacco).
At the beginning of the 16th century, the colonization of the islands began, which became Spanish territory. There were practically no conflicts between the indigenous population and the colonialists, and the influx of new residents was small (there were no minerals on Trinidad and Tobago, and the soil was not very fertile compared to neighboring islands), and Trinidad became one of the few peacefully developing countries in America. places. However, local pearling businesses (most of them located on the neighboring island of Margarita) lacked manpower, and as a result, in 1511 it was decided to consider local Indians as Caribs, which allowed them to be taken into slavery.
In 1530, the Spaniard Antonio Sedeño (Spanish Antonio Sedeño) received official permission to settle Trinidad. Cedeno wanted to be able to trade in slaves from the local population, and also counted on Trinidad as the starting point for further searches for the mythical country of El Dorado. On the second attempt, the Spaniard managed to found a city in Trinidad, which was named Kumukurapo (now it is the Mukurapo district in Port of Spain). However, Cedeno was unable to attract enough residents and was forced to leave the island.
In the second half of the 16th century, three more attempts to establish a city on Trinidad followed. Only the last of them was crowned with success - in 1592 Antonio de Berrio (Spanish: Antonio de Berrio) became the founder of the settlement of San José de Oruca, the oldest surviving to this day (now the city is called St. Joseph). Thus, the colony finally had a capital. However, even after that, the influx of new settlers remained extremely insignificant - in 1783, less than three thousand people inhabited Trinidad, of which the majority were Indians. In order to attract settlers to the island, the authorities announced that every Catholic who wished to become a resident of the colony was guaranteed 32 acres of land (129,000 m²) and additional land, depending on the number of slaves that he brought with him. This move caused some increase in immigration to the island. In addition to the Spaniards, Governor José Maria Hacon managed to attract the French and Haitians to Trinidad, fleeing the revolutions that took place in their countries.
Spain managed to keep Trinidad under its control until 1797, when a British flotilla of 18 warships under the command of Sir Ralph Abercromby surrounded the island. On February 18 of the same year, Trinidad was surrendered to Great Britain, and officially became the territory of the British Empire in 1802. The city of Conkerabia was renamed Port of Spain by the new authorities and acquired the status of the administrative center of the colony.
At the same time, the smaller of the two islands of Tobago in the 17th century became the object of a struggle between four powers at once - England, France, Holland and Courland. Despite such interest from Europeans, Tobago also remained almost uninhabited. In 1704 the island was declared a neutral territory and became a base for pirates; In 1763 Tobago came under British control.
At the beginning of the 19th century (on the islands of the Caribbean - August 1, 1838) slavery was banned. At first, the colonies on Trinidad and Tobago experienced a shortage of labor in connection with this, but then the slaves were replaced in the form of hired workers. Since the 1830s, migrants began to flow to the islands from India, China, West Africa and from the island of Madeira. In addition, many former slaves from other colonies of the Lesser Antilles moved to Trinidad and Tobago. At the same time, cocoa became the main agricultural crop and the main export item on the islands. By the beginning of the 20th century, 50% of the agricultural area of Trinidad was cultivated for coffee and cocoa plantations.
Oil was discovered in Trinidad in the mid-1850s. The first production was organized by the Merrimac Company: a 61-meter well was dug near Pitch Lake, the first on the island. In the mid-1860s, Walter Darwent took up oil production, but the Trinidad Petroleum Company and Pariah Petroleum Company he created did not last long and collapsed after Darwent's death. More successful was the enterprise of Randolph Rust (eng. Randolph Rust) and Lee Lam (eng. Lee Lum), which began its existence in 1893.
In 1888, Trinidad and Tobago was finally united into one colony. The center of this overseas possession of Great Britain was in Trinidad, and Tobago became a dependent territory.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the first elected authorities appeared in the country (the Assembly was previously elected in Tobago, but it was abolished after the unification of the islands into one colony). In 1925, the first elections to the Legislative Assembly were held. 7 of its 13 members were elected by vote, the remaining 6 were appointed by the governor. Men over 21 and women over 30 could participate in the elections (the first universal elections were held in 1946).
The 1930s were an unfortunate decade for Trinidad and Tobago. In Trinidad, the cocoa industry was almost completely destroyed due to two epiphytoties and the Great Depression (the remaining plantations in Tobago were destroyed in 1963 by Hurricane Flora). Since then, the basis of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago has become natural raw materials. In the late 1930s, a series of strikes swept across the country inspired by Tubal Uriah Butler. As a result, trade unions were formed. Butler organized a labor party that won a majority in the 1950 elections. The 1956 elections were won by the conservative Peoples National Movement, led by Eric Williams.
The Second World War brought significant changes to Trinidad and Tobago. It caused the rise of the oil industry (the country was a supplier of oil for the Allied forces) and caused the appearance of an American naval base in the north-west of Trinidad (Great Britain leased the territory of Chaguaramas to the USA). However, despite the fact that the lease was concluded for a period of 99 years, already in 1956 the Americans suspended the construction of the base, and in 1963 Chaguaramas was returned to Trinidad and Tobago.
In 1958-1962, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, was the center of the West Indies Federation, a state entity, which, according to the original plan of the organizers, was to later gain independence from Great Britain as a whole. This, however, did not happen - the federation lasted only four years, after which it collapsed on May 31, 1962. Exactly three months later, on August 31, Trinidad and Tobago declared its independence.
Independence
For the first fourteen years of its independent existence, Trinidad and Tobago remained a dominion of Great Britain under the formal rule of a queen, represented by a governor general. The actual leader of the state was the head of government. Eric Williams became the first prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and headed the government until the country gained independence.
In the first half of the 1970s, the political crisis began again. In 1970, a series of strikes and demonstrations swept the country with the participation of trade unions and political movements for the rights of blacks. A state of emergency was declared and 15 black political leaders were arrested. Following this, part of the Trinidad and Tobago army mutinied and took several hostages; however, the National Guard remained loyal to the current government, and the uprising was put down within five days.
These events took place against the backdrop of an impending economic crisis. Prime Minister Williams, who foresaw it, was even preparing to resign (despite the almost complete support of his policies by the population), but the crisis was nevertheless avoided: the Arab-Israeli war of 1973 led to an increase in oil prices, and Williams remained in office. The rise in energy prices led to an oil boom in Trinidad and Tobago, as a result of which the average wage and standard of living increased significantly in the republic.
On August 1, 1976, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was proclaimed. Thus, the country ceased to be a dominion of Great Britain (although it retained a place in the Commonwealth of Nations). The last Governor General of Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Ellis Clarke, became President of the Republic, with Eric Williams remaining Prime Minister.
In 1981, Williams, still the chairman of the government, passed away. The National Movement he created held on for another five years after his death, and in the 1986 elections it lost to the National Alliance for Reconstruction, whose leader A. N. R. Robertson (English A. N. R. Robinson) became prime minister. minister.
In July 1990, an armed coup attempt was carried out by the Jamaat al Muslimeen group. 114 members of the group attempted to storm the parliament building and the television center. The terrorists managed to take the prime minister and several members of parliament hostage and hold them for five days, after which the group was neutralized by government forces.
Currently, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the richest countries in the region, mainly due to trade in oil and natural gas, but political stability in the country is not high.
Economy
The basis of the republic's economy is the extraction and processing of oil, as well as natural gas. Trinidad and Tobago is the sixth country in the world in terms of production of liquefied natural gas (14 billion m³ in 2005). 65% of LNG imported into the US comes from Trinidad and Tobago. Asphalt is also an important export item (Peach Lake on the southwest coast of Trinidad is the largest natural reservoir of asphalt in the world) chemical products, in particular fertilizers. From agricultural products, the country exports sugar, coconuts, citrus fruits. The main import items are cars, processed raw materials, and foodstuffs. Heavy industry is developed - metallurgical and chemical (methanol production and oil refining).
An important sector of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is tourism. More than 400,000 tourists visit the country every year, and this figure is constantly growing.
The most important foreign economic partner of Trinidad and Tobago is the United States - they account for about 40% of exports and 27% of imports of the republic. Significant economic ties have been established with the countries of CARICOM (Jamaica, Barbados), South America (Venezuela, Brazil); to a lesser extent, this can be said about the countries of the European Union, Canada and Japan.
The economic policy of the republic is neo-liberal. In 1995, an economic reform was carried out, which contributed to economic growth and the attraction of foreign capital to the country. Now Trinidad and Tobago is considered a favorable state for investment.
According to the International Monetary Fund, Trinidad and Tobago's gross domestic product was US$16.468 billion in 2005 (115th in the world); GDP per capita - $ 14,258 (48th place). 19% of GDP is foreign investment, the volume of which is about $4 billion.
The official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD code). As of March 8, 2007, its exchange rate against the US dollar was 6.29 Trinidad and Tobago dollars to 1 US dollar.
Infrastructure
Trinidad and Tobago has a developed infrastructure by regional standards. The total length of motor roads is 8,320 km, of which about half are paved. There are 6 airports, the main one - Pyarko, located near Port of Spain - is adapted to receive jet airliners. Shipping is essential to Trinidad and Tobago as an island nation. The main seaport is the capital of the country, Port of Spain.
Oil production areas with oil processing centers and seaports are connected by an oil pipeline with a length of more than 1000 km. The gas pipeline is also functioning, its total length is about 900 kilometers.
A number of major cities in the country were connected by the Trinidad Government Railway. In December 1968, the line ceased to exist. In 2008, a decision was made to build two new rail lines for the Trinidad Rapid Railway.
Tourism
At the moment, tourism is one of the most priority sections of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago. Recently, ecological tourism has become widespread - the diverse flora and fauna of the islands provide ample opportunities for its development. Maritime tourism flourishes, the center of which is the north of the island of Trinidad, where there are many sandy beaches.
Traditionally popular with tourists is the Carnival, which takes place in late February - early March (for more details, see the Culture section). Port of Spain is home to several art galleries and the National Museum.
Armed forces
The armed forces of Trinidad and Tobago are divided into defensive, ground and coastal troops (the latter include an aviation unit of 5 aircraft). The regular army is completed on a contract basis, its strength, as of 2003, is about 2.7 thousand people. Mobilization resources are estimated at 290 thousand people. The military budget - about 70 million US dollars a year - is only 0.4% of the country's GDP.
Culture and society
The culture of Trinidad and Tobago is a synthesis of several cultures, which is determined by the multinational composition of the population of the state. The culture of the republic experiences the strongest influence from Great Britain (as a former metropolis) and the USA (due to economic and cultural ties with the USA and a significant Trinidadian diaspora in this country).
The most important cultural event of the country is the annual carnival. The roots of this tradition go back to the rites of East Africa, which were brought by slaves to Trinidad and Tobago. The carnival takes place in late February - early March, before Lent, and is accompanied by a masquerade, dances, and a festive procession through the streets; competitions of local musical groups are held. Carnival has been held annually since the middle of the 19th century, except for a brief period during World War II, when it was banned for security reasons.
Another tradition observed by the inhabitants of the islands is the goat race, held on Tuesday of the Easter week in the village of Buccoo on the island of Tobago. The tradition appeared in the early 1930s and is still observed today. Less well known are the crab races that take place on the same day at the same location. The people of Tobago claim that the goat and crab races are a unique Tobagonian invention.
Music
Trinidad and Tobago is home to such musical styles as calypso and soca. Calypso is a style of music close to reggae based on African chants. Soka's music is based on calypso but heavily influenced by the Indian musical tradition. Both musical directions actively use the steel drum (English Steelpan), the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, invented on the islands in the 1930s. Some sources call the steel drum the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century. The steel drum is considered the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. There is a special word steel band (English Steelband, that is, “Steel Group”), which refers to a group using a steel drum. The tool is even featured in armed forces republic - since 1995 there has been a "steel band" with the defensive troops, which is the only military band in the world using a steel drum.
Literature
The literature of Trinidad and Tobago has become internationally famous thanks to two Nobel laureates, Derek Walcott and Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, who lives and works in the UK. Other notable Trinidad and Tobago writers are Cyril James and Shiva Naipaul, Vidiadhar Naipaul's younger brother. The British writer and public figure Floella Benjamin comes from Trinidad and Tobago.
Kitchen
The national cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago is based on Creole, Indian and Chinese traditions. Creole cuisine is represented by callaloo, pasta dishes and red beans; borrowed from Indian curry sauce. Despite the small number of people of Chinese origin, Chinese cuisine is also very widespread. The national dish is callaloo soup, made from callaloo vegetable with pork, crab meat and spicy chili sauce.
Sport
The two most popular sports in the country are cricket and football, brought to the islands by the British.
The national cricket team of the country successfully participates in regional competitions. Players from Trinidad and Tobago also play in the West Indies team, and Brian Lara, one of the most famous cricketers in the world, is its captain.
The football team achieved resounding success by qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. Trinidad and Tobago has become the smallest country ever to send a team to a world football championship. At the championship, the Trinidad and Tobago team managed to achieve a draw in the match with Sweden, followed by two defeats with the same score 0:2 (from England and from Paraguay). The most famous footballer in the country is Dwight Yorke, who played for Manchester United. Trinidad and Tobago hosted the 2001 FIFA Youth World Cup.
Trinidad and Tobago has been participating in the Olympic Games since 1948. In total, in the entire history of the country's participation in the Summer Olympics, its representatives managed to win 14 medals, of which 8 bronze, 5 silver and 1 gold. The athletes of Trinidad and Tobago perform most successfully in the sprint - four Olympic medals were won in the 100-meter races (including the only gold medal in the history of the national team - by Hasely Crawford in 1976), one - in the relay 4 times 100 meters, three more - in races for 200 meters. Sprinter Ato Boldon holds the record for the national team in terms of the number of Olympic medals - he has three bronzes and one silver.
general information
The original inhabitants of Trinidad were the Arawak Indians, who called their homeland "hummingbird country". The Indians were later almost completely exterminated, and Negro slaves were brought to the islands to work on sugar plantations. In the 19th century, workers from Southeast Asia also arrived here. As a result, the country's population has a rather mixed ethnic composition: blacks and mulattoes make up about 60%, Indians - 37%, Chinese - 1%, Europeans - 1%.
Trinidad is separated from the South American mainland by narrow bays. The mountains and hills of the island are covered with evergreen tropical rainforests with a huge species diversity of trees. The climate of the country is humid, tropical. During the dry season, from January to May, the heat is tempered by the trade winds. In rainy weather, tropical showers fall on the islands (in the northeast of Trinidad, up to 3800 mm of precipitation falls annually).
The most populated area is the west coast, overlooking the Gulf of Paria. The capital and main ports are located here. The country's economy is based on the extraction and refining of oil. Agriculture is dominated by the production of sugar cane. Residents of the island of Tobago claim that their homeland is the island of Robinson Crusoe, which helps to attract tourists from the United States and Europe.
culture
There is no racial discrimination in Trinidad and Tobago and cultures of different peoples coexist peacefully. So, in Port of Spain there are Christian churches, Hindu temples and Muslim mosques, oriental music sounds and characteristic West Indian noise orchestras (steelband groups) play on metal cans and fuel barrels. In Trinidad and Tabago, a new kind of folklore music, calypso, was born. These are short witty songs on the topic of the day, performed in African rhythms and rich in dialect vocabulary. Muslim and Hindu festivals are held in Trinidad, and before Lent, world-famous carnivals are held, not inferior in scale and beauty to the famous carnivals in Rio de Janeiro.
A person's belonging to a certain social group is determined by his material wealth. The main social problem is poverty, which is widespread in the country despite the fact that the national annual per capita income in 2000 was $9,500 (one of the highest in the Caribbean). In the early 1970s, the government of the country began to introduce a system of public insurance, providing for the payment of pensions for old age, disability and survivors, as well as benefits for sickness, pregnancy and newborn care. Medical care in state medical institutions is free.
Primary and secondary education is also free, and primary six-year schooling is compulsory. In the school curriculum, a large place is given to the study of culture, history, geography and social life of the countries of the Caribbean Community and the vocational training of secondary school students. Many public elementary and secondary schools are run by religious communities but funded by the government. There are a large number of private secondary schools in the country. The Faculty of Agriculture and Engineering and the College of Science and Arts of the Trinidad Branch of the University of the West Indies operate in Port of Spain, while the Technical Institute and the Polytechnic Institute operate in San Fernando.
Nature
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are located on the continental shelf of South America. Trinidad is separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Paria and two narrow straits. The low, strongly dissected Northern Range of this island with the highest point of the country, Mount Aripo (940 m), is a continuation of the Venezuelan Coastal Range and is composed of metamorphic schists. In the central and southern parts of the island, two lower sublatitudinal ridges composed of sedimentary rocks stand out. Alluvial plains are located between the ridges. Numerous streams and rivers flow from the mountains. The coastal lowlands in the east are heavily swamped. Along south coast stretches a chain of mud volcanoes. The main ridge of the island of Tobago, stretching across the axial part of the island from the southwest to the northeast, is a continuation of the Northern ridge, has a maximum height of approx. 600 m above sea level and is cut by narrow valleys of mountain streams.
The climate of the islands is subequatorial, hot and humid, trade winds, with weakly pronounced seasonal differences. The average temperature in February is 24 ° C, September (the hottest month) - 27 ° C. The islands are located in the area of trade wind circulation of air masses, where northeast winds prevail. The amount of precipitation falls largely depends on the nature of the terrain. On the windward eastern slopes of the Northern Range, more than 3600 mm of precipitation annually falls, on the slopes of the Sierra Tobago - up to 3800 mm, on the leeward western slopes - less than 1500 mm. The relatively dry season is January-May, the relatively wet season is June-December. Between June and December, hurricanes occasionally hit the islands. Strong storm winds often blow, accompanied by tropical downpours of destructive force.
On the plains and the lower parts of the mountain slopes, red-yellow and red ferrallitic soils are common, which are characterized by high fertility. The flora of Trinidad and Tobago is very diverse and includes both South American species and specific species of the Antilles. Most of Tobago and approx. 40% of the area of Trinidad is covered with forest. Tropical rain forests have been preserved in the north of Trinidad, mainly on the slopes of the Northern Range. More than 50 species of valuable tree species grow in them, incl. zedrel, sveteneniya (trademark of both species - mahogany), mora high, balsa tree, etc. In the central regions of Trinidad, drier evergreen forests that have undergone significant anthropogenic changes are common. Dry forests with sandalwood, fustika and cypress are found in the west of Trinidad. On the plains and foothills in the central and western regions of the island, savannahs or plantations of export crops have taken the place of deforested areas. In many areas of the coast within the swampy lowlands, mangroves are common in the mouths of the rivers.
The fauna of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago is diverse and resembles the fauna of South America. There are capuchin and howler monkeys, badger, peccary, opossum (from the marsupial family), agouti (from the rodent family), ocelot (from predatory mammals), large anteater, bats. The fauna of reptiles is rich (turtles, lizards, snakes, including the spear-headed snake and boas, alligators). Feathers are especially numerous, characterized, as a rule, by bright plumage. More than 40 species of hummingbirds are found on the island of Trinidad. Coastal waters abound with fish. The country pays great attention to the protection of wildlife. 6 complex, 11 faunal reserves and more than 40 forest reserves with a total area of 153 thousand hectares have been created. At the southwestern tip of Tobago, there is a marine reserve.
In the bowels of Trinidad there are a number of minerals. In the south of the island and on the shelf there are reserves of heavy oil and associated gas, in the southwest, in the vicinity of La Brea, there is a unique deposit of natural high-quality asphalt Pitch Lake, in the Sangre Grande area there are deposits of brown coal and lignite. In the north of Trinidad there is a deposit of high-quality iron ore, within the Northern Range - deposits of gypsum and limestone. Sulfur and diorite deposits have been explored in Trinidad.
Attractions
The main attractions of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are incomparable beaches with gentle sun and soft sand. The most famous of them are Tayriko Bay and Maracas Bay, which occupy almost the entire northern coast of Trinidad.
For lovers of ecotourism, significant places are the Asa Wright Nature Center and national park Caroni. These are reserves, on the territory of which numerous species of exotic birds, animals and reptiles are protected. It is here that one of the rarest birds on the planet lives - the scarlet ibis, which is a symbol of the country. Many experts call Trinidad the Island of Birds, since more than 157 species of the rarest birds, as well as insects, snakes and fish live in local reserves. On swampy soil, a large number of viewing platforms, which provide a unique opportunity to observe the life of the most beautiful representatives of the avifauna.
The islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are famous for the cascades of the Sombasson and La Laja waterfalls, as well as breathtaking gorges. The most famous is Guanapo. A large number of tourists come to Trinidad and Tobago to look at natural objects that amaze the human imagination.
The capital of the state of Port of Spain is known for its museums that tell visitors the history of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, from the settlement of the Indians to the present. The art gallery contains a large number of works by famous artists. Near the city of Chaguanasa is the famous Waterloo Temple, which is considered one of the most visited Hindu temples in the Caribbean.
On the island of Tobago, of great interest to foreigners is the mighty Fort King George, which rises more than 45 meters above the city of Scarborough, the administrative center of the island. The fort was built by the British at the end of the 18th century, its stone walls are still equipped with old cannons facing the strait between the islands of Tobago and Trinidad.
The most visited tourist settlement in Tobago is the small fishing town of Charlotteville. Near this settlement are the most popular tourist resorts and beautiful sandy beaches.
Kitchen
In Trinidad and Tobago, you can find many different street restaurants and cafes offering great treats to visitors. Interestingly, each locality in this country specializes in a certain type of cuisine. The peculiarity of such a peculiar organization of nutrition is its simplicity, extraordinary taste, high quality of cooking, and most importantly, the availability of products.
The national cuisine of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is based on Indian, Creole, European and Chinese traditions. Creole cuisine is represented by the famous:
- "kallalu" - a soup of taro, coconut and caviar;
- "pigeon pee" - spicy soup,
- "palkhun" - pancakes with crushed nuts.
A feature of Trinidadian cuisine is the abundance of seafood on the table. The main treat in any local restaurant is the famous baked shark with a spicy curry sauce.
The chefs of Trinidad and Tobago, when preparing meat dishes, prefer recipes unusual for tourists, which use agouti, armadillo and opossum meat. Rarely baked rabbit and lizard. Usually, any meat dish is served with a delicious sauce with the addition of coconut milk.
The most popular non-alcoholic drink in Trinidad and Tobago is kuentscher, which is fortified coconut or mineral water. Locals prefer the rather unusual drink "maubi". This is the name of the infusion of anise, cloves and the bark of some trees. Hibiscus is also popular among the inhabitants of the island.
Tourists coming to Trinidad and Tobago do not miss the opportunity to try the famous Black Label rum, brewed according to a special recipe available only to residents of this country. The male half of the local population likes to spend evenings with friends over a bottle of excellent fresh beer "Makeson" and "Carib".
It is worth noting that food in Trinidad and Tobago is quite expensive. This is due to the fact that almost all of them are imported into the country from abroad - mainly from Venezuela. Only a few types of fruits and vegetables grow on the island. So, a dinner for two in a middle-class restaurant will cost about $30. In street cafeterias, you can refresh yourself much cheaper - no more than $ 20.
Accommodation
Trinidad and Tobago has a large number of hotels and hotels of various levels. Here you can easily find both expensive apartments and more budget options in small family pensions. Local hotels do not have a strict classification, but almost all of them comply with international requirements. On the territory of most hotels, tourists can enjoy clean swimming pools, playgrounds with various attractions, and tennis courts. As a rule, large hotels have their own beaches (however, umbrellas and sun loungers are provided to customers only for an additional fee).
In Trinidad and Tobago, you can find small family hotels, which are a kind of analogue of European Bed & Breakfast hotels. Typically, these hotels are located quite far from the beaches, so the cost of living in them is much lower than in other hotels.
In the administrative centers of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, you can find hotels of such hotel brands as Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt and other global companies.
The average cost of living in the country ranges from $80 to $150 per day. The final price depends on the "star" of the hotel, the services it provides to visitors and the location of the relatively large beaches of the island.
Entertainment and recreation
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are best known for their great holiday events. Chief among them is the most popular and noisiest Carnival in the Caribbean, which takes place at the end of February. In honor of other religious holidays, local residents also organize numerous festive events.
Tobago's main celebration is the Tobago Heritage Festival, which lasts for two whole weeks. During the Easter week, traditional boat races and fishing tournaments are held on the island, which bring together participants from all over the country.
Trinidad and Tobago offers interesting excursions natural attractions - national parks, which are famous for the numerous species of unique birds and animals living there. And waterfalls and cascades enchant everyone who is in the immediate vicinity.
Many foreign tourists come to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago for new experiences from extreme recreation. Here you can try almost all kinds of water sports, such as water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, paragliding. Magnificent underwater landscapes near the islands attract diving enthusiasts to this country. You will not see such beauty of coral reefs even in the Red Sea. In addition, Trinidad has excellent golf courses, tennis courts, stadiums, which allows you to find something for absolutely all tourists who come to this country.
Tobago is famous for its goat racing. This completely unusual event is one of the most important entertainment during the Easter weekend. For an unprepared spectator, these races can cause a real shock: goat owners run ahead of their animals, urging them on with special cries. Such amazing competitions will not leave anyone indifferent.
But, of course, most tourists come to this exotic country to soak up the sandy beaches under the gentle tropical sun. The magnificent beaches of Trinidad are considered the best in the entire Caribbean. The most famous of them are Maracas Bay, Las Cuelvas and Tayriko Bay.
shopping
Trinidad and Tobago is called the most inexpensive place in the Caribbean. This is facilitated by huge foreign exchange earnings from oil refining.
Various souvenirs for your relatives and friends can be purchased in special shops and shops, which are found at almost every step in major cities of the country.
Various products made from tortoise shell are very popular among foreigners. Usually locals make beads, bracelets, combs, rosaries and brooches from this unusual material. In the Museum of the Indians you can buy amazing pottery with images of a scarlet ibis and the most beautiful waterfall in the country - Sombasson.
Shops in Trinidad and Tobago are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. On weekends - from 8:00 to 13:00. In major cities, you can find supermarkets open every day from 8:00 to 18:00. In local shops, it is customary to pay in Trinidad and Tobago dollars, but US currency is also freely accepted as a means of payment. In especially large institutions of the country, you can pay for purchases or services by bank transfer.
Transport
Despite the small size of Trinidad and Tobago, the transport infrastructure is well developed here. The length of the highways of the islands is just over 8300 kilometers. Exactly half of them have an asphalt surface. The country's urban transport is represented by buses and fixed-route taxis. To travel around the city, you must purchase a special ticket, which can be found at any stopping point. Bus drivers, unfortunately, are not allowed to accept fares, as is done in many countries around the world. The ticket price for buses is approximately $0.5 per trip. Fixed-route taxis, called "maxis" here, like buses, run along a specific route.
It is worth noting that all the buses of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have a rather attractive appearance, and the service will pleasantly surprise you: the transport has air conditioning and even TVs.
For an individual trip around the cities, you can use the services of a private taxi. The trip is paid strictly according to the meter. The cost of one kilometer of the path will cost you about $ 0.6.
The road situation in the country is relatively calm. The locals are considered careful drivers. Road quality throughout most of Trinidad and Tobago is excellent. However, in some mountainous areas, you can also find ordinary dirt roads.
There is a small system in the republic railways near San Fernando. Its main purpose is the implementation of transportation in agriculture. The rest of the rail service in the country was terminated in 1968.
Shipping is well developed in Trinidad and Tobago.
The main seaport of the country is the capital of the state - Port of Spain. There is a well-established ferry service between the islands. There are two types of ferries - high-speed and regular. The first ferry will cost a little more than usual, about $16 both ways. For a trip on a regular ferry, you need to pay only $ 12. Tickets for this mode of transport can be purchased directly from the ferry terminal, travel agency or any post office.
Not far from the capital of the state is the Piarko International Airport, adapted to serve intercontinental airliners. Trinidad and Tobago is connected by air to the neighboring island states of the West Indies. There are only six airports throughout the country. Air travel through the territory of the state will cost a tourist about $ 100.
Connection
Communications in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is provided by a telecommunications corporation that provides a wide range of services to the population. Practically in all settlements country, there are numerous payphones on the streets, with which you can make calls abroad. Such public machines operate from a coin of 25 cents for long-distance calls, and to make a call to another country, you need to purchase a separate card sold at corporate post offices, large supermarkets, gas stations, and street kiosks. On the island of Tobago, the easiest way to make an international call is from the TSTT Corporation office itself.
The small country of Trinidad and Tobago has several mobile operators that successfully support the roaming of numerous global mobile phone companies. In this state, cellular communication covers almost the entire territory of the islands, with the exception of some mountainous regions. Interestingly, the phones of most European mobile operators may not work in Trinidad and Tobago without first registering the numbers with the official office of the TSTT Corporation. The easiest way to talk on a cellular connection is to rent a mobile phone from a local operator. Renting such a device for a week will be about $ 30. Additionally, you need to pay for the time of the connection itself.
Network technologies in Trinidad and Tobago are developing quite rapidly. Almost all cities and towns have small Internet cafes, most of them have their own websites. Many hotels and hotels also provide their customers with the opportunity to access the Internet. Often they use a wireless connection, which is characterized by high speed and excellent data transfer quality. For one hour of using the Internet, you will have to pay about $ 3.
Safety
Trinidad and Tobago has a good reputation for the safety of foreign tourists. However, when moving around the country, do not forget about elementary precautions. Although serious crimes are extremely rare on the islands of the country, the number of cases of fraud and petty theft is steadily increasing every year. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when you are in crowded places.
The sanitary situation in the country is relatively good. On the streets of large cities, you can taste all the food sold there without fear. However, it is worth remembering that when buying vegetables or fruits at local markets, they must be thoroughly washed with running water, and only then eaten. Tap water in Trinidad can be drunk without additional treatment, but it is better to boil it to be sure.
Business
The main branch of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is the extraction and processing of petroleum products and natural gas. Many foreign investors invest in this particular business, which is the most profitable in the country. The state authorities are taking various additional measures to attract investment in their economy. Such measures include: simplification of taxation of foreign enterprises, amendments to the legislation that controls this area of the economy and other methods.
Due to its unique natural beauties, Trinidad and Tobago is gaining more and more popularity among tourists, especially among adherents of the ecological direction. Some businessmen prefer to invest large amounts of money in the tourism business, which in this country has one peculiarity - such investments quickly pay off. To attract foreign tourists, the state authorities have significantly simplified the visa regime, which allows more people to visit this stunning exotic country.
Real estate
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost in the entire Caribbean. Proximity to the continent (only 10 kilometers from the coast of Venezuela), mild climate, picturesque landscapes make buying property in this country very, very attractive. In addition, the recent tax reform has had a positive impact on the dynamics of demand for real estate from foreign investment companies.
The cost of apartments and houses in this small state is quite high. So, for an apartment of 100 square meters, you need to pay a little more than $ 130,000. And this apartment will be located in a small settlement. For housing in the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, you will have to pay a larger amount. Before buying a private cottage in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, you must, first of all, familiarize yourself with the rules for the formation of taxes, which depend not only on the type of housing being purchased, but also on its location.
If it is impossible to buy a home in this country, you can rent an apartment. For a month of living, the owners will ask about $ 1,100.
Exchange currency only at government exchange offices and avoid all sorts of transactions with strangers on the streets. When buying jewelry, be careful about your choice so as not to pay huge amounts of money for a worthless fake.
Visa Information
If you decide to go on an unforgettable trip to the beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago, then you should take care of purchasing a special visa in advance, which is issued at the British Embassy representing the interests of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. At the same time, it is worth preparing the necessary documents: a foreign passport, which is valid for more than six months from the end of the trip; old passports (if any); copies of the passport pages with the personal data of the applicant; one color photograph. You also need to submit a certificate of employment with the specified income, a copy of the marriage certificate and birth certificates of children, a visa application form completed in English.
All of the above documents are submitted to the consular section of the British Embassy in Moscow, which is located at: 121099, Moscow, st. Smolenskaya embankment, 10.
Story
The island of Trinidad was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498. Since then, it has remained a possession of Spain for three centuries. In the 16th century to replenish food supplies, water and fuel, French corsairs, English privateers and other adventurers landed on the island. At the end of the 16th century the English navigator Walter Raleigh used the island of Trinidad as a base from which his detachments were sent to explore the Guiana coast of South America. In the 17th century Spanish governors tried to establish settlements on the island, but ships from the metropolis came to Trinidad about once every 20 years, and the population of the island was mowed down by epidemics of smallpox, malaria and yellow fever. At the end of the 17th century in Trinidad, there were only 15 small Indian settlements, the Spanish population remained small.
In the 18th century Sugar cane began to be cultivated on the islands of the British West Indies, which brought great profits. The energetic governor of Trinidad, José Maria Chacón, decided to follow suit. Foreign planters, mostly French, were invited to the island. In 1797, Trinidad was occupied by the British on the pretext that the island allegedly served as a refuge for traffickers who raided neighboring British colonies in order to capture slaves. English control over the island was secured by the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.
Having gained Trinidad, Britain found a colony with rich deposits of natural asphalt, which was used to impregnate the hulls of wooden ships. In addition, Port of Spain had a magnificent harbor, fertile soils were common on the island, not depleted by centuries of agriculture. However, the development of new agricultural areas was held back due to a lack of labor. Some British governors (for example, Ralph Woodford, 1813–1829) encouraged the development of trade, the construction of roads, the creation of new estates and the founding of new settlements. However, attempts to attract soldiers demobilized after the Napoleonic Wars to the island were unsuccessful. After the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, the labor situation in Trinidad became critical, as slaves left the plantations, occupied vacant land or moved to the cities. Beginning in 1845, sugar cane and coffee planters began to import hired workers from India. A terrible famine that broke out in Madeira in 1846 forced many Portuguese peasants to go to America in search of happiness, while many of them settled in Trinidad. However, the Portuguese settlers, at the first opportunity, sought to change their occupation of agriculture to work as servants on rich estates. In the 1850s, Chinese immigrants began to arrive on the island.
The island of Tobago was discovered by Columbus at the same time as Trinidad, but did not become part of the Spanish colonies. In 1608, the English king James I laid claim to the island, but in 1632 the Dutch settled on the island. For a long time Tobago remained a bone of contention between England, the Netherlands and France, until in 1814 it became an English colony. In 1889 the colonies of Trinidad and Tobago were united.
During the global economic crisis of the 1930s, unrest broke out in the West Indies. To study the situation, the British Royal Commission was created, the report of which contained recommendations on the need for financial and constitutional reforms. The Second World War and the oil exploration started in Trinidad led to noticeable changes in the life of the colony. In 1941, a large plot of land in the Chaguaramas region (in the northwest of Trinidad) was leased to the United States for a period of 99 years for the construction of a naval base, which largely solved the problem of employment.
After World War II, even more significant political changes took place. In 1946, universal suffrage was introduced in Trinidad and Tobago, and in 1956 the colony received limited internal self-government. From 1958-1962 it was part of the West Indies Federation. In 1960, a bilateral agreement was concluded, in accordance with which the United States assumed the obligation to abandon the leased area by 1977 and withdraw the naval base from there. After Jamaica's decision to secede from the West Indies Federation (1961), Trinidad and Tobago also decided to take an independent path of development. In 1961, they were granted full self-government, and on August 31, 1962, the independent state of Trinidad and Tobago was proclaimed as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain.
Economy
In the 18-19 centuries. Trinidad's economy was completely dependent on the export of sugar and other tropical food crops, but by the middle of the 20th century. oil extraction and refining came to the fore, although this industry employs a relatively small number of workers. On the island of Tobago, agriculture remains the main industry. Tourism is also developing.
The state program for the promotion of industrial development included the creation in 1959 of the Industrial Development Corporation, as well as the allocation of land for the construction of industrial enterprises in the immediate vicinity of the cities of Port of Spain, San Fernando and Arima. These plots were offered to producers on favorable terms, along with financial incentives such as tax exemptions for several years. To coordinate the development of the country's economy, several five-year plans were adopted, the implementation of the first of them began in 1964.
Currently, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean region. Thanks to successful economic reforms carried out in 1995, the state has become an attractive region for foreign investment. There was a revival of foreign trade. Investment in industry and the expansion of construction contributed to significant economic growth.
In 2000, GDP was estimated at 11.2 billion dollars, and its real growth was 5%. As of 1998, the structure of GDP was as follows: the share of agriculture - 2%, industry - 44%, services - 54%. Labor resources are estimated at about 558.7 thousand people, of which approx. 13% do not have a permanent job. To solve the problem of unemployment, the government stimulated the creation of new industrial enterprises.
The main branch of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is the extraction and refining of oil. Although Trinidad and Tobago is not a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the country benefited significantly from the rise in oil prices in 1973–1974.
Oil production is carried out in the south and east of Trinidad and on the shelf. Oil reserves are estimated at 200 million tons. In 1980, oil production amounted to 11 million tons; in the late 1990s, approx. 8 million tons. Crude oil, including imported, is processed at the enterprises of Trinidad, in particular at one of the world's largest oil refineries in Pointe-a-Pierre, as well as in Point Fortin and Brighton. The oil industry is the source of a significant part of the state's revenues in the form of taxes, rent for the right to develop subsoil resources and customs duties.
Natural gas is produced offshore to the west and east of southern Trinidad. Its reserves are estimated at 300 billion cubic meters. m. This important energy source is used to generate electricity at thermal power plants and as fuel in oil refineries. It also serves as a raw material for the chemical industry.
Near La Brea, in the southwest of Trinidad, a large deposit of natural asphalt is being developed (reserves of 9 million tons), but recently there have been difficulties in marketing it due to increased competition from artificial asphalt manufacturers.
The industrial development of the country can be judged by the growth in electricity production: in 1959, less than 430 million kW / h were generated, in 1987 - approx. 3.3 billion kWh, in 1999 - 4.9 billion kWh.
The country has a developed chemical industry, in particular petrochemistry, production of nitrogen fertilizers (for export), rubber (production of tires for the domestic market). The metallurgical, metalworking, woodworking, printing, electrical engineering (assembly of household appliances), cement, textile, clothing, footwear, tobacco, food industries, the production of building materials and alcoholic beverages are also developing.
Cultivated land covers about a quarter of the country's area. The main agricultural crop, sugarcane, is grown mainly in the western regions of Tobago. In recent years, its fees have declined significantly and in the late 1990s amounted to approx. 100 thousand tons (in 1970 - 216 thousand tons). Most of the raw sugar is produced on large plantations, the rest - in small peasant farms. Labor on plantations is mechanized. The next most important export crop - cocoa - is cultivated in the central and northern regions of Tobago. In addition, a significant place in agricultural production is occupied by such export crops as coffee, citrus fruits (mainly grapefruits and oranges), coconut palm (on the east, northeast and southwest coast of Tobago). Bananas, rice (in the south of Trinidad), vegetables and other food crops are grown for the domestic market.
Animal husbandry is poorly developed. Cattle, goats, sheep, poultry are bred. Fishery products, which are of secondary importance in the country's economy, are sent exclusively to the domestic market. Agriculture is not able to fully provide food for the population of the country.
For a long time, the country was dominated by a trade deficit, until in 1974, thanks to rising world oil prices, the value of exports exceeded the value of imports. In 1981, these figures amounted to 3.7 and 3.1 billion dollars, respectively, in 1997 - 2.9 billion and 2 billion dollars, in 1999 - 3.2 and 3 billion dollars. accounted for by oil and petrochemical products.
Trinidad exports gas, metal products, natural bitumen, raw sugar, cocoa beans, coffee and other agricultural products. The main import items are oil (for the oil refining industry), food, consumer goods, machinery and equipment. The main trading partners are the USA, Venezuela, countries of the Caribbean Community, Mexico, Great Britain and other countries of the European Community.
An important source of foreign exchange earnings is foreign tourism.
The monetary unit is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar. The issue of money is carried out by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, founded in 1964.
Policy
According to the constitution adopted on August 1, 1976, the state of Trinidad and Tobago is a republic within the Commonwealth, headed by Great Britain. The head of state is the president, who is elected by an electoral college from among the members of parliament for a term of 5 years. Legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The composition of the Senate (31 members) is approved by the president (16 members - on the recommendation of the prime minister, 6 - on the recommendation of the leader of the opposition and 9 - at the discretion of the president, taking into account the need for representation in parliament of prominent state, public and religious figures. The House of Representatives consists of 36 deputies elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term (at least 2 MPs represent Tobago) All citizens over 18 years of age are eligible to vote.
Executive power is exercised by the government, headed by the prime minister, usually the leader of the party that makes up the majority in parliament. The Cabinet of Ministers is appointed from among the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Government is responsible to Parliament. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 counties and 4 self-governing cities. The island of Tobago has a special status, having its own House of Assembly consisting of 18 members (15 of them are elected by popular vote, 3 are appointed on the proposal of the majority party) with a 4-year term of office.
The legal and judicial systems of Trinidad and Tobago are based on the principles of English law. The highest body of judicial power is the Supreme Court. Its chairman is appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, while the remaining judges are appointed on the recommendation of the judicial and legal committee. The lower organs are the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the magistrates.
The leading political party in Trinidad and Tobago since 1956 has been the People's National Movement (PNM), which relies mainly on the support of people of African descent. Eric Williams, who had been party leader since the founding of the party, became the country's first prime minister. After the 1966 elections, the NND retained a majority in the House of Representatives. The 1971 elections were boycotted by opposition parties in protest of the Williams government's crackdown on civil unrest in 1970. As a result, the NND won all 36 seats in the House of Representatives. According to the results of the 1976 and 1981 elections, the NPD continued to maintain an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives. The leading opposition party since 1989 has been the United Workers' Front (RUF, founded in 1975), which adheres to the left. Since 1995, a coalition of the United National Congress and the National Union for Reconstruction has been in power. The main opposition party is the NND.
There is an island state in the legendary Caribbean Sea, 80% of which is occupied by the island of Trinidad - a concentration of reserves, clean beaches, virgin nature and modern, colorful cities.
The location of the island of Trinidad on the map is the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago - a small archipelago between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country consists of two large islands, Trinidad and, as well as numerous small islands: Chacachacare, Monos, Huevos, Gaspar Grande, St. Giles Islands.
The capital of the country, the city, is located on the island.
Mud volcanoes stretch along the southern shores of the island. Half of Trinidad's territory is filled with tropical forests.
Also here you will encounter a very diverse ethnic composition. 60% of the population are descendants of slaves who worked for the colonialists, 20% are Trinidadians, descendants of Arabs, Chinese and Europeans.
Climatic features
There is no difference between the seasons on the island. The average annual air temperature is from +25 to +28 degrees above zero. And even during the rainy season, the weather in Trinidad is very sunny. It rains from May to September. And, starting from October to April, the island has sunny weather with high humidity. Therefore, during this period, it is recommended to transfer the heat to the coast of the island, rather than in its depths.
Due to the unique location of the state, hurricanes and tsunamis never happen here. And the best time to travel to the island of Trinidad is from November to April.
Nature
Nature on the island is unique and diverse. Unlike the neighboring island, the terrain on Trinidad is predominantly flat. On the slopes of the Northern Range you will encounter rainforests. Here you will enjoy a wonderful view of fifty valuable trees. The central part of the main island is dominated by evergreen forests that have undergone significant anthropogenic changes.
On the northern coast of the island, you can have a good rest on incomparable beaches with gentle sun and soft sand. Ecotourism lovers will appreciate the colorful nature reserves with numerous exotic animals, birds and reptiles.
You can often hear another name for Trinidad - the Island of Birds, and it is not surprising, because it is here that the symbol of the country, the scarlet ibis, and 157 other species of rare birds live. Viewing platforms were built especially for tourists.
Attractions of the island
Many sights of Trinidad can be visited on your own, but it is better to use the help of guides, as the island has such natural places that an ordinary tourist can hardly find without outside help.
- Bituminous lake in Trinidad. In the southwest of the island there is a lake, which is eighty meters deep and contains more than six million tons of asphalt. Therefore, it is often also called an asphalt lake.
- Reserve. The scarlet ibis, the symbol of Trinidad, lives here. Also here are some varieties of local herons. If you like long walks in nature, feel free to go on a two-hour boat trip, just be sure to bring binoculars with you.
- Shakashakari Island. This uninhabited island is full of secrets and mysteries. Once upon a time there was a settlement engaged in the cultivation of cotton. Then the settlement turned into a haven for whalers, and after that it completely became a gloomy leper colony. Today, only a lighthouse operates here, which is looked after by caring staff.
- is the most famous mud volcano in Trinidad. This is the most picturesque natural formation, which is to the taste of any tourist.
- Gulf of Maracas. This beach is the longest on the island of Trinidad. Here, tourists are offered all kinds of entertainment centers, recreation centers and attractions.
- . It is located in the state capital. All the city's energy has accumulated here, the best shops and local culture have concentrated.
- nature center is the oldest nature reserve in the Caribbean. It is home to a myriad of birds, animals, butterflies and reptiles.
- Brian Lahr Boulevard. It can be found in . Here, residents and tourists of the island can take a leisurely stroll, looking at the most beautiful part of the city. Often there are free concert performances.
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What cities to visit?
In the capital of the state, you will find many museums that have absorbed the history of the island, starting from the time of settlement by Indian tribes. Here you can see interesting monuments of culture and architecture, take a closer look at the Royal Museum, the Museum of History, the residence of Ginderbrad House,.
Also visit the old European city of St. Joseph, which was once the first capital of Trinidad and Tobago. Here you will discover the characteristic colonial architecture. The grandiose mosque of Mohammid Al-Jinn causes great delight among tourists.
The fastest growing city in the country, after the largest cities of San Juan and, can rightfully be called. This town has a wonderful flavor and originality, shopping lovers will be able to find something to their liking here. And near the city of Chaguanas, you can visit, which is the most visited Hindu temple in the Caribbean.
Where to stay in Trinidad?
If you are looking for a hotel with excellent service quality and environmental friendliness, you should visit Coco Reef Resort&Spa and Blue Haven Resort. But the best hotels are located in the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain. There are only eleven of them, and eight of them are three-star. If you are looking for thrills, then you should definitely stay at a hotel located on a cliff above a cliff. You can enter it only through the roof.
What to have fun?
The island nation is a popular center for ecotourism. Holidays in Trinidad will appeal to every tourist, as here you can do water and beach sports, diving, sailing, fishing, tennis, golf, football and cricket.
From February 26 to March 7, a grandiose carnival is held on the island. From the first minutes of the celebration, the dancers drag the audience onto the chariots, offer rum and persuade them to dance.
Various souvenir shops offer vacationers to buy folk art products. These are paintings by local artists, dolls, various bamboo crafts, disks of local ensembles. The only thing to remember is that shopping time in Trinidad is limited as all shops close early. On weekdays, shops are open from eight in the morning to four in the evening, on Saturday from eight in the morning to one in the afternoon.
How to get to the island?
Get ready for the fact that the road to the island state will be with transfers in the cities of Europe or America. If transit takes a long time, you will need to obtain a transit visa from the state in which you will transfer.
Most often, tourists stop in London with a further transfer to a British Airways aircraft. If you select Frankfurt as your drop-off point, then you will need to use Lufthansa. When disembarking in Amsterdam, you should prefer KLM aircraft, which will take you directly to the capital of the island.
In addition, you can use the routes Moscow-USA-Trinidad and Tobago or Moscow-Canada-Trinidad and Tobago. Here you will need a transit American or Canadian visa.
