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Quick Facts - Trinidad and Tobago

When Trinidad was explored by Columbus in 1498, it was inhabited by the Arawaks while Carib Indians inhabited Tobago. Trinidad remained in Spanish possession, until it was ceded to Britain in 1802. Tobago passed between Britain and France several times, but it was ultimately given to Britain in 1814.

Partial self-government was instituted in 1925, and from 1958 to 1962 the nation was part of the West Indies Federation. On Aug. 31, 1962, it became independent and on Aug. 1, 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a republic, remaining within the Commonwealth.

Trinidad and Tobago's population of 1,305,000 people are comprised of descendants of Africa, India, China and Europe.

 

Language:
English
Government:
Independence from UK on 31 August 1962, Liberal democracy
Capital: Port of Spain
Size: 5,128 km²
Location: 11 km of the coast of Venezuela, -13 15 N, 61 12W
President: George Maxwell Richards (2003)
Prime Minister: The Rt. Hon. Patrick Manning (2001)
Climate:

81°C

Electricity: 110 volts - 50 cycles
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (US currency widely accepted). Exchange Rate: Trinidad and Tobago dollars per US dollar - 6.2842 (2005), 6.299 (2004), 6.2951 (2003), 6.2487 (2002), 6.2332 (2001) - these rates are indicative.
Driving: On left, license required
Rentals: Car, jeeps, boats, bicycles, scooters
Airports/Seaports:
Trinidad Piarco International Airport
Tobago Crown Point International Airport
Ferry: Click here for details
Entry: Passport and return or onward ticket required.
Online Newspaper(s): Trinidad GuardianTrinidad & Tobago Express