Trinidad

Christopher Columbus landed in Trinidad on his third voyage in 1498.

Trinidad lies at the southern end of the Caribbean archipelago, seven miles from Venezuela on the shoulder of South America.

Precious resources occur above and below the surface on the island. Visitors are intrigued by the diversity of ecosystems in such a small area. Small rivers ,stream's water and fertile plains. Many wetlands teem with wildlife, providing rich breeding grounds for several species of fish, and the flora and fauna are largely South American origin. Over the years untold wealth has been tapped in the oil and gas fields in the south of the island and east coast (offshore).

Climate: Tropical in nature dry season from January to May and wet season from June to December. Sea breezes cool the coast. Daytime temperature rise to 30 deg. c (86-95deg.F);nights are pleasantly cool at around 25 deg.C(77deg.F).

People: Trinidadians affectionately refer to themselves as Trinis. If pressed they may tell you how their family tree has roots in Africa or India, with a touch of Scotland, France, Spain, Lebanon or Venezuela. They may even be able to say how many generations back their ancestors travelled from China or Bombay. The majority of the population is made up of Indian and African descendants, with next largest group categorised as mixed, and the smallest group consisting of people of European, Middle Eastern and Chinese origin. Of the 1.3 million population, close to 50,000 reside in Tobago, Christianity has the largest following, followed by Hinduism, Islam and traditional African faiths, especially Orisha.

Culture: Trinidadians have made their way into almost every country and culture in the world, making contributions in sport, science, arts and literature, music and theatre. Pan, the musical instrument invented here in the 1930s The Hindu festival of lights, Divali, the spring festival ,Phagwa ;the Muslim commemoration of Hosay; Carnival and Christmas are celebrated by all.

Money: Financially, revenue comes mainly from oil and gas based industries, but there is a vibrant and growing services sector (including tourism). Festivals and ecotourism have been identified as two important niches. The Trinidad and Tobago is based on the US dollar at a floating rate around US$1 =TT $6.3.International credit cards are accepted at banks, most hotels, restaurants, car hire firms and the ,more sophisticated shops.

Time Zone: One hour ahead of US Eastern Standard Time; four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time

Government: Trinidad and Tobago were joined for administrative purposes by the British government in 1889.The country gained Independence from Britain in 1962,became a republic in 1976 and remains a member of the British commonwealth. The system of government is based on the UK's, with an elected House of Representatives and a Senate. The head of state, elected by Parliament are held every five years. Local government affairs are administered by regional councils, whose councillors are elected every three years. The Tobago House of Assembly is responsible for the internal government of Tobago.

Language: The official language is English; but the style of Trinidadian English is much influenced by French, Spanish, Hindi, African and Amerindian words place -names and expressions.

Telephone: 868-645-3025

e-mail:tacaribe@tstt.net.tt