The two islands Trinidad and Tobago, located between the Caribbean and the Atlantic off the coast of Venezuela, together form the island state of the same name. They have a total of about 1.2 million residents.
Tobago is mainly famous for its enchanting beaches and the very unspoilt nature. Scarborough, the capital of Tobago, exudes calm and tranquility, although almost half of Tobago’s residents live here. An impressive sight in Scarborough is Fort King George, a huge fortification from the 18th century.
According to programingplease, Port of Spain in Trinidad, the capital of the island nation, has one of the most important ports in the Caribbean. It is the gateway to South America. The National Museum provides vivid information about the history and culture of the island state. The former influence of Great Britain is still reflected in the Fantastic Seven, seven magnificent Victorian-style buildings. The largest cricket stadium in the Caribbean, located in Queen’s Park Oval in Port Spain, bears witness to the once formative British culture.
Every year in February, the great carnival takes place in Trinidad. The European, Asian and African influences can be seen in the imaginative costumes. Different bands deliver musical competitions and make the festival an unforgettable experience.
Those interested in football may know the sympathy that flowed to the country during the 2006 World Cup. At that time there was a real euphoria for the two islands. But not only football is popular in Trinidad and Tobago, literature also plays an important role for the people. The Nobel Prize for Literature VS Naipaul is a native of Trinidad. He was born in Chaguanas, Trinidad in 1932 and grew up here.
Trinidad and Tobago: important dates for your Caribbean trip
Area: 5,128 km²
Population: 1.23 million people (July 2011, CIA). Residents with South Asian ancestors 40%, Africans 37.5%, mixed ancestors 20.5%, others 1.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2000 census).
Population density: 239 residents per km²
Population growth: -0.087% per year (2011, CIA)
Capital: Port of Spain (49,760, 2006)
Highest point: El Cerro del Aripo, 940 m
Lowest point: Caribbean, 0 m
Form of government: Trinidad and Tobago has been a presidential republic since 1976 and is represented in the Commonwealth. The constitution dates from the same year. The bicameral parliament consists of a House of Representatives with 36 elected MPs and a Senate of 31 appointed members. Elections are held every five years. Trinidad and Tobago has been independent from Great Britain since August 31, 1962.
Administrative structure: 9 regional corporations (Couva / Tabaquite / Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro / Rio Claro, Penal / Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan / Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna / Piarco), 2 city corporations (Port-of -Spain, San Fernando), 3 borough corporations (Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin) and one ward (Tobago).
Head of Government: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, since May 24, 2010
Head of State: President Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, since March 18, 2013
Language: The official language in Trinidad and Tobago is English. French, Spanish, Caribbean Hindi, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Creole (patois) are also spoken.
Religion: 26% Catholics, 22.5% Hindus, 7.8% Anglicans, 7.2% Baptists, 6.8% Pentecostal, 5.8% Muslims, 4% Seventh Day Adventists, 5.8% other Christians, 10th, 8% other, 1.4% not specified, 1.9% no commitment (2000 census).
Local time: CET – 5.
In Tinidad and Tobago there is no change between summer and winter time.
The time difference to Central Europe is -5 hours in winter and -6 hours in summer.
International phone code: +1 (868)
Internet ID:.tt
Mains voltage: 110 V, 60 Hz. US adapters are recommended
Trinidad and Tobago: Map and Geography
Trinidad (4,828 square kilometers) and the much smaller sister island Tobago (300 square kilometers) are located off the coast of Venezuela.
Here is an accurate topographic map of Trinidad and Tobago.
Three mountain ranges rise up on Trinidad, at 941 m El Cerro del Aripo is the highest peak of the two islands. The capital Port of Spain lies at the foot of the northern chain.
That sinks in the south of Port of Spain country towards the west coast. The bird sanctuary of the Caroni marshes is a bird sanctuary that offers a habitat for the scarlet ibis, among other things.
There are numerous on the northern and eastern coasts beaches.
Most of the plain in the center of Trinidad is used for agriculture.
Tobago is heavily forested and also characterized by mountains. Much of the tourism is concentrated in Tobago.
Best travel time for Trinidad and Tobago
Carnival, two days before Ash Wednesday in February or March, is the best reason to come to Trinidad. Accommodation is much cheaper in the low season (October to December and April to June) and the number of tourists is manageable. However, the probability of rain is higher at these times.
