Fast Facts About Trinidad and Tobago

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago comprises the two most southerly isles of the Caribbean archipelago. A former British colony, Trinidad & Tobago gained independence on August 31, 1962 and later became a republic on August 1, 1976. The smallest nation ever to qualify for World Cup football, in 2006 the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago gained international acclaim as their Soca Warriors displayed passion and spirit on football fields across Germany.

Location and Topography
Trinidad is 4,828 sq. km (1,864 sq. miles) in area and approximately rectangular in shape (roughly the size of Rhode Island in the USA). It is 81.25 km long by 57-73 km wide, or 50 miles by 35-45 miles. Once attached to the South American mainland, the island is situated 12 km (7 miles) northeast of the coast of Venezuela and is separated from it by the Gulf of Paria, in which there are several islets, including Chacachacare, Huevos, Monos and Gaspar Grande.

Trinidad has three mountain ranges. The highest, the Northern Range, is an extension of the Andes mountain chain, and runs along the northern coast of the island. The Central Range runs diagonally across the island, while the Southern Range runs along the southern coast. The highest point, El Cerro del Aripo, is 940 metres (3,084 ft) above sea level. About 40 per cent of all land is undeveloped forest and woodlands, although the island is going through a rapid phase of development. The capital of Trinidad is Port of Spain.

Tobago, 300 sq. km (116 sq. miles) in area, lies 34 km (21 miles) northeast of Trinidad. Of volcanic origin, the island is a single mountain mass, although the southwest is flat or undulating and coralline. The highest peak, the Main Ridge, reaches an elevation of about 576 metres (1,890 ft). The coastline is broken by inlets and sheltered beaches, and there are several uninhabited islets. The island enjoys a thriving tourism industry and one of the star attractions is the famous Buccoo Reef. The capital of Tobago is Scarborough.

Islands‘ Geographic Coordinates:
Latitude 10 1/2° N,
Longitude 61 1/2° W

Approximate Flying Times to Trinidad and Tobago:

Climate
Trinidad‘s climate can be described as pleasant tropical marine. Daytime temperatures average 31ºC (87ºF) moderated by northeast trade winds, while nights are a cool 21ºC (69ºF). Trinidad possesses two distinct seasons - dry, from January to May, and wet, from June to December. There is a short dry period around mid-September called Petit Carême, which is an excellent off-season time to visit. Trinidad is just outside the usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms.

Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time: minus four hours (GMT -4).
In US Winter: Eastern Standard Time plus one hour (EST +1)
In US Summer: Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Business Hours
Offices:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Banks (in City Centres):
Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to noon; and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Government Offices:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Retail (City Centres):
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Retail (Shopping Centres):
Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Government
Trinidad and Tobago‘s government is a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the President, who is elected by an Electoral College of members of the Senate and House of Representatives for a five-year term. Executive power, however, is vested in the Prime Minister and Government following elections every five years.

Legal System
The legal system is based on common law and statutes. The judicial system comprises Magistrates Courts and the Supreme Court, which comprises the High Court and the Court of Appeal. There is a separate Industrial Court that deals with most labour matters. Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission. The Attorney General is responsible for the administration of the legal and judicial system. Final appeal from Trinidad and Tobago courts is to the Privy Council in England, but consideration is being given to replacing the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice, which was inaugurated in April 2005.

Population and Labour Force
Trinidad and Tobago‘s estimated population is 1.3 million. The ethnic mix consists of 40.3 per cent of East Indian descent, 39.6 percent African, 18.4 per cent Mixed, European 0.6 per cent, Chinese and Other 1.1 per cent. The average life expectancy is 70.3 years, with 68 per cent of the population between 15 and 64 years. The labour force is estimated at 558,700. Unemployment data from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago at December 2003 indicates an unemployment rate of 10.5 per cent.

Education
The educational system is modeled after the British system, and produces one of the highest standards of education in the Caribbean. There is no cost for primary and secondary level education at most institutions but private fee-paying options are available. Post-secondary and tertiary education providers include the University of the West Indies (UWI), NIHERST, distance learning tertiary-level institutions, colleges and vocational/technical training schools, and a recently launched technology-based University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The estimated literacy rate is 98 per cent.

Health
Trinidad and Tobago‘s health system consists of government-funded and private hospitals, well-qualified specialists, private medical practitioners, and clinics, scattered throughout the islands. Specialists trained in gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology, physiotherapy, cardiology, gastrology and urology work both in private practice and in the health care facilities.
Medical services are free at the government-funded institutions and clinics, but a fee is charged at all others. Twenty-four-hour emergency services are available at several government and private medical facilities. There is also a 24-hour Emergency Air Ambulance Service. Specialist Medical Services are among the best in the Caribbean.

The Economy
Trinidad and Tobago is the most diversified and industrialised economy in the English-speaking Caribbean, and has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses. There are proven substantial reserves of petroleum and natural gas, and heavy industries such as iron and steel, methanol and nitrogenous fertilisers are well developed. The economy is based on petroleum, natural gas, chemicals, tourism, food processing, cement, beverages and cotton textiles. The economy has been growing at an estimated annual rate of 3 per cent, with services accounting for an increasing 54 per cent of GDP. The rate of economic growth is expected to increase too, with recent discoveries of oil and gas at present fuelling a mini boom.

Economic Policy
Trinidad and Tobago‘s policy over the last 10 years has been one directed toward making the country an open, market-driven economy, fuelled by trade liberalisation, foreign investment and public sector divestment. The transportation and telecommunication links to Europe and the Americas are modern and reliable. Tourism is targeted for development and growth, and, while already flourishing in Tobago, is an increasingly important economic contributor in Trinidad.

Electricity
Trinidad and Tobago has a reliable supply of electricity with rates among the lowest in the Caribbean. The domestic and commercial supply voltage is 110/220 volts; 60 cycles. Most hotels can supply a transformer if required.

Water
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), a state enterprise, is the sole provider of water services in Trinidad and Tobago. The water service is reliable in most hotels and guesthouses. The water is chlorinated, safe and refreshing to drink. Several good bottled water alternatives are available at supermarkets.

Telecommunications
Trinidad and Tobago has a modern telecommunications infrastructure with the latest in digital technology and fibre optic systems. Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) is the main provider. International Direct Distance Dialling is available throughout the island, and on the network of payphones. The International Direct Distance Dialling code for Trinidad and Tobago is 1-868, followed by a seven-digit local number. International phone cards are sold in many local shops, pharmacies and at TSTT offices. Cellular phones are easily available with coverage throughout the islands. Internet and email services are also readily available at hotels and cyber cafes.

Post/Courier Services
Regular "snail" mail, express mail and courier delivery are reliable, and available from TTPost at excellent rates. Also available are thematic, colourful local stamps for collectors and connoisseurs alike. International courier services are efficient and readily available.

Newspapers
There are three daily newspapers in Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad Guardian, Trinidad Express and Newsday. Other colourful and brash publications include The Mirror and The Bomb. Local newspapers are an excellent source of cultural information. The dailies have websites that précis the major stories for a local and international audience.

TV and Radio
There are six local television stations in Trinidad - CCN TV6, ieTV, The Information Channel (TIC), CNC3, CNMG and Gayelle the Channel; and another, Channel 5, in Tobago. Cable and DirecTV are also widely available.
Radio is extremely popular in Trinidad, with 22 FM stations and two AM stations, ranging from local and regional content to East Indian and contemporary, and includes very entertaining, interactive talk shows.

Roads
Trinidad and Tobago has an extensive transportation network of paved roads, which underwent major improvements in 2000. Major highways link the north and south of the island (Uriah Butler Highway, Solomon Hochoy Highway), and the east and west (Churchill-Roosevelt Highway); however, traffic is extremely heavy at peak hours when a high number of vehicles head into the capital city and environs. Driving is on the left-hand side.

Airports
The Piarco International Airport was opened in May 2001 and is located about 30 minutes from the capital city, Port of Spain. It plays an important role as a vital centre and hub for international air traffic in the Caribbean. There are non-stop daily scheduled airline flights to and from major international cities, e.g. New York, Miami, Toronto, London, as well as to other Caribbean islands. Service from Port of Spain to Houston, Texas, and Newark, New Jersey, was recently introduced by Continental Airlines. International airlines that fly to Trinidad and Tobago include BWIA West Indies Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, LIAT and several other charter flight companies. In Tobago the airport is at Crown Point.

Seaports
The main seaports are located in Port of Spain and Point Lisas. The Port of Spain port handles dry and general cargo, break bulk, containers and passenger traffic. The Point Lisas port, mainly a bulk port for industrial commerce, also handles container and general cargo traffic. There are several ferries travelling the Trinidad-Tobago route during the day.

Immigration, Work Permits and Visas
Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago must possess valid passports and return or ongoing tickets for successful entry. Most Commonwealth countries do not require visas for entry, except Australia, New Zealand, India, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Visitors from several other countries are allowed to enter Trinidad and Tobago for periods of up to three months without a visa. Potential visitors should seek advice from their travel agents or the Trinidad and Tobago representatives nearest to them. Work permits are required for business stays beyond 30 days. Visa extensions can be obtained from the Immigration Office at 67 Frederick Street, while work permits can be obtained from the Ministry of National Security, 18 Knox Street, Port of Spain.

Money and Exchange Rate
The currency of Trinidad and Tobago is the dollar (TT$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of TT$100, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent. The exchange rate, as of June 2004, is approximately US$1.00 to TT$6.29.

Major Airlines & (contact information)

Major Business Organisations

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Columbus Circle, Westmoorings
Tel: (868) 637-6966 Fax: 637-7425
Email:chamber@chamber.org.tt

Environmental Management Authority
8 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair
Tel: (868) 628-8042 Fax: 628-9122
Email:ema@ema.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers‘ Association
42 Tenth Avenue, Barataria
Tel: 675-TTMA (8862) Fax: 675-9000
Email:gm@ttma.com

Culture
Trinidad and Tobago is fortified with a rich mixture of cultures and lifestyles. The people are hospitable and full of exhilarating energy. Their cultures are ideally blended to encourage all to participate and become engulfed in the spirit and excitement. The festive colours, exquisite garments, melodious music, historic sites, mosaic of cuisines and smiling faces all add to your enjoyment of what we call "The Trini Experience".

Sporting Activities
There are always activities throughout the year. Whether local, regional or international you are guaranteed non-stop action and excitement. Track and field, cricket, football, cycling, boating and hiking are all available.