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. In Port of Spain, there are the Faculty of Agriculture and Engineering and the College of Science and Arts of the Trinidad Branch of the University of the West Indies, in San Fernando - the Technical Institute and the Polytechnic Institute.
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. A chain of mud volcanoes stretches along the southern coast. 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), high mora, 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, Asa Wright Nature Center and Caroni National Park are significant places. 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. A large number of viewing platforms are equipped on swampy soil, 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 the most interesting excursions to 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.
The Republic has a small railroad system 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. In almost all settlements of the 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.
Security
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: simplifying the taxation of foreign enterprises, amending 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.
The property
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 land plot 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 Corporation for the Development of Industry, as well as the allocation of sites 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 manufacturers of artificial asphalt.
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.
Politics
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.
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The name comes from the Spanish "trinidad", which means "trinity", since Christopher Columbus discovered the island on the feast of the Trinity, and the local word "tobago", which later entered the languages as "tobacco".
Official name: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Capital: Port of Spain
The area of the land: 5.128 thousand sq. km
Total population: 1.2 million people
Administrative division: The state is divided into 9 counties.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: The president.
Composition of the population: 69% - Africans, mulattoes and moles, 30% - Indo-Pakistani, 1% - Chinese.
Official language: English, but the Indo-Aryan Bhojpuri language is widely spoken, Spanish is also used.
Religion: 32% - Catholics, 28% - Protestants (mostly Anglicans), 24% - Hindus, 6% - Muslims.
Internet domain: .tt
Mains voltage: ~115 V, 60 Hz
Phone country code: +1-868
Climate
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, in 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.
Geography
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is located on the islands of the same name in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the northeast coast of Venezuela, opposite the Orinoco Delta (the southernmost part of the Lesser Antilles). The southern coast of Trinidad lies only 10 km from the coast of Venezuela, and the island of Tobago is located 20 km northeast of Trinidad. The total area of the islands is 5.128 thousand square meters. km (Trinidad - 4,828 sq. km, Tobago - 300 sq. km).
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
The vegetation 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.
Animal world
Animals have similarities with 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.
Banks and currency
Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD or TT$), equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 100, 20, 10, 5 and 1 dollars, as well as coins in denominations of 1 dollar, 50, 25, 10, 5 cents.
US dollars also have free circulation.
From Monday to Thursday, banks are usually open from 08.00-9.30 to 14.00-17.00, on Fridays - from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00. Some major banks operate on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Most of the major banking offices on the central streets of the capital of Trinidad open and close a little later than the rest (usually from 9.00 to 19.00) and work without interruption.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and some hotels, as well as at cambios or bureaus de change currency exchange offices (open daily from 9.00 to 18.00, except Sunday), on weekends currency can be exchanged at the airport (the exchange office is open from 6.00 to 22.00) and in some institutions of tourist areas (hotels, shops, restaurants, etc.). The exchange rate in exchange offices is usually somewhat worse than in the banks of Port of Spain, however, conditions are different at all points. It is not recommended to change currency on the street.
Credit cards of major payment systems (Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted for payment in almost all hotels, large restaurants and most shops. Many retail outlets charge an additional 5% of the amount when servicing credit cards. ATMs (usually marked with a banner TIDCO) accepting debit and credit cards can be found everywhere (in Tobago - only in Scarborough).
Travel checks can be cashed almost everywhere - in bank offices, hotels and large stores (in many banks a certain percentage is charged for servicing checks, each institution is different). To avoid additional conversion costs, it is recommended to use traveler's checks in US dollars or in pounds sterling.
Useful information for tourists
Active tourism is quite well developed on the islands - on any of the magnificent beaches of the coast, windsurfing, water skiing and sailing, paragliding, snorkeling and “serious” diving, golf and tennis are offered at numerous hotel and small private guesthouses.
It is forbidden to export items of historical value, rare animals and tropical birds from the islands.
There are many beautiful, amazing places on our Earth. And today we will discuss one of them - a paradise called the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The island of Trinidad is named after the Holy Trinity. Once both islands were inhabited by fairly peaceful, poor tribes of Indians who were enslaved by Europeans. Today the country is independent and part of the Commonwealth of Nations. And we will tell about it in more detail.
Where is the island of Trinidad?
Geographically, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the Caribbean Sea, near South America. The archipelago includes 23 islands. All of them, except for the two largest ones, are uninhabited. The population is concentrated in Trinadad and Tobago. In total, 1.365 million people live here. (as of 2016). Density 254 pers. per square kilometer.
History of the Republic
When Columbus discovered Trinidad and then Tobago in 1498, the indigenous population of the Arawak Indians was taken to the South American colonies. However, the lands of the island turned out to be infertile, and minerals were completely absent (but the island is rich in oil, as it turned out later). For the first two centuries, the colonialists tried to settle on the islands. They planted tobacco and cocoa, but they did not grow on island soil. Therefore, the Spaniards soon abandoned the island to its fate.
The French, the Dutch, the British tried to get it. But their attempts came to nothing. Later it was chosen by pirates, who arranged parking here. Britain annexed Tobago in 1763. Trinidad soon came under her rule. African slaves were brought to the islands to work on the plantations. Also, after the abolition of slavery, hired workers from India, China and other countries arrived here. At the end of the 20th century, the archipelago gained independence and became known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Why Trinidad and Tobago?
The island of Trinidad is named after the Trinity. The fact is that Columbus arrived on the island on July 31, the day of the Holy Trinity (Pentecost). After all, trinidat in Spanish means the Trinity.
Another fact contributed to this: the first thing that caught the eye of the sailors who were approaching the island were 3 pronounced mountain peaks in the northern part of Trinidad. Therefore, the island of Trinidad is named after the Holy Trinity.
Tobago got its name from the Spanish word tabacco, which means tobacco. After all, the indigenous population at that time grew and smoked tobacco.
Population of Trinidad and Tobago
The population of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago today is mixed. Descendants of African slaves, Chinese, Indians, British have been living on the island for decades. There are Trinidadians of Portuguese, French, German, Spanish origin. They are called Creoles. The number of Creoles on the island is about 60%. Therefore, despite the fact that the official language of the Republic is English, Trinidadians often speak Creole, which mixes many words of the Romano-Germanic group.
Geography, flora and fauna
The islands of Trinidad (Trinity) and Tobago are of continental origin. Their total area is 5128 square kilometers. At the same time, the Tobago area occupies only 300 km² of them. The capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is Port of Spain.
About 17 million years ago, both islands separated from the continent. Other islands that make up the archipelago are of volcanic origin. They are quite young compared to Trinidad and Tobago - they are only 5-6 million years old.
The shape of Trinidad resembles a rectangle with a pronounced lower right corner. Its dimensions are 80 by 59 km. The island separates from South America the Bocas del Dragon Strait and the Gulf of Paria, from the Venezuelan coast of Boca de la Sierpe. Trinidad's neighbor, the island of Tobago, is separated from it by a wide strait of the same name.
Basically, the island has a slightly indented flat surface, which only in its southern part passes into several mountain ranges with a height of about 300 m above sea level. But in the north of Trinidad, a mountain range stretches, which is an extension of the Venezuelan Cordillera Coast. Its highest point (both on the island and throughout the archipelago) is Mount Aripo, reaching 940 m above sea level.
The line of the island is quite winding, forming many bays and bays. The largest of them are Coconut, Mayaro, Matura. The south of the island is adorned with mangroves, while the north is framed by coral reefs.
Fresh water is presented in Trinidad in the form of small streams, among which three stand out: Guatuaro, Ortoira, and Koroni. The first two flow into the Atlantic Ocean, and the third into the Gulf of Paria, which is connected through the straits with the Caribbean Sea. There are no major rivers on the island.
The flora and fauna of both islands are very rich, which is explained by the proximity of the continent. Trinidad is characterized by light forest and tropical savannah, while Tobago is rich in tropical evergreen forests. There are 50 species of woody plants here. The islands are also home to about 400 species of birds, 600 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles.
Tobago Island
Significantly smaller neighbor island Tobago. In 2004, he received the title of "Best Caribbean Island of the Year". The capital is Scarborough. Tobago is divided into 2 regions and 7 districts.
There are plantations of coconut palm and cocoa. The island's main range is an extension of the Venezuelan Coast Range. The highest point is 600 m above sea level. The territory of the island is riddled with narrow mountain streams.
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago today
The activity of the population is focused on agriculture, extraction and processing of oil products and natural gas. The country is a major exporter of sugar cane, coconuts, and citrus crops. It is they who bring the main income to the population. The chemical and metallurgical industries are widely developed. Recently, eco-tourism has also begun to develop, gaining popularity all over the world.
The largest cities in terms of population are Port of Spain (capital), Bonas, San Fernando, Toko, St. Joseph, Redhead, Charlotteville, Princes Town, Arima, Point Fortin, Morvant, Chaguanas.
What to visit?
If you decide to relax in this paradise country, the next paragraph will certainly interest you.
Not only the flora and fauna of the islands pleasantly surprise tourists. A unique mixture of architectural styles is observed in the most populated towns in the country.
Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad, which lies on the Gulf of Paria. Its population is about 17,000 people. There are many historical monuments of the colonial period. Noisy Caribbean bazaars, typical of the island, side by side with the mirrored skyscrapers inherent in developed countries. The town itself is very pleasing to the eye: neat streets, an abundance of vegetation. Islamic mosques have been erected here (after all, part of the country's population professes Islam), which are adjacent to Orthodox churches, as well as many interesting buildings of historical value.
Saint Fernando is another interesting island city. The population is about 49,000 people. The city is located on the Caribbean coast. In Sando, as the city is abbreviated by the local population, the Royal Shipyards and the oldest city building, Carib House, are still preserved. Tourists have the opportunity to admire Pitch Lake, where you can observe the natural formation of asphalt. In fact, Pitch Lake is a huge pit in which clay, water and oil are mixed. The asphalt extracted from the bowels of the lake is used to build high-quality roads and is popular in many countries of the world.
This is what this unique lake looks like. It is surrounded by a beautiful park.
Maracas Bay, the country's most popular beach, is located 65 km offshore from Sando. Tourists have the opportunity to dive under water and learn how to ride a surfer.
The town of Black Rock in western Tobago is the most expensive resort in the country. It provides everything for a carefree holiday for tourists: excellent hotels, comfortable cafes, spas, tennis courts and much more. Prices are a little high, but in October they fall.
Fort King George, on the island of Tobago, was built in 1777. The British began to build it, but a few years later the fort passed into the hands of the French, which was reflected in its architecture. He has always been in demand. But in 1856 a prison and a hospital were placed there. And today it is used for tourism purposes. On its territory there is the National Museum, which stores valuable exhibits of the republic. And next to the fort is a wonderful park.
The climate of the archipelago
Where the islands of Trinidad and Tobago are located, a humid and hot subequatorial climate prevails. The annual temperature per year is +24...+27 °C. This indicator practically does not change during the year. In February, which is considered the coldest month, the temperature drops to +23.
From January to May the weather is mostly dry. But from August to October, the lion's share of annual precipitation falls on the island. The northeast trade winds bring heavy but brief rains.
There are no powerful hurricanes here.
Tourists are best to visit the country in February and March. During these months, comfortable dry weather is maintained, suitable for people to adapt to the subequatorial climate.
If you want to spend a holiday in cozy silence, it is better to plan a visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the summer or early autumn. During this period, there are few tourists here, and prices in hotels for accommodation and meals are much lower.
Finally
If you decide to visit the archipelago, you should immediately clarify: you can get to the islands from the CIS countries only by air via London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. The average flight duration is 20 hours. The cost of the flight (also including transfers) can vary from 80 to 300 thousand rubles. A day in a hotel is not cheap for tourists, but you can find hotels from 5,000 rubles / day. Such affordable prices are usually offered by two- and three-star hotels. However, the beauty you will see is worth the money spent.
