Trinidad and Tobago: An Overview
What is the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago? Find out below!
 chaconia
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a country in the Caribbean. The nation is made up of two large islands - Trinidad and Tobago - and 21 smaller islands. The capital city of Trinidad and Tobago is Port of Spain, although the largest city is San Fernando. The population of Trinidad and Tobago is about 1.4 million - 96% of people live on the larger island of Trinidad, with only about 4% living in Tobago. The currency of Trinidad and Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar.
Humans first came to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago around 7000 years ago. After Europeans arrived in 1498, the country was at different times controlled by Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Britain. It was the site of slave plantations, and after the abolition of slavery large numbers of Indians were brought to the country. The majority of the population today is of either African or Indian descent. Trinidad and Tobago became independent from Great Britain in 1962. Trinidad and Tobago is a republic, with a Parliament, President and Prime Minister. The currency of Trinidad and Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar, and the national flower is the chaconia, or wild poinsettia. |
 Carnival
The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English, and the most common varieties spoken are Trinidadian Creole and Tobagonian Creole. These varieties contain elements of several African languages, French, and Hindi, and are usually spoken in informal situations. Standard Trinidadian and Tobagonian English is used for writing and in more formal situations. Learners of English should not worry, because these all can be understood by speakers of international English.
Trinidad and Tobago is a developed nation and has a strong economy. It has a large amount of natural resources, especially oil and gas, and is one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the Caribbean. It also has a stable and strong tourism industry. The culture of Trinidad and Tobago is a mix of African, Indian, European and other cultures, and there are a wide variety of festivals and events that reflect this, such as Carnival. There is wide-spread gender equality, with the country ranking around 37th in the world (Japan, in comparison, is 120th). With unique music and unique cuisine, the nation is a great one to visit! |
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