A Guide to Investing in Trinidad and Tobago (2011) - Ministry of ...

Introducing Trinidad & Tobago
T
he Republic of Trinidad and Tobago comprises
the two most southerly isles of the
Caribbean archipelago. A former British colony,
Trinidad and Tobago gained independence
on August 31, 1962 and later became a republic
on August 1, 1976.
Trinidad is 4,828 sq km (1,864 sq mi) 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. The island
of Trinidad has three (3) mountain ranges. The Northern
Range with the highest point, El Cerro del Aripo,
at 940 metres (3,084 ft) above sea level, is an extension
of the Andes mountain chain. It runs along the
northern coast of the island and is home to the majority
of Trinidad’s lush rainforest and a number of wild
species eagerly sought by nature lovers. The Central
Range, runs diagonally across the island, consisting
of flat plains where sugar cane and other cash crops
are grown. The Southern Range, featuring rolling hills,
runs along the southern coast of the island, and is
home to the La Brea Pitch Lake, from which asphalt
is produced.
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 is tourism dependent with
the famous Buccoo Reef being the star attraction.
Trinidad is home to 95% of the total population of 1.3
million people and the balance resides in Tobago.
Geography
Islands’ Geographic Coordinates:
Latitude 10 1/2° N,
Longitude 61 1/2° W
Trinidad & Tobago is approximately:
• 613 km (381 miles) from Caracas
Flying time: 1.2 hours
• 2598 km (1614 miles) from Miami
Flying time: 3.75 hours
• 3200 km (1988 miles) from New York
Flying time: 4.8 hours
• 4000 km (2486 miles) from Toronto
Flying time: 5.5 hours
• 6400 km (3977 miles) from London
Flying time: 8.7 hours
Climate
Trinidad and Tobago offers a marine, tropical climate,
with sunny weather throughout. 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 but Tobago can experience inclement
weather as a result of such weather systems.
History
Before the arrival of Columbus in 1498 the islands
were inhabited by Amerindian tribes - mainly the
Caribs and the Arawaks. Though the descendents
of those indigenous inhabitants have dwindled in
numbers, many aspects of Amerindian culture were
preserved, and many towns, rivers and boroughs are
named with Amerindian words. The island was settled
by the Spanish in the late 1500’s. Although it attracted
French, free Black, and other non-Spanish settlers,
Trinidad remained under Spanish rule until the British
captured it in 1797. During the colonial period,
Trinidad’s economy relied on large sugar and cocoa
plantations.
Tobago’s development was quite different from Trinidad’s.
During the colonial period, French, Dutch, and
British forces fought for possession of the island,
which changed hands twenty-two (22) times - more
often than any other West Indian island. Tobago was
finally ceded to Great Britain in 1814. Trinidad and Tobago
was incorporated into a single colony in 1888.
A Guide to Investing in Trinidad and Tobago (2011) 7
Section 3