Fast Facts on Trinidad & Tobago Located at the gateway to the Caribbean, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is renowned for its industrialised, energy export-driven economy; vibrant culture, and multiethnic society. T&T is a leading regional economy with an international presence in the oil and gas-based energy industry, and a profitable and productive services sector. T&T is also pursuing a policy of economic diversification and is investing in several other sectors. Trade, investment and innovation are also policy priorities of this two-island nation as it continues on its path to developed nation status. Geography and Location Trinidad – Once attached to the South American mainland, Trinidad is situated 12 km (7 miles) northeast of the coast of Venezuela, and is separated from it by the Gulf of Paria. Trinidad has three mountain ranges: the Northern Range, the Central Range and the Southern Range. The highest point, El Cerro del Aripo, is 940 metres (3,084 ft) above sea level. About 40% of all land is undeveloped forest and woodlands, although the island is experiencing rapid development. Trinidad’s Pitch Lake is the largest natural reservoir of asphalt. Total Area: 4,828 sq km (1,864 sq miles) 81.25 km long by 57-73 km wide (50 miles by 35-45 miles) Location: Latitude 10.5° N Longitude 61.5° W Tobago – Tobago 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 coral line. 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. Total Area: 300 sq km (116 sq miles) Location: Latitude 11.5° N Longitude 60.5° W Climate Trinidad and Tobago has a tropical climate. Daytime temperatures average 310C (870F) and are moderated by the northeast trade winds, while nights are a cool 210C (690F). The islands have 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. Trinidad and Tobago are just outside the usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms, but Tobago can experience inclement weather as a result of such weather systems. People and Society Population: 1.3 million Ethnic Groups: Indian (South Asian) 40.3% African 39.6% Mixed 18.4% European 0.6% Chinese and Other 1.1% Average Life Expectancy: 70.3%
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Median Age (2013 estimate): 33.9 (male 33.4, female 34.4) Population Growth Rate: -0.09% (2013 estimate) Birth Rate: 14.07 births/1,000 Population (2013 estimate) Time Zone Greenwich Mean Time: Minus four hours In US Winter: Eastern Standard Time plus one hour (EST +1) In US Summer: Eastern Standard Time (EST) There is no daylight savings time. 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. The local government body in Tobago is the Tobago House of Assembly and its seat is in the capital city, Scarborough. Head of State: President Anthony Carmona. Head of Government: Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley. Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly: Chief Secretary, Orville London. http://www.thepresidency.tt/ http://www.opm.gov.tt/; http://www.tha.gov.tt/ Economic Data T&T’s energy sector remained an important contributor, accounting for around 42.1% of the country’s GDP in 2014. The services sector, however, with the government’s impetus to diversification, has been playing an increasingly important role, contributing approximately 57.1% to the annual GDP. Exchange Rate: TTD 6.3 : USD 1 (May 2015) GDP: TTD 179,842 (Millions) GDP Per Capita: TTD 133,677 Labour Force: 658,600 Unemployment Rate: 3.3% (2014) Inflation Rate: 5.5% (May 2015) Major Exports: Natural gas and oil, ammonia, alcohol, fertilizers, iron and steel. Major Trading Partners: US, CARICOM, Spain, Mexico, France, UK, China, Venezuela, Japan, Nigeria, The Netherlands, Dominican Republic. Banking Number of Commercial Banks: 8 Number of Branches: 133 Prime Lending Rate: 7.5% (2014 estimate) Number of Automatic banking machines (ABMs): 254 Bank Hours of Operation: City Centres – Monday to Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday – 8:00 a.m. to noon & 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bank Hours of Operation: Shopping Centres – 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Places and Conference Centres Trinidad and Tobago is one of the top five Caribbean meeting and conference destinations. Many hotels have facilities for conferences, including international brands such as the Hyatt Regency Trinidad and the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre. In addition there are award-winning spots like Coco Reef Resort in Tobago and the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort which are ideal for corporate meetings and team-building retreats. T&T is host to over 84,000 business travellers annually. The Tourism Development Company Limited comprises a Convention Bureau department within its organisational structure. http://www.tdc.co.tt/ Business Hours Offices: Monday to Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Government Offices: Monday to Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (City Centres): Monday to Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday – 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Retail (Shopping Centres): Monday to Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Legal System The legal system is based on common law and statutes. The judicial system comprises magistrates’ courts and the Supreme Court, which is made up of the High Court and the Court of Appeal. There is a separate Industrial Court that deals with most labour matters. The Judicial and Legal Service Commission appoints judges of the Supreme Court. The Attorney General is responsible for the administration of the legal and judicial system. http://www.ag.gov.tt/ http://www.legalaffairs.gov.tt/ http://www.moj.gov.tt/ Education The educational system is based on the British system and produces one of the highest standards of education in the Caribbean. The estimated literacy rate is over 98%. 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, urology and orthopaedics work both in private practice and healthcare facilities. Medical services are free at the governmentfunded 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. The new Scarborough hospital was opened in Tobago in 2012. http://www.health.gov.tt/
FAST FACTS ON TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ...................................................................................................................