Property frontiers

Trinidad And Tobago:
Country Guide

trinidad and tobago - general country guide

Sample

Map

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Summary Data

summary data
Total Area (km²)	5,128
Land (km²)	5,128
Water (km²)	0
Population	1,047,366
Population Density (/km²)	204
Capital	Port of Spain
Religion (%)	Roman Catholic 26% Hindu 22.5% Anglican 7.8% Baptist 7.2% Pentecostal 6.8% Muslim 5.8% Seventh Day Adventist 4% Other Christian 5.8% Other 10.8% Unspecified 1.4% None 1.9%
Time	GMT -1
Climate	Tropical. Rainy season is June to December.

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Geography

Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic republic made up of twenty three islands situated in the southern Caribbean. Trinidad is the more inhabited and livelier island whereas Tobago is quieter and more peaceful. The two islands are connected by a two hour boat service or a short fifteen minute flight. Trinidad contains three mountain ranges which dominates various parts of the island. There are also many rivers and streams which run throughout the island, the Ortoire River is the main river on the island. Tobago is the northern island and very mountainous. It is classed as a volcanic island although it contains no active volcanoes. As the smaller quiet island it boasts many beautiful un-spoilt beaches and large areas of rainforest.

Government

The government is known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and is a parliamentary democracy with a system based on that of Westminster. President George Maxwell Richards is the Chief of state and Prime Minister Patrick Manning is the head of government.

Language

English is the official language in Trinidad and Tobago although most of the local people speak Caribbean Hindustani which is a dialect of Hindi. In commercial and built up tourist areas some nationals speak French, Spanish and Chinese.

Electricity

115 volts, Plugs are of a flat blade plug.

Passports/Visa

Passports

Passports are required by all nationals who are sixteen years old and over. The passports have to be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

Visas

Visas are required by all nationals except nationals of EU countries, Canada and the USA who wish to stay in the country for more than three months, a visa is then required. Nationals of Commonwealth countries which exclude Australia, Bonaire, Cameroon, India, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tuvalu, and Uganda can visit the islands for a maximum stay of three months without a visa. Nationals of Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Colombia, Curacao, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, Saba, Surinam, St. Eustatius, St Maarten, Switzerland, and Turkey can also only visit the islands for a maximum stay of three months without a visa. Nationals of Korea can visit for stays of up to ninety days without a visa.

Passport/Visa Information

Trinidad & Tobago Embassy

42 Belgrave Square

London SW1X 8NT

Telephone: 020 7245 9351

Fax: 020 7823 1065

Airports and Airlines

Piarco International Airport (POS)

Location: The airport is located 25 km (16 miles) from Port of Spain on the island of Trinidad.
Contacts: Tel: +868 669-2288.
Time: GMT -4.
Transfer to the city: There are taxi services available at the airport but it is advised to book in advance.
Car rental: There are a several car hire companies that operate at the airport.
Facilities: The airport has banks, restaurants, duty free shops, souvenir and retail shops and a Bureau de Change.
Parking: Parking is available.
Website: www.trinidadairport.com

Standard of Living

Trinidad and Tobago enjoy a fairly high standard of living; this is due to the government's plans to develop the islands' tourist industry. Infrastructure has been improved and unemployment is being tackled. With more money coming into the country the standard of living will continue to improve.

Principal commercial centres and towns

Port of Spain is the capital city, situated on the island of Trinidad. Scarborough is the main city of Tobago and the most commercialized area on the island.