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Trinidad and Tobago Facts
- Water Visibility: top
The confluence of the strong Guyanese Current and the seasonal outflow of Venezuela's Orinoco River cause Tobago's waters to be rich in nutrients, making the vis variable, averaging between 50 and 80 feet. Can be far less following seasonal rains.
- History: top
The first people who lived on the islands were mostly from the Carib and Arawak tribes of native peoples. After Columbus landed on Trinidad in 1498, the island was ruled by Spain for 300 years. During that time not many Spanish people moved there, but many French people came to Trinidad to get away from the revolution in their country. Later the British took over the island and some British people moved there.
Most of the people of Trinidad and Tobago today are descended from Africans and Indians (from the country of India) who were brought to the islands to work on big plantations. Today about 40% of Trinidadians and Tobagonians are black and 40% are Indians. The rest are mostly whites, Chinese and native peoples.
The culture, traditions, and folk practices of Trinidad and Tobago reflect the diversity of peoples. As such, Trinidad and Tobago gained designation as the "cultural capital" of the Caribbean.
- Airports: top
Trinidad: Piarco International Airport, 17 miles (27 km) from Port of Spain (airport code "POS")
Tobago: Crown Point International Airport, 7 miles (10 km) from Scarborough (airport code "TAB")
- Business Hours: top
Retail Outlets: 0800-1600hrs on Monday to Thursday and Friday until 1800hrs. Retail outlets based at shopping malls remain open till 2100hrs.
Offices: 0800 - 1600hrs Monday to Friday.
Mail Service is available from 0800 - 2100hrs. at the Piarco Airport.
General offices operate from 0800 - 1530hrs. Duty free shopping is available at the Cruise Ship Complex, Piarco International Airport, and selected downtown Port of Spain shops.
- Customs: top
Travelers cheques and credit cards are accepted by most establishments. For Customs and Excise purposes only cash is accepted.
- Flora and Fauna: top
Over 260 species of birds breed in Trinidad and Tobago. Over 150 migrate here from North and South America. Over 430 species of birds, and over 600 species of butterflies have been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago. There is also an enormous variety of trees, orchids, shrubs, insects and other wildlife.
- Birdwatching: top
Birdwatching throughout Tobago is first-rate. There are formally-designated sanctuaries like Little Tobago Island, off the coast of Speyside, where the where you can see the White-Tailed Tropicbird soaring and gliding off the windswept cliffs; in March and April, it is possible to get close to the nests and observe the baby birds. Giles Islands, off the north tip of Tobago, is a protected breeding-ground for the magnificent Frigatebird or Man-O-War bird.
- Passport/Visa: top
Passports needed by citizens of Canada and the U.S. Sufficient funds and proof of onward passage required by all. There's an airport departure tax of TT$100, payable in cash. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.
- Government: top
Trinidad and Tobago achieved independence from Britain in 1962 followed by republican status in 1976. The twin-island nation is currently a member of the Commonwealth
Fully democratic elections are held every five (5) years, since 1956. Universal adult suffrage, with a minimum voting age of 18.
A Bicameral legislature exists with the President as Head of State, Executive power lies with Prime Minister and Cabinet:
Lower House (elected) - House of Representatives
Upper House (appointed) - Senate
The Tobago House of Assembly is responsible for administrative governance within Tobago. City and county councils are responsible for local governance.
http://www.gov.tt
- About Tobago: top
Tobago is really the last of the “unspoilt Caribbean.” This strip of elongated land just 41 by 14 kilometres, abounds with natural allure: palm-lined beaches, lush rain forests and pristine coral reefs.
The contrast of rolling hills against wave-beaten shores makes the island an unequalled beauty. The south (windward) coast is washed by the dark green, wave-whipped Atlantic and is lined with vibrant fishing villages while the north (leeward) coast provides Tobago with some of its finest beaches. In the main, the eastern landscape of the interior rises steeply into tall peaks, providing shelter for the oldest protected rainforest reserve in the western hemisphere.
- Carnival Dates: top
2003 3rd & 4th March
2004 23rd & 24th February
2005 7th & 8th February
2006 27th & 28th February
2007 19th & 20th February
2008 4th & 5th February
2009 23rd & 24th February
- Dress Code: top
Skimpy clothing is fine for the beach but nowhere else. Nude or topless sunbathing is against the law. Casual clothing is appropriate during the day and for evenings and at most restaurants. You'll notice that locals love to dress up, Trinidadians more than Tobagoans. Men may want to take along a coat and tie, several restaurants require them in the evening.
- Currency & Money: top
The TT dollar ($TT) is the national currency, although US currency, travelers checks, and credit cards are widely accepted. ($6TT = $1US).
- About Trinidad: top
In Trinidad you’ll not find your tailor-made tourist destination. Instead, you can chart your own adventure (with our help, of course!) with a choice of festivals, events and a host of other adrenaline-generating activities.
Port of Spain, the bustling capital, is filled with an enchanting myriad of art galleries and restaurants and other sites to satisfy your finer tastes.
If you prefer to be laid back, Trinidad also has its share of quiet quality. Once part of the South American mainland, the island, with its roughly rectangular shape that measures 37 miles (80km) by 50 miles (60 km), boasts of an ecological diversity unmatched in the Caribbean.
The north coast’s scenic beaches and sand provide the perfect atmosphere for seclusion, rest and recreation. Dominated by densely forested peaks, the northern interior offers excellent hiking trails, while the agricultural plains of central Trinidad provide a fascinating contrast.
The east coast features protected wetlands and miles of fine brown sand lined by groves of coconut palms. The island’s ‘southland’ is a friendly base from which to explore the island’s modern oil towns, picturesque fishing villages and calm deserted beaches.
- Driving: top
Visitors in possession of valid licenses issued in U.S., Canada, France, U.K., Germany and the Bahamas may drive for up to three months. International licenses are also accepted.
Drive on the Left: Thanks to our British heritage, we are supposed to drive on the left. Most of us observe this rule, but there are a few local drivers who prefer the middle of the road approach, even on blind corners. Approach corners warily, and when in doubt, sound your horn.
Watch out for animals: In rural areas, you may run into (literally) sheep or cows in the middle of the road. Chickens are everywhere, and rural areas are closer to the city center than you may believe.
What to do in case of an accident: Remain calm. Photograph the scene if possible. Otherwise, mark the position of the tires on the ground (scrape with a stone or chalk). Make sure that the other driver has done the same. Then you can move your vehicle to the side of the road. Call your rental agency, and report the accident to the nearest police station, even if the onlookers assure you that this is not necessary. Be sure to get the other driver's license plate number, and his insurance information.
Watch out for pedestrians: In many areas there are no sidewalks. Keep an eye out for pedestrians walking in the road, as well as for children playing - they may dart out suddenly.
- Taxis: top
Taxis and maxi-taxis (colour coded mini-buses) run on fixed routes and generally operate from designated stands. Fares range from TT$2 - TT$10 on average. Off route transfers usually cost more.
- Medical: top
Trinidad and Tobago have hospitals in Scarborough, Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Mount Hope. There are also numerous health centers and clinics.
- Climate: top
The average temperature in the summer ranges from a low of 74F to 95F with an average humidity of 85%. In the winter the average high temperature is 91F and a low of 70F with an average humidity of 80%.
The tropical climate is tempered by northeast trade winds. The dry season is from December to May, but it is hottest between June and October. The climate in Tobago is pleasant most of the year and although May, June and July can be wet at times, the differentiation between the wet and dry seasons is much less acute.
The best time to go is December-May, when it's coolest and the least rainy. Daytime temperatures will be in the 80s F/28-32 C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. Because of the trade winds, it rarely feels excessively hot. June-November is the rainy season, when the islands are subject to more clouds, rain and humidity. Both islands are usually outside the path of hurricanes. Take a sweater or jacket because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit.
Average yearly temperature is 78° F. From June through November expect frequent rainfall in short but strong bursts. Tobago is slightly cooler and less humid than Trinidad.
However, some months of the wet season can be very dry and some weeks of the dry season can be quite wet - it's never so easy to say ...
Required clothing: Tropical lightweights are required. Rainwear is advisable, especially for the wet season.
- Tipping: top
Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. If it isn't included, tip 10%-15%.
- Domestic Ferry Service: top
The Domestic Ferry Service is operated by the T&T Port Authority, providing transport for passengers, vehicles and cargo. Services include dining (on the Panorama) and bars.
Sailing Times:
Monday to Friday
Leave Port-of-Spain, Trinidad at 2:00 p.m
Leave Scarborough, Tobago at 11:00 p.m.
Sundays
Leave Port-of-Spain at 11:00 a.m.
Leave Scarborough at 11:00 p.m.
Special Sailings are scheduled during peak periods and Public Holidays. There is no sailing on Saturdays. The duration of the voyage to/from Tobago is approximately 5½ hours.
For further information call:
Port of Spain (868) 625-4906/3055
Tobago (868) 639-2417 (passengers)
(868) 639-2181 (cargo)
- Time Zone: top
Summer: EST (Eastern Standard Time), equivalent to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)-5 hours; Winter: EST+1, GMT-4. Daylight savings time is not observed in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Geography: top
Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands of the Caribbean archipelago, and are geologically an extension of the South American continent.
Trinidad is separated from Venezuela by the seven (7) mile (11km) straits of the Gulf of Paria.
Location: Latitude 11°N, Longitude 60°W
Physical Area: Fish-shaped, measures 26 miles (42 km) by 7 miles (10 km).
Total Area: 116 square miles (300km2)
Major Towns: Scarborough, Roxborough, Charlotteville
Trinidad and Tobago comprises 1,980 square miles (5128km2), about one and a half times the size of the state of Rhode Island. The territory enjoys a tropical climate with average maximum temperatures of 32°C, (89°F). Tobago's temperatures are cooler, owing to the more constant north east trade winds. There is a dry season from January to May and a wet season from June to December. Annual rainfall is about 200 cm (40 inches) over most of the country. Trinidad and Tobago is just south of the hurricane belt.
- Economy: top
Trinidad and Tobago has the most diversified and industrialised economy in the English-speaking Caribbean.
There are large reserves of petroleum and natural gas, and well developed heavy industries - iron and steel, methanol and nitrogenous fertilizers and petroleum products.
Air, sea and land transportation links are excellent, and telecommunications links with the Americas and Europe are completely modern.
During the 1970's, high world oil prices created a rapid expansion of the local economy, with real GDP growing by 72.5% between 1970 and 1977. These were the boom years in Trinidad and Tobago and much of the country's infrastructure was developed during this period. However, depressed oil prices coupled with high levels of public expenditure led to a prolonged period of economic contraction which began in 1988 and finally ended in 1993.
Now, after a period of radical economic adjustment under IMF and World Bank supervision, the government economic policy is well in line with prevailing market principles: trade liberalisation, open market-driven economy, rationalisation of the public sector, promotion of private enterprise and foreign investment, and development of exports and tourism.
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