Trinidad and Tobago - TT - TTO - TTO - Central America and the Caribbean
Last updated: April 11, 2024
Trinidad and Tobago Images
Trinidad Motmots, known for their colorful plumage and long tails, reside in the interior of lowland evergreen forests on Trinidad. Active in the early morning and the late afternoon, they feed on small prey such as insects and lizards as well as fruit. Motmots breed during the rainy season and during courtship the male offers flowers, leaves, twigs, or grass to the female. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Mary Hollinger.
![This space station photo of 18 January 2013, shows the north coast of Trinidad and a series of subtle, interacting arcs in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. These are known as "internal waves," the surface manifestation of slow waves that move tens of meters beneath the sea surface. Internal waves produce enough of an effect on the sea surface to be seen from space, but only where they are enhanced due to reflection of sunlight, or sunglint, back towards the space station.
The image shows at least three sets of internal waves interacting. The most prominent set (image top left) shows a packet of several waves moving from the northwest due to the tidal flow towards the north coast of Trinidad. Two less prominent, younger sets can be seen further out to sea. A very broad set enters the view from the north and northeast, and interacts at image top center with the first set. All the internal waves are probably caused by the shelf break near Tobago (outside the image to top right). The shelf break is the step between shallow seas (around continents and islands) and the deep ocean. It is the line at which tides usually start to generate internal waves.
Over the island of Trinidad, the heating of the land surface sets off the growth of cumulus clouds. Off the coast, a light blue northwest-southeast trending plume at image center is sediment embedded in the Equatorial Current (also known as the Guyana Current). The current is transporting material to the northwest - in almost the opposite direction of the internal waves. The current flows strongly from east to west around Trinidad, all the way from equatorial Africa, driven by year-round easterly winds. Seafarers in the vicinity of Trinidad are warned that the current - and its local reverse eddies - make navigation complicated and sometimes dangerous for smaller craft in these waters.
Astronauts also have observed internal waves in other parts of the world, such as San Francisco and the Straits of Gibraltar. Photo courtesy of NASA.](https://dev.me/media/factbook/td/TD_001_large.jpg "This space station photo of 18 January 2013, shows the north coast of Trinidad and a series of subtle, interacting arcs in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. These are known as "internal waves," the surface manifestation of slow waves that move tens of meters beneath the sea surface. Internal waves produce enough of an effect on the sea surface to be seen from space, but only where they are enhanced due to reflection of sunlight, or sunglint, back towards the space station.
The image shows at least three sets of internal waves interacting. The most prominent set (image top left) shows a packet of several waves moving from the northwest due to the tidal flow towards the north coast of Trinidad. Two less prominent, younger sets can be seen further out to sea. A very broad set enters the view from the north and northeast, and interacts at image top center with the first set. All the internal waves are probably caused by the shelf break near Tobago (outside the image to top right). The shelf break is the step between shallow seas (around continents and islands) and the deep ocean. It is the line at which tides usually start to generate internal waves.
Over the island of Trinidad, the heating of the land surface sets off the growth of cumulus clouds. Off the coast, a light blue northwest-southeast trending plume at image center is sediment embedded in the Equatorial Current (also known as the Guyana Current). The current is transporting material to the northwest - in almost the opposite direction of the internal waves. The current flows strongly from east to west around Trinidad, all the way from equatorial Africa, driven by year-round easterly winds. Seafarers in the vicinity of Trinidad are warned that the current - and its local reverse eddies - make navigation complicated and sometimes dangerous for smaller craft in these waters.
Astronauts also have observed internal waves in other parts of the world, such as San Francisco and the Straits of Gibraltar. Photo courtesy of NASA.")
This space station photo of 18 January 2013, shows the north coast of Trinidad and a series of subtle, interacting arcs in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. These are known as "internal waves," the surface manifestation of slow waves that move tens of meters beneath the sea surface. Internal waves produce enough of an effect on the sea surface to be seen from space, but only where they are enhanced due to reflection of sunlight, or sunglint, back towards the space station. The image shows at least three sets of internal waves interacting. The most prominent set (image top left) shows a packet of several waves moving from the northwest due to the tidal flow towards the north coast of Trinidad. Two less prominent, younger sets can be seen further out to sea. A very broad set enters the view from the north and northeast, and interacts at image top center with the first set. All the internal waves are probably caused by the shelf break near Tobago (outside the image to top right). The shelf break is the step between shallow seas (around continents and islands) and the deep ocean. It is the line at which tides usually start to generate internal waves. Over the island of Trinidad, the heating of the land surface sets off the growth of cumulus clouds. Off the coast, a light blue northwest-southeast trending plume at image center is sediment embedded in the Equatorial Current (also known as the Guyana Current). The current is transporting material to the northwest - in almost the opposite direction of the internal waves. The current flows strongly from east to west around Trinidad, all the way from equatorial Africa, driven by year-round easterly winds. Seafarers in the vicinity of Trinidad are warned that the current - and its local reverse eddies - make navigation complicated and sometimes dangerous for smaller craft in these waters. Astronauts also have observed internal waves in other parts of the world, such as San Francisco and the Straits of Gibraltar. Photo courtesy of NASA.
A view of Man-of-War Bay at Charlottesville, along the northern shore of Tobago. The large, horseshoe-shaped bay is fringed by a palm-studded, golden-sand beach with fine swimming. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Anthony R. Picciolo.
Sunset over Man-of-War Bay, Tobago. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Mary Hollinger.
Trinidad Motmots, known for their colorful plumage and long tails, reside in the interior of lowland evergreen forests on Trinidad. Active in the early morning and the late afternoon, they feed on small prey such as insects and lizards as well as fruit. Motmots breed during the rainy season and during courtship the male offers flowers, leaves, twigs, or grass to the female. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Mary Hollinger.
This space station photo of 18 January 2013, shows the north coast of Trinidad and a series of subtle, interacting arcs in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. These are known as "internal waves," the surface manifestation of slow waves that move tens of meters beneath the sea surface. Internal waves produce enough of an effect on the sea surface to be seen from space, but only where they are enhanced due to reflection of sunlight, or sunglint, back towards the space station. The image shows at least three sets of internal waves interacting. The most prominent set (image top left) shows a packet of several waves moving from the northwest due to the tidal flow towards the north coast of Trinidad. Two less prominent, younger sets can be seen further out to sea. A very broad set enters the view from the north and northeast, and interacts at image top center with the first set. All the internal waves are probably caused by the shelf break near Tobago (outside the image to top right). The shelf break is the step between shallow seas (around continents and islands) and the deep ocean. It is the line at which tides usually start to generate internal waves. Over the island of Trinidad, the heating of the land surface sets off the growth of cumulus clouds. Off the coast, a light blue northwest-southeast trending plume at image center is sediment embedded in the Equatorial Current (also known as the Guyana Current). The current is transporting material to the northwest - in almost the opposite direction of the internal waves. The current flows strongly from east to west around Trinidad, all the way from equatorial Africa, driven by year-round easterly winds. Seafarers in the vicinity of Trinidad are warned that the current - and its local reverse eddies - make navigation complicated and sometimes dangerous for smaller craft in these waters. Astronauts also have observed internal waves in other parts of the world, such as San Francisco and the Straits of Gibraltar. Photo courtesy of NASA.
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Trinidad and Tobago Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Candace A. BOND (since 8 December 2022)
embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain
mailing address: 3410 Port of Spain Place, Washington DC 20521-3410
telephone: (868) 622-6371
FAX: (868) 822-5905
email address and website:
ptspas@state.gov
https://tt.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain
mailing address: 3410 Port of Spain Place, Washington DC 20521-3410
telephone: (868) 622-6371
FAX: (868) 822-5905
email address and website:
ptspas@state.gov
https://tt.usembassy.gov/
Age structure
0-14 years: 19.04% (male 136,733/female 131,316)
15-64 years: 67.4% (male 482,427/female 466,200)
65 years and over: 13.56% (2023 est.) (male 88,531/female 102,253)
15-64 years: 67.4% (male 482,427/female 466,200)
65 years and over: 13.56% (2023 est.) (male 88,531/female 102,253)
This is the population pyramid for Trinidad and Tobago. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
11 00 N, 61 00 W
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2023 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2023 est.)
Natural hazards
outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Delaware
slightly smaller than Delaware
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (some age variations between services, reserves); no conscription (2023)
note: as of 2019, women comprised about 14% of the active duty military
note: as of 2019, women comprised about 14% of the active duty military
Background
First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The emancipation of enslaved people in 1834 disrupted the twin islands' sugar industry. Contract workers arriving from India between 1845 and 1917 augmented the labor force, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export that remains the dominant economic industry. Trinidad and Tobago attained independence in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tobago has greater tourism potential but continues to recover from an 18-month travel ban imposed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The government is struggling to reverse a surge in violent crime.
Environment - current issues
water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; widespread pollution of waterways and coastal areas; illegal dumping; deforestation; soil erosion; fisheries and wildlife depletion
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Population below poverty line
20% (2014 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: NA
highest 10%: NA
highest 10%: NA
Exports - commodities
ammonia, industrial alcohols, natural gas, crude petroleum, iron products, fertilizers, refined petroleum (2021)
Exports - partners
United States 37%, Guyana 6%, China 5%, Mexico 4%, Belgium 4% (2021)
Administrative divisions
9 regions, 3 boroughs, 2 cities, 1 ward
regions: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco
borough: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin
cities: Port of Spain, San Fernando
ward: Tobago
Agricultural products
poultry, fruit, coconuts, citrus fruit, milk, plantains, maize, oranges, eggs, gourds
Military and security forces
Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF): Army/Land Forces (Trinidad and Tobago Regiment), Coast Guard, Air Guard, Defense Force Reserves
Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) (2024)
note: the Ministry of National Security oversees both the TTDF and the TTPS
Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) (2024)
note: the Ministry of National Security oversees both the TTDF and the TTPS
Budget
revenues: $4.939 billion (2020 est.)
expenditures: $7.528 billion (2020 est.)
expenditures: $7.528 billion (2020 est.)
Capital
name: Port of Spain
geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name dates to the period of Spanish colonial rule (16th to late 18th centuries) when the city was referred to as "Puerto de Espana"; the name was anglicized following the British capture of Trinidad in 1797
geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name dates to the period of Spanish colonial rule (16th to late 18th centuries) when the city was referred to as "Puerto de Espana"; the name was anglicized following the British capture of Trinidad in 1797
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, iron, excavation machinery, ships, cars (2021)
Climate
tropical; rainy season (June to December)
Coastline
362 km
Constitution
history: previous 1962; latest 1976
amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, such as human rights and freedoms or citizenship, requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses and assent of the president; passage of amendments, such as the powers and authorities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and the procedure for amending the constitution, requires at least three-quarters majority vote by the House membership, two-thirds majority vote by the Senate membership, and assent of the president; amended many times, last in 2007
amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, such as human rights and freedoms or citizenship, requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses and assent of the president; passage of amendments, such as the powers and authorities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and the procedure for amending the constitution, requires at least three-quarters majority vote by the House membership, two-thirds majority vote by the Senate membership, and assent of the president; amended many times, last in 2007
Exchange rates
Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
6.754 (2022 est.)
6.759 (2021 est.)
6.751 (2020 est.)
6.754 (2019 est.)
6.771 (2018 est.)
Exchange rates:
6.754 (2022 est.)
6.759 (2021 est.)
6.751 (2020 est.)
6.754 (2019 est.)
6.771 (2018 est.)
Executive branch
chief of state: President Christine KANGALOO (since 20 March 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister Keith ROWLEY (since 9 September 2015)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among members of Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college of selected Senate and House of Representatives members for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 January 2023 (next to be held by February 2028); the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives as prime minister
election results:
2023: Christine KANGALOO elected president by the electoral college on 20 January 2023; electoral college vote Christine KANGALOO (PNM) 48, Israel KHAN (UNC) 22
2018: Paula-Mae WEEKES (independent) elected president; ran unopposed and was elected without a vote; she was Trinidad and Tabago's first female head of state
head of government: Prime Minister Keith ROWLEY (since 9 September 2015)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among members of Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college of selected Senate and House of Representatives members for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 January 2023 (next to be held by February 2028); the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives as prime minister
election results:
2023: Christine KANGALOO elected president by the electoral college on 20 January 2023; electoral college vote Christine KANGALOO (PNM) 48, Israel KHAN (UNC) 22
2018: Paula-Mae WEEKES (independent) elected president; ran unopposed and was elected without a vote; she was Trinidad and Tabago's first female head of state
Fiscal year
1 October - 30 September
Flag description
red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side to the lower fly side; the colors represent the elements of earth, water, and fire; black stands for the wealth of the land and the dedication of the people; white symbolizes the sea surrounding the islands, the purity of the country's aspirations, and equality; red symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun, the vitality of the land, and the courage and friendliness of its people
Illicit drugs
a transit point for drugs destined for Europe, North America, and the rest of the Caribbean; drug trafficking organizations use the country’s proximity to Venezuela, its porous borders, vulnerabilities at ports of entry, a limited law enforcement capacity and resources, and corruption
Independence
31 August 1962 (from the UK)
Industries
petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of the Judicature (consists of a chief justice for both the Court of Appeal with 12 judges and the High Court with 24 judges); note - Trinidad and Tobago can file appeals beyond its Supreme Court to the Caribbean Court of Justice, with final appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the parliamentary leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the Judicial Legal Services Commission, headed by the chief justice and 5 members with judicial experience; all judges serve for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65
subordinate courts: Courts of Summary Criminal Jurisdiction; Petty Civil Courts; Family Court
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the parliamentary leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the Judicial Legal Services Commission, headed by the chief justice and 5 members with judicial experience; all judges serve for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65
subordinate courts: Courts of Summary Criminal Jurisdiction; Petty Civil Courts; Family Court
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Land use
agricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est.)
arable land: 4.9% (2018 est.)
permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.)
permanent pasture: 1.4% (2018 est.)
forest: 44% (2018 est.)
other: 45.4% (2018 est.)
arable land: 4.9% (2018 est.)
permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.)
permanent pasture: 1.4% (2018 est.)
forest: 44% (2018 est.)
other: 45.4% (2018 est.)
Legal system
English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court
Legislative branch
description: bicameral Parliament consists of:
Senate (31 seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the president, and 6 by the opposition party; members serve 5-year terms;)
House of Representatives (42 seats; 41 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and the house speaker - usually designated from outside Parliament; members serve 5-year terms)
elections: Senate - last appointments on 28 August 2020 (next appointments in August 2025)
House of Representatives - last held on 10 August 2020 (next to be held in 2025)
election results:
Senate - percent by party - NA; seats by party - PNM 16, UNC 6, Independent 9; composition as of February 2024 - men 19, women 13, percent of women 40.6%
House of Representatives - percent by party - NA; seats by party - PNM 23, UNC 19; composition as of February 2024 - men 30, women 12, percent of women 28.6%; note - overall Parliament percent of women 33.8%
note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly (19 seats; 15 assemblymen directly elected by simple majority vote and 4 appointed councilors - 3 on the advice of the chief secretary and 1 on the advice of the minority leader; members serve 4-year terms)
Senate (31 seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the president, and 6 by the opposition party; members serve 5-year terms;)
House of Representatives (42 seats; 41 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and the house speaker - usually designated from outside Parliament; members serve 5-year terms)
elections: Senate - last appointments on 28 August 2020 (next appointments in August 2025)
House of Representatives - last held on 10 August 2020 (next to be held in 2025)
election results:
Senate - percent by party - NA; seats by party - PNM 16, UNC 6, Independent 9; composition as of February 2024 - men 19, women 13, percent of women 40.6%
House of Representatives - percent by party - NA; seats by party - PNM 23, UNC 19; composition as of February 2024 - men 30, women 12, percent of women 28.6%; note - overall Parliament percent of women 33.8%
note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly (19 seats; 15 assemblymen directly elected by simple majority vote and 4 appointed councilors - 3 on the advice of the chief secretary and 1 on the advice of the minority leader; members serve 4-year terms)
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99.2%
female: 98.7% (2015)
total population: 99%
male: 99.2%
female: 98.7% (2015)
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
International organization participation
ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 31 August (1962)
Nationality
noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)
adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian
note: Trinbagonian is used on occasion to describe a citizen of the country without specifying the island of origin
adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian
note: Trinbagonian is used on occasion to describe a citizen of the country without specifying the island of origin
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, asphalt
Geography - note
Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt
Economic overview
high-income Caribbean economy; major hydrocarbon exporter; key tourism and finance sectors; high inflation and growing public debt; long foreign currency access delays; large foreign reserves and sovereign wealth fund
Pipelines
257 km condensate, 11 km condensate/gas, 1,567 km gas, 587 km oil (2013)
Political parties and leaders
People's National Movement or PNM [Keith ROWLEY]
United National Congress or UNC [Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR]
Tobago People’s Party or Tobago [Farley AUGUSTINE]
United National Congress or UNC [Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR]
Tobago People’s Party or Tobago [Farley AUGUSTINE]
Ports and terminals
major seaport(s): Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port of Spain, Scarborough
oil terminal(s): Galeota Point terminal
LNG terminal(s) (export): Port Fortin
oil terminal(s): Galeota Point terminal
LNG terminal(s) (export): Port Fortin
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: excellent international service; good local service; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) markets; LTE launch; regulatory development; major growth in mobile telephony and data segments which attacks operation investment in fiber infrastructure; moves to end roaming charges (2020)
domestic: fixed-line is 21 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity 131 per 100 persons (2022)
international: country code - 1-868; landing points for the EC Link, ECFS, Southern Caribbean Fiber, SG-SCS and Americas II submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana (2020)
domestic: fixed-line is 21 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity 131 per 100 persons (2022)
international: country code - 1-868; landing points for the EC Link, ECFS, Southern Caribbean Fiber, SG-SCS and Americas II submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana (2020)
Terrain
mostly plains with some hills and low mountains
Government type
parliamentary republic
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago
etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the larger island "La Isla de la Trinidad" (The Island of the Trinity) on 31 July 1498 on his third voyage; the tobacco grown and smoked by the natives of the smaller island or its elongated cigar shape may account for the "tobago" name, which is spelled "tobaco" in Spanish
conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago
etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the larger island "La Isla de la Trinidad" (The Island of the Trinity) on 31 July 1498 on his third voyage; the tobacco grown and smoked by the natives of the smaller island or its elongated cigar shape may account for the "tobago" name, which is spelled "tobaco" in Spanish
Location
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Irrigated land
70 sq km (2012)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony Wayne Jerome PHILLIPS-SPENCER, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) (since 27 June 2016)
chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036-1975
telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490
FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130
email address and website:
embdcinfo@foreign.gov.tt
https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/embassy-washington-dc-us/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036-1975
telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490
FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130
email address and website:
embdcinfo@foreign.gov.tt
https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/embassy-washington-dc-us/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Internet country code
.tt
GDP (official exchange rate)
$30.054 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Trinidad and Tobago does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; officials implemented new standard operating procedures for victim referral and care, opened a government-funded and operated shelter for female child victims, provided the first government shelters for adult victims; and increased the size of the Counter-Trafficking Unit; officials took steps to prevent trafficking among vulnerable populations, including migrants, Cuban medical workers, and Venezuelan refugees and migrants; however, the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts, compared to the previous year, to expand its anti-trafficking capacity; courts have never convicted a trafficker under the 2011 anti-trafficking law, and corruption and complicity among officials, including at senior levels, inhibited law enforcement action; victim identification, referral, and services remained weak, and interagency coordination was poor; because the government has devoted significant resources to a written plan that, if implemented, would constitute significant efforts to meet the minimum standards, Trinidad and Tobago was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3; therefore, Trinidad and Tobago remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year (2023)
trafficking profile: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Trinidad and Tobago, and also exploit victims from Trinidad and Tobago abroad; the country serves as a transit point for Venezuelan refugees and migrants en route to Europe, North Africa, and elsewhere in the Caribbean who are at high risk for trafficking; sex trafficking is the most prevalent form of trafficking in the country, victimizing women and girls primarily from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Venezuela; however, the government reported an increase in male Venezuelan labor trafficking victims and domestic child sex trafficking victims; unaccompanied Venezuelan children are at risk for sex trafficking; Trinidad remains the primary hub for most sexual exploitation, but traffickers move some victims to Tobago during the tourist season; migrants from the Caribbean region and from Asia are at risk for forced labor in domestic service and the retail sector; traffickers also exploit victims from China, India, Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; migrants from the Caribbean region and Asia are at risk for forced labor in domestic service and the retail sector; LGBTQI+ persons are at risk for sex trafficking; Cuban medical professionals may have been forced to work in Trinidad and Tobago by the Cuban government; corruption by police, immigration and customs, and coast guard officials has been associated with facilitating labor and sex trafficking; transnational organized crime may increasingly be involved in trafficking; Trinidad and Tobago is a sex tourism destination, according to NGOs, and most sex tourists come from Canada, China, the US, and Western Europe (2023)
trafficking profile: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Trinidad and Tobago, and also exploit victims from Trinidad and Tobago abroad; the country serves as a transit point for Venezuelan refugees and migrants en route to Europe, North Africa, and elsewhere in the Caribbean who are at high risk for trafficking; sex trafficking is the most prevalent form of trafficking in the country, victimizing women and girls primarily from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Venezuela; however, the government reported an increase in male Venezuelan labor trafficking victims and domestic child sex trafficking victims; unaccompanied Venezuelan children are at risk for sex trafficking; Trinidad remains the primary hub for most sexual exploitation, but traffickers move some victims to Tobago during the tourist season; migrants from the Caribbean region and from Asia are at risk for forced labor in domestic service and the retail sector; traffickers also exploit victims from China, India, Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; migrants from the Caribbean region and Asia are at risk for forced labor in domestic service and the retail sector; LGBTQI+ persons are at risk for sex trafficking; Cuban medical professionals may have been forced to work in Trinidad and Tobago by the Cuban government; corruption by police, immigration and customs, and coast guard officials has been associated with facilitating labor and sex trafficking; transnational organized crime may increasingly be involved in trafficking; Trinidad and Tobago is a sex tourism destination, according to NGOs, and most sex tourists come from Canada, China, the US, and Western Europe (2023)
Credit ratings
Moody's rating: Ba1 (2017)
Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2020)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2020)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Total renewable water resources
3.84 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 53.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
6 free-to-air TV networks, 2 of which are state-owned; 24 subscription providers (cable and satellite); over 36 radio frequencies (2019)
Drinking water source
improved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "Forged From the Love of Liberty"
lyrics/music: Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE
note: adopted 1962; song originally created to serve as an anthem for the West Indies Federation; adopted by Trinidad and Tobago following the Federation's dissolution in 1962
lyrics/music: Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE
note: adopted 1962; song originally created to serve as an anthem for the West Indies Federation; adopted by Trinidad and Tobago following the Federation's dissolution in 1962
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Trinidad and Tobago. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
545,000 PORT-OF-SPAIN (capital) (2023)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Physicians density
4.48 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Hospital bed density
3 beds/1,000 population (2017)
National symbol(s)
scarlet ibis (bird of Trinidad), cocrico (bird of Tobago), Chaconia flower; national colors: red, white, black
Contraceptive prevalence rate
NA
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 78.9% (2017 est.)
government consumption: 16.4% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 8.2% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.6% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services: 45.4% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services: -48.7% (2017 est.)
government consumption: 16.4% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 8.2% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.6% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services: 45.4% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services: -48.7% (2017 est.)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 43.7
youth dependency ratio: 29.3
elderly dependency ratio: 16.8
potential support ratio: 7.4 (2021 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 29.3
elderly dependency ratio: 16.8
potential support ratio: 7.4 (2021 est.)
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
Population distribution
population on Trinidad is concentrated in the western half of the island, on Tobago in the southern half
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2021)
National air transport system
number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 19
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,525,130 (2018)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 41.14 million (2018) mt-km
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 19
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,525,130 (2018)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 41.14 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9Y
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 99.9% of population
unimproved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.)
rural: NA
total: 99.9% of population
unimproved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
East Indian 35.4%, African descent 34.2%, mixed - other 15.3%, mixed - African/East Indian 7.7%, other 1.3%, unspecified 6.2% (2011 est.)
Religions
Protestant 32.1% (Pentecostal/Evangelical/Full Gospel 12%, Baptist 6.9%, Anglican 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 4.1%, Presbyterian/Congregational 2.5%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 21.6%, Hindu 18.2%, Muslim 5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 8.4%, none 2.2%, unspecified 11.1% (2011 est.)
Languages
English (official), Trinidadian Creole English, Tobagonian Creole English, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Trinidadian Creole French, Spanish, Chinese
Imports - partners
United States 37%, China 9%, Mexico 6%, Brazil 5%, Canada 4% (2021)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin): 28,500 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum, are recognized as refugees, or have received alternative legal stay) (2021)
Disputes - international
none identified
Elevation
highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 83 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 83 m
Current health expenditure
7.3% of GDP (2020)
Military - note
the Police Service maintains internal security; the TTDF's primary responsibilities are conducting border and maritime security, assisting civil authorities in times of crisis or disaster, providing search and rescue services, and supporting law enforcement, particularly in countering gang-related crime and trafficking of narcotics and other illicit goods; the Coast Guard is responsible for maritime border security in places with no official ports of entry (2023)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 5,000 TTDF personnel (2023)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the TTDF's ground force inventory includes only light weapons, while the Coast Guard and Air Guard field mostly secondhand equipment from a mix of countries, including Australia, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US (2023)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 240 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 130 million cubic meters (202 est.)
agricultural: 20 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 130 million cubic meters (202 est.)
agricultural: 20 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 727,874 tons (2010 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 10.26 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 43.87 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 1.35 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 43.87 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 1.35 megatons (2020 est.)
Coal
production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)
consumption: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.)
exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)
imports: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.)
proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
consumption: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.)
exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)
imports: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.)
proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Natural gas
production: 30,886,691,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)
consumption: 16,247,415,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)
exports: 14,662,269,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)
imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
proven reserves: 298.063 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 16,247,415,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)
exports: 14,662,269,000 cubic meters (2020 est.)
imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
proven reserves: 298.063 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 81,000 bbl/day (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 35,500 bbl/day (2019 est.)
crude oil and lease condensate exports: 22,100 bbl/day (2018 est.)
crude oil and lease condensate imports: 64,700 bbl/day (2018 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 243 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 35,500 bbl/day (2019 est.)
crude oil and lease condensate exports: 22,100 bbl/day (2018 est.)
crude oil and lease condensate imports: 64,700 bbl/day (2018 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 243 million barrels (2021 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.8 (2023 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
48.6% (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.68% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.96% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.93% of GDP (2020 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.96% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.93% of GDP (2020 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
675,000 (2022 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 12.7% (2021 est.)
male: 12.8%
female: 12.6%
male: 12.8%
female: 12.6%
Net migration rate
-1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Median age
total: 38 years (2023 est.)
male: 37.5 years
female: 38.4 years
male: 37.5 years
female: 38.4 years
Debt - external
$8.238 billion (31 December 2017 est.)
$8.746 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
$8.746 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
27 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$6.832 billion (2022 est.)
$6.88 billion (2021 est.)
$6.954 billion (2020 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$6.88 billion (2021 est.)
$6.954 billion (2020 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Refined petroleum products - imports
0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Public debt
41.8% of GDP (2017 est.)
37% of GDP (2016 est.)
37% of GDP (2016 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.63 children born/woman (2023 est.)
Military expenditures
1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1% of GDP (2020 est.)
1% of GDP (2019 est.)
1% of GDP (2018 est.)
1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1% of GDP (2020 est.)
1% of GDP (2019 est.)
1% of GDP (2018 est.)
Unemployment rate
3.81% (2022 est.)
4.45% (2021 est.)
4.21% (2020 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
4.45% (2021 est.)
4.21% (2020 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
1,407,460 (2023 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)
-8.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Internet users
total: 1.185 million (2021 est.)
percent of population: 79% (2021 est.)
percent of population: 79% (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
39.652 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.631 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 35.011 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.631 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 35.011 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Area
total: 5,128 sq km
land: 5,128 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 5,128 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
16.55% (of GDP) (2019 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$35.667 billion (2022 est.)
$35.146 billion (2021 est.)
$35.514 billion (2020 est.)
note: data in 2017 dollars
$35.146 billion (2021 est.)
$35.514 billion (2020 est.)
note: data in 2017 dollars
Airports
3 (2024)
Infant mortality rate
total: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2023 est.)
male: 17.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 1,999,029 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 131 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 131 (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
5.83% (2022 est.)
2.06% (2021 est.)
0.6% (2020 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
2.06% (2021 est.)
0.6% (2020 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Refined petroleum products - exports
106,100 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Current account balance
$5.382 billion (2022 est.)
$2.695 billion (2021 est.)
-$1.356 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$2.695 billion (2021 est.)
-$1.356 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$23,300 (2022 est.)
$23,000 (2021 est.)
$23,400 (2020 est.)
note: data in 2017 dollars
$23,000 (2021 est.)
$23,400 (2020 est.)
note: data in 2017 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 376,771 (2020 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 27 (2020 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 27 (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.6% (2016)
Death rate
8.5 deaths/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Birth rate
10.6 births/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 2.123 million kW (2020 est.)
consumption: 8,213,020,000 kWh (2019 est.)
exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)
imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 424 million kWh (2019 est.)
consumption: 8,213,020,000 kWh (2019 est.)
exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)
imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 424 million kWh (2019 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 102 (2023)
by type: general cargo 1, other 101
by type: general cargo 1, other 101
Imports
$10.694 billion (2022 est.)
$8.636 billion (2021 est.)
$6.785 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$8.636 billion (2021 est.)
$6.785 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$17.584 billion (2022 est.)
$11.542 billion (2021 est.)
$6.44 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$11.542 billion (2021 est.)
$6.44 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 326,483 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2022 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production
134,700 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 5.81 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.65 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.65 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 76.2 years (2023 est.)
male: 74.3 years
female: 78.2 years
male: 74.3 years
female: 78.2 years
Real GDP growth rate
1.48% (2022 est.)
-1.04% (2021 est.)
-9.08% (2020 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
-1.04% (2021 est.)
-9.08% (2020 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
3.18% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0.4% (2017 est.)
industry: 47.8% (2017 est.)
services: 51.7% (2017 est.)
industry: 47.8% (2017 est.)
services: 51.7% (2017 est.)
Revenue from forest resources
0.05% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
4.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
0.12% (2023 est.)