The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean Sea, lying northeast of Venezuela and south of Grenada. The difference between both of the islands is visible on the first view from the plane window.

Trinidad, the larger of the islands, is mainly flat and rolling with mountains in the north comparing with smaller Tobago, heavily forested with hardwood trees. The country consists of these 2 main islands and 21 smaller ones.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, and so you can see in the Port of Spain – the island’s modern capital, full of glitter and bustle.

Trinidad – energetic heart of the islands

Trinidad, the larger and livelier of the islands, is an industrial giant boasting exciting nightlife. It is the place where most of the activities take place and location where most major cities ad towns of Trinidad and Tobago are situated. Yet the other world exists just behind the Port of Spain border, where lush green hills reign. The home of the various exotic species also can be found in the central area of the island, in the Caroni swamp.

Tobago – serene soul of archipelado

Tobago, the smaller sister isle of Trinidad, is the ideal place to relax. Every traveler and nature lover will be blessed with azure blue seas, pale pink sand beaches and golden sunsets. The island is beautiful, fertile and tranquil, with its calm waters, coral reefs and rainforests. This tiny island is slow-paced area, where you feel like the time has stopped. Tobago is typical for its tall peaks in the eastern interiors which contrast with lower lying lands that also include a protected reserve area.

Brief history

The history of Trinidad & Tobago has been one of invasion and conquest since its discovery by Christopher Columbus, who claimed it for Spain in 1498. But in reality, the Trinidad and Tobago islands where already occupied by Amerindian tribes of the Arawaks and Caribs. It remained in Spanish hands until 1802, when it became a British colony. And finally, in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago achieved the independence from England and became the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago few years later.

Trinis and their culture

Trinidadians and Tobagonians, as the people of Trinidad and Tobago are officially referred to, are mostly called Trinbagonians or just shortly Trinis. Around 1.3 million inhabitants is living on the islands, 96% of them live on the Trinidad and remaining 4% on Tobago Island. The only official language is English, but traditional Bhojpuri (locally known as Hindi) is spoken by few groups of people living on the island, but is widely used in music. Trinidad and Tobago is a birthplace of calypso music and the steelpan. The contributions of the different ethnic groups that settled in these islands have combined and created a rich inheritance in the realms of music, dance, art and cuisine, making Trinidad and Tobago a hot spot for culture in the Caribbean.