Quick Facts About Trinidad and Tobago
- Area: Trinidad and Tobago spans 5,128 square kilometers (1,980 square miles), with Trinidad at 4,828 sq km and Tobago a smaller 300 sq km. Nestled in the southern Caribbean, just 11 km from Venezuela, its twin-island layout boasts urban energy, lush rainforests, and pristine coastlines perfect for adventurers.
- Population: With around 1.4 million residents (2025 estimate), Trinidad houses 96% of the population, while Tobago hosts a quieter 4%. Port of Spain buzzes with urban life, contrasting Tobago’s tranquil villages, creating a dynamic blend that draws locals and tourists to experience both islands’ unique vibes.
- Ethnicity: Reflecting a rich history, the 2011 census lists 35.4% East Indian, 34.2% African, 15.3% mixed (other), 7.7% mixed (African/East Indian), and 1.3% other. This diversity, born from colonial pasts and indentured labor, shines through in vibrant traditions, cuisine, and the colorful tapestry of everyday life.
- Languages: English reigns as the official language, bridging diverse communities. Trinidadian Creole and Tobagonian Creole, rooted in African influences, dominate casual talk, while Trinidadian Hindustani (a Hindi dialect) echoes among Indo-Trinidadians, enriching the soundscape with a multilingual flair heard in markets and music.
- Cultural Highlight: Famous for Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago hosts a dazzling pre-Lent festival blending African rhythms, Indian tassa drums, and European masquerade flair. Known worldwide, it lures visitors with extravagant costumes, steelpan melodies, and street revelry, embodying the nation’s spirited, multicultural soul.
- Economy: Trinidad and Tobago thrives on a petroleum-driven economy, one of the Caribbean’s wealthiest. Oil and gas fuel prosperity, alongside tourism and manufacturing. Port of Spain’s skyline reflects this boom, while Tobago’s eco-tourism adds a green twist, balancing industry with natural allure for visitors.
- Wildlife: The islands teem with biodiversity—think scarlet ibises at Caroni Swamp or leatherback turtles nesting on Tobago’s shores. Rainforests harbor howler monkeys and ocelots, while coral reefs dazzle divers. This natural wealth makes T&T a haven for eco-tourists and nature lovers year-round.
- Climate: Enjoying a tropical climate, Trinidad and Tobago averages 25–32°C (77–90°F) with a wet season (June–December) and dry season (January–May). Humidity fuels lush greenery, while sunny beaches beckon travelers. It’s a year-round destination, with Carnival timing perfectly in the dry, festive months.