Friday, July 17, 2009

Trinidad and Tobago

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (pronounced /ˈtrɪnɨdæd ən təˈbeɪɡoʊ/) is an archipelagic state[3] in the southern Caribbean, lying northeast of the South American country of Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. It shares maritime boundaries with other nations including Barbados to the northeast, Guyana to the southeast, and Venezuela to the south and west.[4][5] The country covers an area of 5,128 square kilometres (1,980 sq mi) and consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and numerous smaller landforms. Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the main islands; Tobago is much smaller, comprising about 6% of the total area and 4% of the population. The nation lies outside the hurricane belt.

Unlike most of the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago's economy is primarily industrial-based, with an emphasis on petroleum and petrochemicals. It is an independent Caribbean country, with a good standard of living and high literacy rates.

Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its pre-Lenten festival known as Carnival and as the birthplace of steelpan, calypso, soca, and limbo.

Contents

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Together we aspire, together we achieve"
Anthem: Forged from the Love of Liberty
Capital Port of Spain
10°40′N 61°31′W / 10.667°N 61.517°W / 10.667; -61.517
Largest city San Fernando[1]
Official languages English
Ethnic groups Africans, Indians, Venezuelans, Spaniards, French Creoles, Portuguese, Chinese, Britons, Lebanese, Syrians, Caribs, Italians
Demonym Trinidadian, Tobagonian (official)
Trini (slang)
Trinbagonian (slang)
Government Parliamentary republic
- President George Maxwell Richards
- Prime Minister Patrick Manning
Independence
- from the United Kingdom 31 August 1962
Area
- Total 5,128 km2 (172nd)
1,978 sq mi
- Water (%) negligible
Population
- July 2005 estimate 1,305,000 (152nd)
- Density 207.8/km2 (47th)
538.6/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2008 estimate
- Total $27.038 billion[2]
- Per capita $20,723[2]
GDP (nominal) 2008 estimate
- Total $24.806 billion[2]
- Per capita $19,012[2]
HDI (2007) 0.814 (high) (57th)
Currency Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)
Time zone (UTC-4)
Drives on the left
Internet TLD .tt
Calling code +1-868

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