Trinidad and Tobago are a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, hosts a boisterous carnival featuring calypso and soca music. Numerous bird species inhabit sanctuaries such as the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The smaller island of Tobago is known for its beaches and the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which shelters hummingbirds. It is a rugged area of hills and peaks with the highest point being El Cerro del Aripo at 940 m (3,084 ft) high. The island has numerous small rivers and streams, and its coastline is ringed by bays, beaches and a narrow coastal plain that rises into the hills.
Key Cities
Key cities in Trinidad and Tobago include Chaguanas, Mon Repos, San Fernando, Port of Spain, Rio Claro, Arima, Marabella, Laventille, Point Fortin, Tunapuna, Scarborough.
Historical, Cultural facts & Religion
The history of Trinidad and Tobago begins with the settlements of the islands by Amerindians, specifically the Island Carib and Arawak peoples. Trinidad remained in Spanish hands until 1797, but it was largely settled by French colonists. The distinct cultures that have a major influence on the culture of Trinidad and Tobago are Indian, African, Portuguese, Amerindian, Spanish, Chinese, and others. The country’s links with the United Kingdom have left a major impact on its culture, and English is widely spoken across the nation.
Brief Country History
Originally, the island of Trinidad was populated by the Igneri, a part of Arawak Indian peoples, who are peace-loving cultivators of land and the Caribs, who were gatherers and quite a fierce tribe.
On July 31, 1498, Christopher Columbus, already on his third expedition, alighted on the coasts of Trinidad. Soon after, Spain colonized the island and by year 1532, the empire had already appointed someone to govern the territory. It was a time when the slave trade was rampant and while the original settlers of the island were either overworked to death or banished from their homeland, African slaves were shipped in Trinidad. By the 17th century, the island once again suffered from invasions, this time from the Dutch and the French. During the French revolution, numerous French families from the other islands of the West Indies came to Trinidad. Sometime within the revolution, February 1797 to be exact, Trinidad yielded to the British and in 1802, formalized by the Treaty of Amiens, the island was surrendered to Great Britain. In 1833, slavery was abolished and decades after that, Muslim and Hindu Indians arrived in Trinidad and were made to work in place of the slaves in British plantations.
The isle of Tobago, initially occupied by the Caribs, was sighted in 1498 likewise by Columbus. The island experienced consecutive wars and conquests by the Spanish, British, Dutch, and French until 1814. During this time, the Napoleonic wars concluded and France had to let the island go in favor of Britain. Tobago was then made a part of the Windward Islands Colony up until 1889, when it was officially joined to Trinidad.
Trinidad and Tobago formally became an independent state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, on Aug. 31, 1962. During this period, the People’s National Movement (PNM) took over. In 1967, the joint islands became part of the Organization of American States and soon after, it formed the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA), now known as the Caribbean Common Market.
In September 1976, then Prime Minister Williams produced a new constitution giving birth to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Language (s) Written & Spoken
English is the official language in Trinidad and Tobago. The other popular languages spoken in the country include Trinidadian English Creole, Tobagonian Creole, and Trinidadian Hindustani.
Important Types of Commerce in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago are the Caribbean’s largest economy, having a Gross Domestic Product of $30.12 billion. The country’s small population translates to a high GDP per capita of $32,637, the third-highest in North and South America, and only surpassed by Canada and the United States. The country has an industrial economy, something that is uncharacteristic to Caribbean countries. Some of the major industries in the country are its energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism industries, whose products form the bulk of the country’s annual exports. The economy is mainly reliant on its natural resources, as the country sits on the Caribbean’s largest reserves of petroleum and natural gas. The country has a low unemployment rate, relative to the region, of 4.4%. While heavy industry and mining are the biggest industries in the country, it is the service industry that is the most important employer in the country, representing about 63% of the nation’s labor force. Excellent business policies from the government, plus good infrastructure in the country have made Trinidad and Tobago popular in attracting foreign investments.
Language Services US and others will provide working with Trinidad and Tobago
Exporting products from Trinidad and Tobago acts as one of the major contributions to its GDP. Success in export & international trade relies on clear communication. Culturally effective interpretation and the translation is essential for building respectful, confident and resilient business relationships. Clients exporting from Trinidad and Tobago and internationally will add value to their export propositions when utilizing A Trinidadian English Creole and Tobagonian Creole language services. Misunderstanding on labeling or certifications during export & international trade can result in a loss of a shipment, particularly with perishable goods that are time-sensitive. In an industry where time is of the essence and accuracy is essential, Professional translation and interpretation can help you avoid these mistakes.
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