What to Know Before Visiting Trinidad and Tobago?

Country Facts:
 Trinidad is the birthplace of the steel pan. Steel Pan, the national instrument of
Trinidad and Tobago is the only acoustic musical instrument to be invented in the
20th  Century.
 Tobago has the Largest Brain Coral in the World – A majestic world can be
discovered all with a breath and dive.
 The name ‘Tobago’ allegedly comes from the islands resemblance to a tobacco
pipe often used by locals!
 Trinidad Island is home to Pitch Lake, the world’s largest natural deposit of
asphalt. It covers an incredible 99 acres!
 Grande Rivière (in northeast Trinidad) is the second largest leatherback turtle
nesting site in the world, with 18% of the total global population nesting here.
 Sir David Attenborough filmed many bird sequences from his acclaimed
documentary The Trials of Life here in Trinidad.
 The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper was ranked as the world’s hottest pepper
by the Guinness Book of Records.
 The name originally given to Trinidad by the First People was “Iere” (though
others say it was “Kairi”) — a word which some say means “Land of the
Hummingbird” (other says it just means “island”).
 Trinidadian Dr Joseph Lennox Pawan discovered the transmission of rabies by
vampire bats to humans in 1933, leading to the development of a vaccine for the
virus.
Source:
1. https://www.destinationtnt.com/blog/17-interesting-facts-any-visitor-should-know-
about-trinidad-and-tobago/
2. https://facts.uk/20-terrific-facts-about-trinidad-and-tobago/
3. https://www.discovertnt.com/articles/trinidad-tobago-did-you-
know#axzz6OTAjpIQ4

Country Flag:
Capital: Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago.
Government: The politics of Trinidad and Tobago function within the framework of a
unitary state regulated by a parliamentary democracy modelled on that of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, from which the country gained its
independence in 1962. Under the 1976 republican Constitution, the British monarch was
replaced as head of state by a President chosen by an electoral college composed of
the members of the bicameral Parliament, consisting of the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago
Prime Minister: Keith Rowley is Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago since 2015.
Economy: The economy of Trinidad and Tobago is the wealthiest in the Caribbean and
the third-richest by GDP (PPP) per capita in the Americas. Trinidad and Tobago is
recognised as a high-income economy by the World Bank. Unlike most of the English-
speaking Caribbean, the country's economy is primarily industrial, with an emphasis on
petroleum and petrochemicals. The country's wealth is attributed to its large reserves
and exploitation of oil and natural gas. For the 2018 estimate, GDP per capita in
Trinidad and Tobago will be $32284 in PPP per capita and $16378 in nominal per
capita.
Population: The population of Trinidad and Tobago was estimated to be 1.39 million in
2018.
Religion by Percentage:  According to the 2011 Census, 33.4% of the population was
Protestant (including 12.0% Pentecostal, 5.7% Anglican, 4.1% Seventh-day Adventist,
3.0% Presbyterian or Congregational, 1.2% Baptist, and 0.1% Methodist), 21.5% was
Roman Catholic, 14.1% was Hindu and 8% were Muslim.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Trinidad_and_Tobago

Top Trinidad and Tobago Foods: Roti, doubles, curries and more — Trinidad's best
foods are loaded with flavor and pack on the taste. Check out these top 10 must-try
Trini dishes from writer Ann Vanderhoof's delicious tour of local Trinidad cuisine. Below
are top “must try” dishes for visitors to Trinidad and Tobago:

 Pholourie: Pholourie is a Trini appetizer or a snack that is traditionally prepared

and served at religious gatherings or birthday parties. This fritter is made with a
split pea batter that is seasoned with hot peppers and various spices. The batter
is dropped into hot oil and fried until it develops a golden brown color. Pholouries
can also be found at numerous bakeries throughout the island. The snacks are
typically served with sauces or chutneys on the side.

 Coconut bake: Coconut bake is a popular Trini bread characterized by its dense
yet light texture. It consists of flour, coconut milk, grated coconut, butter, and
brown sugar. The bread is traditionally flat and round, and it is served with
saltfish, tomatoes, butter, and cheese.

 Saltfish Buljol: Saltfish buljol is a spicy Trini dish made by soaking and boiling
pieces of salted fish, then blending them with tomatoes, hot peppers, sweet
peppers, onions, and oil. The dish is most commonly enjoyed as a hearty
breakfast, when it is placed into a type of bread called bake, creating a sandwich
in the process. Saltfish buljol is often paired with provisions (Trini term for boiled
 root vegetables) on the side, and the dish is often garnished with sliced scotch
bonnet peppers.

 Curry Duck: Curry duck is a popular Caribbean dish, especially in Trinidad and
Tobago. Duck used in this type of curry is the Muscovy, which is typically raised
by many village folks on the island. The meat is traditionally marinated in a
combination of salt, pepper, cumin, curry powder, hot peppers, cilantro, scallions,
onions, and garlic. Once prepared, curry duck is usually served with either rice or
roti on the side. There are also numerous local curry duck competitions in the
island, testifying to the popularity of this flavorful dish which is heavily influenced
by Indian cuisine.

 Soursop Ice Cream: Soursop ice cream is a Caribbean dessert that is especially
popular in Trinidad and Tobago. It is made with ripe soursop, water, cornstarch,
condensed milk, salt, and sometimes a few splashes of bitters. After the
combination has been churned, it is then stored in the freezer until firm in texture.
This unique ice cream variety is enjoyed throughout the year.

 Fish Broth: Fish broth is a flavorful Trini soup made with vegetables, fresh
herbs, fish, and either pasta or dumplings. It is believed that the broth tastes
even better the next day when it gets reheated. The dish varies from one
household or restaurant to the next one, since the flavor of the broth depends on
how the fish is marinated and seasoned. Fish broth is traditionally served as a
main dish, unlike other countries where soups are typically served as a starter.

 Curried Carb and dumpling: Curried crab and dumplings is a traditional dish
originating from Trinidad and Tobago. The crabs are cleaned, soaked in lime
water, then drained. They are then seasoned with celery, pimento peppers,
onions, garlic, and chives. After the crabs have been marinated, they are placed
in a pot with curry powder paste, coconut milk, and hot peppers. The dumplings
are made with a combination of flour, grated cassava, sugar, salt, and water.
They are also added to the pot with the crab, simmering until the sauce thickens.
Once prepared, curried crab and dumplings are served in the same bowl with lots
of sauce. It's recommended to garnish the dish with cilantro and lime.

 Doubles: Doubles is a staple of Trini street food, a sandwich that consists of two
fried flatbreads (bara) filled with curried chickpeas (curry channa). It is believed
that doubles were invented in 1936 in Princes Town, and nowadays they are
consumed for breakfast or as a late-night snack. The dish can be additionally
enriched with ingredients such as pepper sauce, tamarind sauce, or green
mango pickle with amchar masala, known as kuchela. In Trinidad and Tobago,
doubles are typically sold wrapped in paper.

 Trinidad Pelau: Pelau is a savory Trini dish consisting of meat such as beef or
chicken combined with rice, vegetables, fresh herbs, and coconut milk. Meat is
traditionally browned in sugar before it gets mixed with other ingredients. The
 dish is usually cooked in one pot, making it ideal for festivities and picnics. It is
often served with salads, hot sauces, or chutneys on the side.

 Bake and shark: Bake and shark is a unique Trini street food item that is
especially popular at concerts, festivals, and celebrations. It consists of
marinated or seasoned pieces of shark meat, sauces, chutneys, and vegetables
in a flatbread known as bake. The dish is often associated with Maracas beach
which is filled with numerous bake and shark street stalls.

Language: The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English, although we do

have segments of the population that speak other languages, including "patois", a slang
version of French that was brought to the islands by French settlers in the colonial
period.
Dress for Men and Women: The national dress of Trinidad and Tobago includes
several distinct garments: women wear saris, shalwar or lenghas, while men dress in
either a white kurta and paijamas or a dhoti. The traditional dress of Trinidad and
Tobago includes gender-specific styles commonly found across the Indian subcontinent.
Holidays: There are several national holidays in Trinidad and Tobago such as:
 New Year's Day
 Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Liberation Day
 Good Friday
 Easter Monday
 Eid al-Fitr
 Indian Arrival Day
 Corpus Christi
 Labour Day
 Emancipation Day (of Trinidad and Tobago)
 Independence Day
 Trinidad and Tobago Republic Day
 Diwali
 Christmas Day
 Boxing Day
Travel Tips:

 Trinidad and Tobago are an exercise in beautiful contradiction. In Trinidad,

pristine mangrove swamps and rainforested hills sit side by side with smoke-
belching oil refineries and unpretty industrial estates.
 Tobago has everything you’d expect from a Caribbean island, with palm trees
and white sand aplenty, yet it’s relatively unchanged by the tourist industry.
 Combined, this twin-island republic offers unparalleled birdwatching; first-class
diving; and luxuriant rainforests perfect for hiking and waterfall swimming
  The hurricane season normally runs from June to November and earthquakes
are also a potential threat. Guard against dengue fever, no-see-ums (flesh eating
fleas), mosquito bites and HIV/AIDS, which is on the rise.
 Dry season (December - May) coincides with peak tourist season. Most tourists
descend between January and March, when hotels get booked up quickly and
prices soar.
 The islands are hot and humid all year round with an average temperature of
about 27ºC. The rainy season runs from June - November.
 Buses run to all the major destinations. Government buses are the shoestring
option. Private minibuses are crowded and noisy.
 Ordinary taxis or share taxis (private cars that drive fixed routes) are quicker and
comfier but more costly.
 In Trinidad most hotels are in Port of Spain but you can also find accommodation
in the mountains and lining the coast.
 Take precautions to avoid being the victim of theft and violent crime such as
shootings and kidnappings, particularly in Port of Spain and Tobago where law
enforcement is lax to say the least.

Top 10 Attractions and places to visit:

1. Maracas Beach
2. La Brea Pitch Lake
3. Englishmans Bay
4. Caroni Bird Sanctuary
5. Little Tobago
6. Queen's Park Savannah
7. Pigeon Point Beach
8. Store Bay
9. Fort King George
10. Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge
Trinidad and Tobago Boys Name:
 Justin
 Zane
 Zachary
 Ardilles
 Micah
 Kavishl
 Caleb
 Ceejay
Top Universities in Trinidad and Tobago:
1. University of Trinidad and Tobago
 2. University of Southern Caribbean
3. University of the West Indies
4. University of Trinidad and Tobago, O’Meara
5. University of Trinidad and Tobago John Donaldson Campus
6. University of Trinidad and Tobago San Fernando Campus
7. University of Trinidad and Tobago, Chaguaramas
8. University of Trinidad and Tobago, Corinth Campus
Top 10 Websites:
1. Google.com
2. Youtube.com
3. Yahoo.com
4. Facebook.com
5. Bing.com
6. Amazon.com
7. Google.tt
8. Zoom.us
9. Netflix.com
10. Office.com
Top 3 Search engines used:
1. Google
2. Bing
3. Yahoo
Top exports:
 Petroleum gas
 Acyclic alcohols
 Refined petroleum
 Ammonia
 Crude petroleum
Top 5 Cars:
Top cars in Trinidad and Tobagoincludes:
1. Toyota
2. Nissan
3. Hyundai
4. Mitsubishi
5. Audi
Natural Disasters:
Many types of natural disasters occur in Trinidad and Tobagosuch as:
 Earthquake
  Storm Surges
Home Designs / Architecture:
Not found…
Deaths and Mortality:
In 2019, death rate for Trinidad and Tobago was 8.5 per 1,000 people. Death rate of
Trinidad and Tobago increased from 7.5 per 1,000 people in 1970 to 8.5 per 1,000
people in 2019 growing at an average annual rate of 0.27%.
Source: https://knoema.com/atlas/Trinidad-and-Tobago/Death-rate