The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation located at the southernmost tip of the Caribbean, where the Caribbean Sea meets the North Atlantic Ocean, just northeast of South America. If you want to travel to a Caribbean nation, this would be an excellent country to start with! Here are some key facts about Trinidad and Tobago: Key Facts About Trinidad and Tobago Details Population 1,510,662 Official Language English Capital Port of Spain Currency Trinidad & Tobago Dollar Neighboring Countries Venezuela and Grenada Main Religion Christianity (~55%) In this article, we’ll cover 10 Trinidad and Tobago facts that will make you pack your trunks and head to Trinidad’s Grande Riviere Beach, maybe on a teen travel program abroad.
10 Fun Facts About Trinidad and Tobago Bacolet Bay Beach was rumored to be the inspiration for Treasure Island The twin-island nation got one of its names from Christopher Columbus Pitch Lake is the world’s largest natural asphalt deposit Trinidad’s Janelle Penny Commissiong was the first Black Miss Universe The limbo dance originated in Trinidad The steel pan was Trinidad and Tobago’s musical gift to the world The world’s largest brain coral is located at Kelleston Drain, a dive site near Little Tobago Carnival is the greatest show on Earth Trinidad and Tobago ethnic groups fuse African, East Indian, and European traditions in culture, religion, and food Trinidad and Tobago is an island country with a powerhouse economy
1. Bacolet Bay Beach was rumored to be the inspiration for Treasure Island Trinidad and Tobago’s Bacolet Bay Beach gained fame as a filming location for the 1960 Disney movie Swiss Family Robinson. Its scenery is rumored to have inspired Treasure Island, but there is little evidence to support that claim. 2. The twin-island nation got one of its names from Christopher Columbus Trinidad was named by Christopher Columbus in 1498 after the Holy Trinity. Tobago’s name origins are less clear, but likely originate from the Carib word tavaco, referring to tobacco use by the indigenous peoples. 3. Pitch Lake is the world’s largest natural asphalt deposit Pitch Lake is the world’s largest natural deposit of asphalt. This natural wonder located in La Brea, Trinidad has been a vital resource for centuries, supplying asphalt for roads and infrastructure projects worldwide. Visitors can walk on its semi-solid surface and marvel at its landscape. The sulfur-rich waters are believed by locals to have healing properties. La Brea Pitch Lake, La Brea, Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago. 4. Trinidad’s Janelle Penny Commissiong was the first Black Miss Universe In 1977, Trinidad’s Janelle Penny Commissiong became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe. Her victory shattered racial barriers. Commissiong’s achievements are immortalized in three postage stamps produced by the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Service. Here are 2 of the 3 stamps.
5. The limbo dance originated in Trinidad The limbo dance originated in Trinidad and Tobago. This cultural tradition involves passing under a progressively lowered bar without touching it, showcasing skill and flexibility. The limbo is now a popular party activity worldwide. You probably did it in middle school. It came from Trinidad and Tobago. 6. The steel pan was Trinidad and Tobago’s musical gift to the world. The steel pan drum was invented in Trinidad during the 20th century and is the only new acoustic instrument developed in this era. Made from repurposed oil drums, it is a central feature of Carnival celebrations. The steel pan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. Video of the Panorama Finals 2024 – Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra 7. The world’s largest brain coral is located at Kelleston Drain, a dive site near Little Tobago. The world’s largest brain coral is located at Kelleston Drain, a popular dive site with marine life near Little Tobago. Brain corals are named for their grooved surface, resembling a human brain. 8. Carnival is the greatest show on Earth Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is ranked as one of the top ten Carnival celebrations in the world. The event features bright costumes and parades, earning the name “The Greatest Show on Earth.” 9. Trinidad and Tobago ethnic groups fuse African, East Indian and European traditions in culture, religion and food Trinidad and Tobago’s culture stems from the combination of peoples of African descent with East Indian influences through colonization, slavery and migration.Roti, doubles, pelau and pastelles are popular fusion foods. Ethnic Group Percent Indo-Trinidadians ~35-37% Afro-Trinidadians ~34-36% Mixed (Dougla) ~20% European ~0.6% Chinese ~0.3% Syrian and Lebanese ~0.1% Indigenous (First Peoples) Trace 10. Trinidad and Tobago is an island country with a powerhouse economy Prime Minister, Dr the Honorable Keith Rowley Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is among the strongest in the Caribbean, driven by its vast reserves of oil and natural gas. The strong industrial base sets it apart from many other English-speaking Caribbean nations. The energy sector accounts for about 45% of GDP, 80% of exports, and supports industries like ammonia and methanol production. Port of Spain and San Fernando are the economic hubs, with the country being the largest producer of natural gas in CARICOM and the second-largest oil producer in the region.
References: UNESCO Caribbean Heritage: UNESCO Caribbean Heritage Visit Trinidad Official Website: Visit Trinidad Tobago Tourism Agency: Tobago Beyond National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago: NGC TT NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program: NOAA Coral Reef Program The Commonwealth: The Commonwealth Official Website