Trinidad and Tobago

In brief

Trinidad and Tobago is a country in the Caribbean. Its capital is Port of Spain. With 1.4 million inhabitants in 2025, it ranks 153rd in the world by population, out of the 195 countries recognised by the UN. Its area is 5,130 km². An island nation, Trinidad and Tobago has no land border.

GDP per capita stands at $18,967 (2025), 61st in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 73.6 years (2024). 54% of the population lives in cities.

History of Trinidad and Tobago

Columbus named Trinidad in 1498 after three peaks seen from the sea. Spanish and then British from 1797, the island took in many workers from India after slavery was abolished; Tobago, long fought over by European powers, was joined to it. The country has been independent since 31 August 1962 and a republic since 1976. Oil and gas make it one of the richest countries in the Caribbean. The steelpan, made from oil drums, was invented here, and its carnival is one of the most famous in the world.

Geography of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad lies only about ten kilometres off the coast of Venezuela; its northern mountains extend the Andes. Its Pitch Lake is the largest natural asphalt deposit in the world. Smaller Tobago is fringed by coral reefs.

Map of Trinidad and Tobago

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Flag of Trinidad and Tobago

The flag of Trinidad and Tobago is red, white and black. Its official proportions are 3:5 (height to width).

• Red70%
• Black20%
• White10%

Share of the flag’s surface taken by each colour.

What the flag stands for

Red, crossed by a black diagonal band edged in white. Red evokes vitality and the warmth of the sun, black the dedication of the people and the riches of the land, white the sea.

Sources: Wikipedia, articles “Trinidad and Tobago” and “Flag of Trinidad and Tobago”.

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Fact file

Economy and society