Trinidad and Tobago
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Trinidad was Spanish until 1797, then British, and Tobago changed hands many times before joining Trinidad in 1889. The nation became independent in 1962 and a republic in 1976.
Culture
Trinidad Carnival, the birthplace of calypso, soca and the steelpan, is one of the world's great festivals. Diwali, Hosay and Phagwah reflect the large Indo-Trinidadian community.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Trinidadian and Tobagonian Creole English is spoken daily, and Spanish is widely taught.
Currency
The Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD).
Popular Attractions
Trinidad offers Carnival, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary with its scarlet ibis and Maracas Bay. Tobago has quiet beaches, coral reefs and one of the oldest protected rainforests in the Western Hemisphere.
Food
Doubles, roti, bake and shark and pelau are local favourites. Tobago is known for curry crab and dumplings.
Places to Visit
Port of Spain, Maracas Bay, Caroni Swamp, Pigeon Point, Buccoo Reef and Speyside in Tobago.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres