Trinidad And Tobago
ALSO KNOW AS
Land of the Humming Bird
LOCATION
Southernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles. Separated from Venezuela by the 11 km (7 miles) strait of the Gulf of Paria. Trinidad, the larger of the two islands, is 30km (19 miles) from Tobago.
STATUS
Independence - 31 August 1962, Republic - 1 March 1976
HISTORY
Both islands were settled by Amerindians. Trinidad became a Spanish outpost from the late 16th century. French and British settlers; African slaves, indentured labourers came during the 18th century. The two islands became one state in 1888 and gained independence in 1962. In 1976 the twin-island State became a Republic within the Commonwealth with the President as Head of State. Executive power lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The Legislature consists of an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate. Tobago has a separate House of Assembly which is responsible for some of the island's domestic affairs.
MOTTO
Together we Aspire, Together we Achieve
CAPITAL
Port-of-Spain
CURRENCY
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
AIRPORT
Piarco International (Trinidad), Crown Point International (Tobago)
