Brief information
Christopher Columbus discovered Trinidad in 1498. This island was named by him in honor of the feast of the Trinity. Now Trinidad and Tobago, thanks to its large oil and gas reserves, is one of the richest countries in the Caribbean. This enables the country’s authorities to invest heavily in the tourism industry. Therefore, every year more and more tourists come to these islands to admire the local lush nature, historical sights and relax on the beaches of popular resorts.
Geography of Trinidad and Tobago
The island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela (about 11 km) and south of Grenada and the Lesser Antilles. This state includes several islands, the largest of which are Trinidad and Tobago. The total area of the country is 5,131 sq. km.
The largest island of this state is Trinidad. This is where most of the country’s population lives. The highest peak is Mount Aripo, whose height reaches 940 meters. Almost the same landscape is observed in Tobago.
Capital
According to simplyyellowpages.com, Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. More than 60 thousand people now live in this city. Port of Spain was founded by the Spaniards in 1560 on the site of an Indian fishing village.
Official language of Trinidad and Tobago
The official language is English.
Religion
More than 65% of the population are Christians (Catholics, Anglicans, etc.), about 25% are Hindus, and 6.6% are Muslims.
State structure
According to diseaseslearning.com, Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary republic, headed by the President (he is elected by the Parliament for 5 years).
The local parliament consists of the Senate (31 senators) and the House of Representatives (41 deputies). Only members of the House of Representatives are elected by the people (for a 5-year term), while senators are appointed by the President, the Government on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, and the opposition party.
The type of party system is two-party, by analogy with Great Britain. This means that one of the two parties can win the parliamentary elections.
Administratively, the country is divided into 5 municipalities, 9 counties. Tobago is a self-governing territory.
Climate and weather
The climate is subtropical and tropical. In Tobago, the air temperature is slightly lower than in Trinidad. In Tobago, the average annual air temperature is +25C. The dry season runs from January to May and the rainy season runs from June to December.
From this it follows that the best time to relax on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago is from January to May. However, hotels raise prices the most in January-February (during the Trinidad Carnival).
Sea in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southern Caribbean. Near the coast there are numerous coral reefs. The average water temperature near the coast in January-March is +24C, and in June-October – +27C.
Rivers and lakes
Several rivers flow through Trinidad. The largest of them are the Ortoire River (50 km) and the Koroni River (40 km).
Culture Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidad Carnival is famous throughout the Caribbean. Many tourists come to this country specifically at the time when this Carnival takes place there (February-March). The carnival represents numerous colorful processions, folk festivals, live music, dances, and theatrical performances. In general, the Carnival is safe for tourists who feel at home there.
Tourists are also advised to pay attention to the Hindu festival of Fagwa, the Islamic festival of Hosai, the Hindu festival of Diwali, the Street Band Festival and the Tobago Heritage Festival.
Kitchen
The local cuisine was formed under the influence of Spanish, English, African and Indian culinary traditions. The main food products are rice, beans, potatoes, malanga, wheat, fish and seafood (especially crabs), meat, bananas, vegetables.
Tourists are advised to try “roti” (flatbread with meat, shrimp or curry), “Pelau” (peas and rice with meat cooked with coconut and pepper), “saheena” (patties with spinach, peas and mango sauce), ” Pholouri” (pancakes with peas), “Buljol” (salted fish with onions, tomatoes, avocado and pepper), “Callaloo” (thick soup), “shark-and-bake” (spicy sandwich with fried shark and sauce).
Traditional soft drinks – coffee, fruit juices, coconut water.
Traditional alcoholic drinks are ginger beer and rum.
Attractions
Some of the historical and natural local attractions deserve a little diversion from the sea and sandy beaches.
In Tobago, we recommend visiting the ancient Fort of King George, built by the British in 1779. This fort is very well preserved (there are barracks, cannons on the bastions, an officer’s canteen, a fortress prison, a lighthouse, a souvenir shop, a museum).
In Port of Spain, we advise you to pay attention to the so-called. “Magnificent Seven” – the best examples of colonial architecture. These are King’s College (built in 1902 in the German Renaissance style), Hayes Court (once the home of the Bishop of Trinidad), two French-style mansions Mille Fleurs and Roomor, Archbishop’s Palace (built in 1903), Whitehall and Stollmeyer Castle.
The Tobago Forest Reserve, founded in 1765, is very popular with tourists. More than 200 species of birds now live in this reserve. In addition, there is a unique three-level Argyle Falls.
Trinidad’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary is home to over 150 different bird species, as well as caimans, anteaters and snakes.
Cities and resorts
The largest cities are Chaguanas, San Fernando, San Juan, Scarborough, and, of course, Port of Spain.
Many beaches in Trinidad and Tobago are considered the best in the entire Caribbean. So, in Tobago, the best places for a beach holiday are Turtle Beach, Manzanilla Beach, Sandy Point, Stonehaven Bay, Englishman’s Bay and Bakole Bay.
On the northern coast of the island of Trinidad, we recommend tourists to visit the beaches of One Thousand Steps Beach, Paria, and in the south – on the beaches of Mayaro and Manzanilla bays.
The infrastructure of a beach holiday is well developed – there are excellent conditions for water sports, diving, as well as for evening entertainment.
Souvenirs/Shopping
The most popular souvenirs are handicrafts, clothing, beachwear, soaps, jewelry, sweets, sauces and rum.
Office Hours
Banks:
Mon-Thu: 08:00-14:00
Fri: 08:00-12:00 and 15:00-17:00
Shops:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:30 (some shops close at 18:00 on Fridays).
Shopping centers are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00-19:00.
Visa
Ukrainians need to apply for a visa to visit Trinidad and Tobago.
Currency of Trinidad and Tobago
The official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (its international designation is TTD). Credit cards are accepted only in large stores, restaurants and hotels.
Customs restrictions
National and foreign currency can be imported without restrictions, subject to its declaration. Foreign currency can be exported in the amount that was declared upon importation. Local currency can be taken out in the amount of not more than TTD 200.
Importing firearms requires permission from the local police. You also need to get permission from local authorities in advance to import pets.
You can not export rare animals, exotic plants and antiques.
Useful phone numbers and addresses
Embassy of Great Britain in Ukraine:
Address: 01025, Kiev, st. Tithe, 9
Phone: (044) 490-36-60
Fax: (044) 490-36-62
Embassy of Ukraine in the UK:
Address: 60, Holland Park, London W11 3SJ
Phone: (020) 7727-6312
Fax: (020) 7792-1708
Emergency numbers
811 – Ambulance
990 – Fire brigade
990 – Police
Time in Trinidad and Tobago
Behind Kyiv for 8 hours. Those. if, for example, in Kyiv 13:00, then in Port-of-Spain – 05:00.
Tips
In some hotels and restaurants, a 10% service charge is automatically added to the bill.
The medicine
Doctors recommend making several preventive vaccinations (against yellow fever, hepatitis A, dengue, malaria, typhoid and rabies).
Security
Trinidad and Tobago has recently seen an increase in crime rates. Be especially careful at night in the center of Port of Spain or on the road from the airport. In general, most tourists have a rest in this country without any problems.
