About Trinidad and Tobago

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By Victoria Harding

The two Islands of Trinidad and Tobago are only 21 miles apart and just off the coast of Venezuela. These two islands make up one nation but are two completely different islands. On Trinidad, residents live in the fast lane and the country is filled with wealth and oil-rich land. Tobago is much different. It was the last island destination uncovered in the Caribbean, and is a complete tropical getaway. The islands small towns and fine colonial architecture offers wonderful little pleasures for the interested traveler. On the islands east side, you will find little fishing villages and plantation estates.
~WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO~

Cleaver Woods Park is Trinidad's 31-acre nature preserve. This park showcases the area's beautiful nature. This admission free park is perfect for a little picnic for two.
Dive or snorkel the water's of these islands, Tobago is suggested for the best underwater sights, especially Buccoo Reef.
Visit Trinidad's capital, the Port of Spain. Here you can enjoy turn-of-the-century mansions known as the Magnificent Seven.
For a look at Tobago's historic past, tour Fort King George.
~SPORTS~

Play the great game of golf on a championship gold course.
Hike through the rainforests and natural beauty of Tobago.
Indulge yourself in water sports in the waters of both islands.
~SPECIAL EVENTS~

Carnival; This festival, on the island of Trinidad, is a huge party complete with limbo dancing, calypso music, steel bands, and more. This is all combined to produce the most lavish Carnival in the Caribbean.
Heritage Festival; Held on the island of Tobago from July 17 to August 10, this festival is complete with revelers who journey from village to village and stage shows about it's folklore celebrations.
Carifesta; After all the other festivals have winded down, the celebration of the Arts begin. From August 9-16, on the Island of Trinidad, 2,500 performers from 50 countries come out to celebrate the arts.
The islands came under British control in the 19th century; independence was granted in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing.
Trinidad and Tobago, the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses. Tourism is a growing sector, although not proportionately as important as in many other Caribbean islands. The economy benefits from low inflation and a growing trade surplus. Prospects for growth in 2004 are good as prices for oil, petrochemicals, and liquified natural gas are expected to remain high, and foreign direct investment continues to grow to support expanded capacity in the energy sector. The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

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