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The
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago |
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Motto: |
Together we Aspire,
Together we Achieve |
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Location: |
Southernmost islands of the Lesser
Antilles. Separated from Venezuela by the 11 km (7 miles) strait of the
Gulf of Paria. The two islands are linked by a 30 km (19
miles) strait.
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Geographic
coordinates: |
11 00 N, 61 00 W |
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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. |
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Elections: |
Last elections
October 7, 2002 |
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Ruling Party: |
The People's
National Movement (PNM) |
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Major Political
Parties: |
People's National Movement
(PNM), United National Congress
(UNC),
National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), |
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Economic Summary: |
The petroleum sector is by far the most important sector
with an average contribution to GDP of 25% over the period 1994-1998.
During the same period, petrochemicals contributed export earnings at
23.7%, and together with natural gas are enjoying prime economic
focus.
This shift in emphasis away from crude oil production is to cash in on
the abundant natural gas supplies which are used as a feedstock in the
domestic production of methanol and ammonia for export.
In 1998 production of these products amounted to 1.9m tonnes and 2.9m
tonnes respectively, making Trinidad and Tobago one of the world's largest
producer of both commodities. In 1999, a huge Atlantic Liquefied
Natural gas project came on stream, catering for export production of the
gas as a fuel. This is a significant boost to output in the natural
gas sub-sector.
The energy sector has been boosting some sub-sectors, namely
distribution, transportation and construction, earning a total share of
over one-third of GDP.
Local manufacture (excluding oil refining and petrochemical industries)
accounted for 9% of GDP in 1998, while Agriculture share was 2.4% for the
same period with direct employment amounting to 8.1 % of the labour
force. Sugar is the major cash crop. Others include coffee,
cocoa and citrus.
Tourism is an important growth sector. A good blend of cultural
diversity and special interest areas are among the features supporting
this sector. Additionally, the ability to attract large-scale
international events has been proven. The famous annual carnival
offers much potential for boosting this sector. |
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Airport: |
Piarco International; Crown
Point |
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Status: |
Independent Republic - 31 August
1962) |
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Capital: |
Port-of-Spain |
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Head of
Government: |
The Honourable
Patrick Manning |
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Head of State: |
H.E. Arthur Napoleon Raymond
Robinson., President |
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Area: |
5,182 square kilometres (1,980
square miles) |
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Population: |
1,270,000
(mid-1997) |
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GDP Per Capita (at current market
prices): |
EC$12,001m
(1996) |
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Total Exports: |
EC$6,308.9m
(1998) |
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Total Imports: |
EC$8,193.1m
(1998) |
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Intra-Regional
Exports: |
EC$1,988.2m
(1998) |
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Intra-Regional
Imports: |
EC$284.1m
(1998) |
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Business Hours: |
Commercial: 8:00-16:30 hrs Monday
to Friday
Government: 8:00-12:00 13:00-16:30 hrs Monday
to Friday |
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National
Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January);
Carnival (Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday); Eid-ul-Fitr (as
decreed); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Corpus Christi; Indian Arrival Day
(30 May); Labour Day (19 June); Emancipation Day (01 August); Independence
Day (31 August); Republic Day (24 September) Diwali (as decreed);
Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December) |
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National Anthem: |
Forged from the love of liberty.
In the fires of Hope and
Prayer,
With boundless faith in our Destiny,
We solemnly
declare,
Side by side we stand,
Islands of the blue Caribbean
Sea,
This our Native Land,
We pledge our lives to Thee,
Here
every creed and race find an eqal place,
And may God bless our
Nation.
Together we aspire, together we achieve
(Words and Music by Patrick S. Castagne) |
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Highest National Award: |
Trinity Cross |
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Favourite Dish: |
Callaloo; Pelau; Roti and Curry |
Last Updated: 2001
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