Trinidad and Tobago
.jpeg)
.jpg)
Come With Us!
History
First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained 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. The government is struggling to reverse a surge in violent crime.
Meet Amazing People!
In the midst of water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; widespread pollution of waterways and coastal areas; illegal dumping; deforestation; soil erosion; fisheries and wildlife depletion springs an eternal fountain of youth fostered by the Trini people. We see optimism, wonder, and beyond Carnival. We see the people dancing in the countryside when they have little else but song. Come see how song and dance are truly the most contagious passion of all. Come With Us!
Population below poverty line20% (2014 est.)