Capital: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Population: Trinidad and Tobago's population stands at 1,328,019
People of African and Indian descent comprise the majority of the population, with people of mixed race, European, Chinese and Middle Eastern ancestry adding diversity to our ethnic mix.
Currency: The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar. US dollars are widely accepted at an approximate rate of TT $6 to US $1 and you can find rate information at local banks, or the daily newspapers. Euros and the Pound Sterling (GBP) are not as widely accepted as US dollars.
Traveller's cheques and international credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and malls.
ATM machines are located at the airport, banks, malls, cities and towns.
Language: The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English, but Spanish and to a lesser extent French patois, Hindi and Chinese is spoken by some segments of the population through culture and heritage.
Political Status: Independent nation and Republic within the Commonwealth
Area: Trinidad is approximately 1853 square miles (4,800 sq. km) and Tobago 116 square miles (300sq km)
Location: Trinidad and Tobago are the most southern islands in the Caribbean, located a mere seven miles off Venezuela's north eastern coast. The islands are a 3 hour and 19 minute flight from Miami, 4 1/2 hours from New York and 58 minutes from Caracas.
Climate & Weather: Trinidad and Tobago has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average daytime temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius.
Our islands have two main seasons, the Dry Season, from January to May and the Rainy Season, from June to December. In the Rainy Season, mornings are usually sunny, followed by rainy afternoons and fair nights. During this time, our general rainfall pattern is interrupted by days of brilliant sunshine.
Religion: Freedom of religion is enshrined in Trinidad and Tobago's Constitution, and Catholics, Hindus, Anglicans, Baptist, Pentecostal, Muslim, Seventh Day Adventist are all represented in our islands.

Carnival:
An explosion of colour, music, revelry, and creativity, Trinidad's Carnival has spawned similar celebrations around the world; but nothing on earth can rival the abandon, euphoria and stunning spectacle of our festival.
With its massive masquerade bands, spectacular costumes, pulsating music and unparalleled stamina for partying, Trinidad's Carnival is often described as the greatest show on earth. It is a time for release and everyone is invited to join the party.
To learn more about Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival and find information on shows, music, activities and events, see the links below.
Trinidad & Tobago Music
Local music, primarily Soca and Calypso play a key role in Carnival Celebrations. Sample some of the rhythmic, pulsating flavours of Carnival and other types of music from Trinidad and Tobago.
Things to Do When the Party Is Over
The music has slowed. The party is over. You want to go from the brisk to the serene. What to do? Here's our Top 5 list.
Extempo Calypso
Wit, ingenuity and the ability to think quickly define Extempo calypso.
National Carnival Commission the National Carnival Commission is responsible for the development, management and coordination of Carnival events in Trinidad and Tobago.
Pan Trinbago
The world governing body for steel pan, Pan Trinbago organizes steel pan shows, competitions and festivals.
Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO)
TUCO is charged with the promotion and development of calypso, one of Trinidad and Tobago's many indigenous musical arts. The body also produces calypso shows and concerts.
J'Ouvert
Each year at 4 am on Monday, Carnival begins under a cloak of darkness. Fuelled by exhilaration and the energetic rhythms of Soca music, revellers take to the streets for the predawn party of J'Ouvert.
J’ouvert (from the French 'jour ouvert' or 'day open') is almost ritualistic in its celebration of the darker elements of the island's folklore and history.