Country Profile: Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island country located in the Caribbean Sea, northeast of Venezuela, boasts a diverse and rich history, influenced by both Spanish and British colonization. The nation became independent in 1962 and has since established itself as one of the Caribbean's most prosperous economies, primarily due to its petroleum and natural gas productions. With a population of approximately 1.41 million, the country faces challenges such as rising crime rates and economic inflation, yet it remains a vibrant hub for tourism and finance.

Geography

Trinidad and Tobago is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, characterized by mostly plains and some low mountains. The islands have a total area of 5,128 square kilometers and a coastline measuring 362 kilometers. The region enjoys a tropical climate, with a rainy season from June to December.

5,128 sq km: Total area of Trinidad and Tobago.
362 km: Length of the coastline.
940 m: Highest point on the islands, El Cerro del Aripo.
10.5%: Agricultural land use as of 2023.
44.2%: Forest cover as of 2023.
0 km: Total land boundaries, as it is an island nation.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 1.41 million in 2025, Trinidad and Tobago is ethnically diverse, comprising mainly East Indian and African descent. English is the official language, though various dialects and languages, including Caribbean Hindustani and Creole, are commonly spoken. The country also has a unique cultural blend of religions, primarily Protestantism, Hinduism, and Roman Catholicism.

1.41 million: Projected population by 2025.
35.4%: Population of East Indian descent as per the 2011 census.
67.2%: Population aged between 15 and 64 years.
76.5 years: Life expectancy as of 2024.
53.4%: Urban population of total inhabitants in 2023.
4.3%: Percentage of married women by age 49 as of 2022.

Economy

Trinidad and Tobago has a high-income economy driven largely by its hydrocarbon sector, which includes oil and natural gas exports. The country also has notable tourism and finance sectors, although it struggles with high inflation rates and public debt. In 2024, the GDP is estimated to be approximately $43.36 billion.

$43.36 billion: Estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024.
4.6%: Estimated unemployment rate for 2024.
35%: Contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP in 2023.
$11.09 billion: Estimated total exports for 2024.
$10.19 billion: Estimated total imports for 2024.
649,900: Estimated labor force for 2024.

Government

Trinidad and Tobago operates as a parliamentary republic, with Port of Spain serving as the capital. The country has a multi-tiered government structure comprising a bicameral Parliament and an independent judiciary, guided by a Constitution established in 1976. The political landscape is marked by vibrant party competition, primarily between the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC).

1976: Year the current Constitution was established.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
42: Total seats in the House of Representatives.
31: Total seats in the Senate.
5,000: Estimated strength of the Defense Forces by 2025.

Military and Security

The Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) includes the Army, Coast Guard, and Air Guard, overseen by the Ministry of Homeland Security. The military's primary responsibilities involve border security, assisting civil authorities during crises, and combating organized crime.

0.9%: Estimated military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for 2024.
5,000: Total personnel in the military forces by 2025.
18-24 years: Age range for voluntary military service.
2025: Year of the next expected assessment of military capabilities.

Energy

Energy production is a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago's economy, with nearly all electricity generated from fossil fuels. The country boasts significant reserves of natural gas and oil, contributing to its status as a major hydrocarbon exporter.

100%: Total electrification rate as of 2022.
72,000 bbl/day: Estimated petroleum production for 2023.
25.994 billion cubic meters: Total natural gas production for 2023.
2.139 million kW: Total installed electricity generation capacity in 2023.

Environment

Trinidad and Tobago faces environmental challenges, including water pollution, deforestation, and illegal dumping. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements focused on sustainability and climate change.

99.9%: Percentage of improved sanitation access among the population as of 2022.
3.84 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources available as of 2022.
727,900 tons: Estimated municipal solid waste generated annually by 2024.

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes several airports and a developed merchant marine fleet. The country has 10 ports and continues to enhance its capabilities in maritime logistics and air travel.

3: Number of airports as of 2025.
102: Total number of vessels in the merchant marine fleet as of 2023.
10: Total number of ports, with 8 having oil terminals.

Communications

Communications in Trinidad and Tobago are well-developed, with a high percentage of internet access and mobile cellular subscriptions. The country has multiple broadcasting networks and a growing telecommunications industry.

85%: Percentage of the population with internet access as of 2023.
1.79 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions recorded in 2024.
404,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions as of 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,410,170 (2025 est.)	Total projected population
Area	5,128 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$43.36 billion (2024 est.)	Total GDP in purchasing power parity
Energy Consumption	9.001 billion kWh (2023 est.)	Total electricity consumption
Birth Rate	10.33 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)	Annual birth rate
Unemployment Rate	4.6% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking employment
Life Expectancy	76.5 years (2024 est.)	Average life span
Literacy Rate	93.8% (2022 est.)	Female literacy rate
Electric Access	100% (2022 est.)	Percentage of total population with electricity
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	33.629 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)	Total CO2 emissions