Country Profile: Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela. With a population estimated at approximately 1.4 million, the country boasts a high-income economy predominantly driven by the petroleum and natural gas sectors. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from the UK in 1962, though it currently faces challenges with violent crime and economic fluctuations.

Geography

Trinidad and Tobago is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, with geographical coordinates of 11° N latitude and 61° W longitude. The total land area is approximately 5,128 square kilometers, featuring mostly plains and some hilly terrain. The islands experience a tropical climate, with a rainy season from June to December.

• 362 km of coastline
• 940 m is the highest elevation point (El Cerro del Aripo)
• 10.5% of land is used for agriculture (2023)
• 44.2% of land is covered by forests (2023)
• Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, and asphalt

People and Society

Trinidad and Tobago has a diverse population of about 1.4 million people, with significant ethnic groups including East Indian (35.4%) and African descent (34.2%). The nation is predominantly English-speaking, with various local creoles and languages reflecting its multicultural society. The median age is around 38.5 years, and urbanization has resulted in 53.4% of the population residing in urban areas.

• 1.01 male(s)/female sex ratio (2024)
• 76.5 years life expectancy (2024)
• 10.5 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024)
• 4.6% unemployment rate (2024)
• 54 deaths/100,000 live births maternal mortality ratio (2023)

Economy

The economy of Trinidad and Tobago is classified as high-income, largely due to its status as a major exporter of hydrocarbons. Growth is supported by key sectors such as tourism and finance, even as challenges like high inflation and public debt loom. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $43.362 billion.

• $31,700 GDP per capita (2024)
• 45.4% of GDP comes from exports (2017)
• 0.5% inflation rate (2024)
• 4.6% unemployment rate (2024)
• Major industries include petroleum, natural gas, and food processing

Government

Trinidad and Tobago operates as a parliamentary republic, with its capital in Port of Spain. The President serves as the head of state while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The nation has a bicameral parliament and has been independent since August 31, 1962.

• 9 administrative regions and 3 boroughs
• 42 members in the House of Representatives
• 31 members in the Senate (appointed)
• Universal suffrage at age 18
• 7% of GDP dedicated to health expenditure (2021)

Military and Security

The Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) is responsible for national defense and includes branches such as the Army, Coast Guard, and Air Guard. The military budget comprises about 0.9% of GDP as of 2024, and the total strength of security personnel is approximately 5,000.

• 5,000 personnel in Defense Forces (2025)
• 18-25 years is the voluntary service age for military
• 1% military expenditures of GDP (2023)
• Focused on border security, search and rescue, and assisting civil authorities
• Internal security maintained by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

Energy

Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with electricity access reaching 100% of the population. The country produces significant quantities of oil and natural gas, playing a crucial role in its economy.

• 99.9% of electricity is generated from fossil fuels (2023)
• 72,000 bbl/day of petroleum production (2023)
• 2.139 million kW of installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
• 25.994 billion cubic meters of natural gas production (2023)
• 10.737 billion cubic meters of natural gas exports (2023)

Environment

Trinidad and Tobago faces several environmental challenges, including water pollution from agricultural and industrial waste, deforestation, and the depletion of wildlife. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, signaling a commitment to addressing these issues.

• 3.84 billion cubic meters of renewable water resources (2022)
• 727,900 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024)
• 99.9% access to improved sanitation facilities (2022)
• 16.2% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
• Active in agreements like the Biodiversity and Climate Change conventions

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes a mix of civil and commercial aviation, with several airports and a well-established merchant marine fleet. The country has a total of 10 ports, facilitating trade and transportation.

• 3 airports in total (2025)
• 102 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
• 8 ports with oil terminals
• Civil aircraft registration code: 9Y
• Key ports include Port of Spain and Point Lisas

Communications

Trinidad and Tobago has a robust telecommunications network, with a high mobile subscription rate and a strong internet presence. The majority of the population is connected to modern communication methods.

• 85% of the population are internet users (2023)
• 2.02 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 404,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
• 311,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
• 6 free-to-air TV networks, including state-owned channels

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,408,966 (2024 est.)
Area	5,128 sq km
GDP	$43.362 billion (2024)	Purchasing power parity
Unemployment Rate	4.6% (2024)
Birth Rate	10.5 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.5 years	(2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.9% of GDP (2024)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Urban Population	53.4%	(2023)
Forest Cover	44.2%	(2023 est.)