Country Profile: Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a vibrant Caribbean nation known for its rich cultural diversity and natural resources. Geographically located northeast of Venezuela, it comprises two main islands with flat terrains and extensive coastlines. The country's population is approximately 1.41 million, predominantly of East Indian and African descent, contributing to its unique social fabric. Economically, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest Caribbean nations, heavily reliant on its oil and natural gas industries while facing challenges such as high inflation and crime. It operates as a parliamentary republic, with a government striving to tackle pressing socio-economic issues while maintaining stability.
Geography
Trinidad and Tobago is situated in the Caribbean Sea, northeast of Venezuela, with a total land area of 5,128 square kilometers. The islands feature mostly flat plains interspersed with hills and low mountains, with the highest point being El Cerro del Aripo at 940 meters. The climate is tropical, marked by a rainy season from June to December, and the country is less prone to hurricanes than many of its neighbors.
- 5,128 sq km: Total land area
- 362 km: Length of coastline
- 12 nm: Territorial sea limit
- 44.2%: Forested area (2023 est.)
- 10.5%: Agricultural land usage (2023 est.)
- 0 km: Land boundaries
People and Society
As of 2025, the population of Trinidad and Tobago is estimated at 1,410,170, with notable ethnic diversity including East Indian (35.4%) and African descent (34.2%). English is the official language, alongside several Creole dialects and Spanish. The country exhibits a youthful demographic, with a median age of 39.1 years, and approximately 53.4% of the population resides in urban areas.
- 1.41 million: Total population (2025 est.)
- 53.4%: Urban population (2023)
- 39.1 years: Median age (2025 est.)
- 76.5 years: Life expectancy (2024 est.)
- 10.33 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
- 4.16 physicians/1,000: Physician density (2021)
Economy
Trinidad and Tobago's economy is characterized as high-income, driven primarily by its hydrocarbon sector alongside significant contributions from tourism and finance. The GDP has seen steady growth, with a current estimate of $43.362 billion (2024), despite challenges such as inflation and high public debt. The labor force consists of approximately 649,900 individuals, with a recent unemployment rate of 4.6%.
- $43.36 billion: GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
- 4.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- 35%: Industry sector contribution to GDP (2023 est.)
- 1.7%: Projected real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
- $5.60 billion: Foreign exchange reserves (2024 est.)
- $11.09 billion: Exports (2024 est.)
Government
Trinidad and Tobago operates as a parliamentary republic, with a president elected by an electoral college and a prime minister serving as head of government. The country has a bicameral Parliament comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate. It gained independence from the UK on August 31, 1962, and has faced various governance challenges, including crime and economic reforms.
- President: Christine Kangaloo (since March 2023)
- Prime Minister: Kamla Persad-Bissessar (since May 2025)
- 42: Seats in the House of Representatives
- 31: Seats in the Senate
- 18 years: Voting age for universal suffrage
- Independent since: August 31, 1962
Military and Security
Trinidad and Tobago maintains a modest defense capability comprising the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force, which includes land, maritime, and air units. The military's main functions are to ensure national security and assist in civil emergencies. The defense budget currently accounts for approximately 0.9% of GDP.
- 5,000: Active military personnel (2025)
- 0.9%: Military expenditure of GDP (2024 est.)
- 18-24 years: General age range for voluntary military service
- Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard: An integral part of national defense
Energy
Energy production is primarily based on fossil fuels, with Trinidad and Tobago boasting significant oil and gas resources. Electricity access is universal, and the majority of energy generation comes from natural gas. The country's oil production averages around 72,000 barrels per day, with proven natural gas reserves estimated at 298.063 billion cubic meters.
- 100%: Electricity access (2022 est.)
- 72,000 bbl/day: Oil production (2023 est.)
- 25.99 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023 est.)
- 99.9%: Electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
Environment
Trinidad and Tobago faces various environmental challenges, including water pollution and deforestation, yet remains committed to international environmental agreements. Approximately 44.2% of the land is forested, and the urban population is witnessing an increase, leading to greater pressure on natural resources.
- 44.2%: Forest coverage (2023 est.)
- 10.4 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
- 16.2%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
- 3.84 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
Transportation
The country has a well-established transportation network, including several airports and a merchant marine fleet. There are currently three airports servicing domestic and international flights, while the merchant fleet consists mainly of cargo vessels.
- 3: Airports (2025)
- 102: Ships in the merchant marine (2023)
- 10: Total ports (2024)
- 8: Ports with oil terminals
Communications
Trinidad and Tobago has a highly developed communication network, with widespread access to telephones and internet services. Mobile cellular subscriptions have reached approximately 1.79 million, indicating a high degree of connectivity among the populace.
- 1.79 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
- 85%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023 est.)
- 404,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
- 21 per 100: Fixed-line subscriptions (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,410,170 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 5,128 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP | $43.362 billion | Purchasing power parity (2024 est.) |
| Energy Consumption | 9.001 billion kWh | Total electricity consumption (2023) |
| Birth Rate | 10.33 births/1,000 population | Estimated for 2025 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 76.5 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Forest Coverage | 44.2% | Total forested area (2023 est.) |
| Military Expenditure | 0.9% | Of GDP (2024 est.) |
| Urban Population | 53.4% | Of total population (2023) |
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