Trinidad and TobagoBackgroundThe islands came under British control in the 19th century; independence was granted 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. GeographyLocation: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Coastline362 km Maritime claimsMeasured from claimed archipelagic baselines ClimateTropical; rainy season (June to December) TerrainMostly plains with some hills and low mountains Elevation extremesLowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m EconomyTrinidad and Tobago, the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses. Tourism is a growing sector, although not proportionately as important as in many other Caribbean islands. The economy benefits from low inflation and a growing trade surplus. Prospects for growth in 2006 are good as prices for oil, petrochemicals, and liquefied natural gas are expected to remain high, and foreign direct investment continues to grow to support expanded capacity in the energy sector. The government is coping with a rise in violent crime. TransportationAirports: 6 (2005) Merchant marineTotal: 6 ships (1000 GRT or over) 12,671 GRT/2,749 DWT Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsPointe-a-Pierre, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain DisputesBarbados will assert its claim before the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that the northern limit of Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into its waters; Guyana has also expressed its intention to challenge this boundary as it may extend into its waters as well Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAnguilla - Antigua and Barbuda - Aruba - Bahamas - Barbados - British Virgin Islands - Cayman Islands - Cuba - Dominica - Dominican Republic - Grenada - Guadeloupe - Haiti - Jamaica - St. Kitts and Nevis - St. Lucia - Martinique - Montserrat - Netherlands Antilles - Puerto Rico - Trinidad and Tobago - Turks and Caicos - St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Virgin Islands (USA) Further Reading |
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