Trinidad
Trinidad (
Spanish, "
Trinity") is the largest and most populous of the 23
islands which make up the country of
Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad is the southernmost island in the
Caribbean and lies just 11
km (7 miles) off the northeastern coast of
Venezuela. Trinidad has an area of 4,769
km² (1,864
sq. mi.) and is located between and .
Trinidad was originally settled by
Amerindians of
South American origins. It was rediscovered by
Christopher Columbus on his third voyage in
1498. Trinidad remained in
Spanish hands until
1797 (when it was ceded to the British), but it was largely settled by the
French and their African Slaves. After the
Abolition of the Slave Trade in the
British Empire in
1834 several Immigrant Indentured Laborer groups, including
Portuguese,
Chinese and
Indians, were employed to fill the labour void created when the liberated Africans left the plantations. In
1889 it was united with
Tobago into a single
crown colony. The united entity, Trinidad and Tobago, obtained its independence from the British Empire in
1962 and became a
republic in
1976.
See the entry on Trinidad and Tobago for more detailed information.Today's Trinidad is a colourful and lively island, the result of a fusion of many different cultures and beautiful natural features. It hosts an annual pre-
Lenten
Carnival (Monday and Tuesday preceding
Ash Wednesday) that is considered by many to be the most spectacular in the world and draws tourists from many places across the globe. This party atmosphere is present not just at
carnival time but throughout the year as Trinidadians or 'Trinis' enjoy a culture laced with music and dancing. Styles of popular music include
calypso,
chutney music,
soca and
reggae; whilst at Christmas time a Latino style of music known as '
parang' is played and listened to. Parang itself is a remnant of the Spanish influence on Trinidad's culture. Trinis are proud of their national identity and flavour.
Indian traditions have also become an important part of the island's culture.
Divali, the annual Hindu festival of lights is celebrated nationally. A week before Divali night there is a week long festival of Indian song, dance and shows called the
Divali Nagar which is held at the
Divali Nagar site in
Chaguanas.
Areas of natural beauty include: a variety of beaches (e.g.
Maracas, Las Cuevas, Mayaro and
Grande Riviere), swamps (
Nariva and
Caroni), areas of seasonal tropical forests and the hills of the
Northern Range. Trinidad is also the home of such animals as the leopard-like
ocelot, the
manatee,
caimans and the
Scarlet Ibis (see
List of birds of Trinidad and Tobago).
Trinidad is also an industrial island with a diversified economy, based to a large extent on
oil and
natural gas, industry and agriculture. It is one of the leading gas-based export centres in the world, being the leading exporter of ammonia and methanol and among the top five exporters of liquefied natural gas. This has allowed Trinidad to capitalise on the large mineral reserves within its territories. It has good transport links and infrastructure, although some roads in more rural areas are in disrepair.
The largest religious groups on the island are
Roman Catholics and
Hindus. There are also substantial
Anglican,
Presbyterian,
Muslim,
Methodist,
Spiritual Baptist,
Orisha and independent
fundamentalist/
evangelical Christian groups.
The capital of Trinidad is
Port of Spain, located in the northwest of the island. The largest
municipality is
Chaguanas, an important shopping area, and central to the once vibrant sugar industry. The city of
San Fernando, the second largest municipality, lies further south.
