Physical geography

Three mountain ranges cross Trinidad from East to West. The heavily forested northern range, a continuation of the South American Andes, contains the highest peak in the country, El Terro del Aripo 3,085 feet approximately, or 940.3 metres. The rest of the island is predominantly flat or undulating except for the central Montserrat Hills and the Trinity Hills in the South. The sister island of Tobago, with miles of powdery white sand beaches, is surrounded by a mountain range reaching, 2,000 feet, or approx. 760 metres, at its highest point. Down each side of the ridge run deep fertile valleys.

Climate

Economic geography

Demography

A brief history

In 1523 the Spanish established their first settlement, mainly as a base for expeditions in search of the fabled gold-rich land, El Dorado. The lure of gold also brought England's Sir Walter Raleigh to Trinidad's shores. He did not find gold, but he did use the asphalt from the Pitch Lake to caulk his ships in 1595. Tobago - Tobago, the so-called 'Robinson Crusoe Island' was not mentioned by Columbus. It later made up for this neglect by changing hands more frequently than perhaps any other Caribbean island. The English, Spanish, Dutch and French all tried to possess it, and the resulting confusion became so great that eventually the island was declared neutral territory. This, however, made it irresistible to pirates, and Tobago turned into such a dangerous hornet's nest of rogues that in 1662 the British were forced to invade once again and clear them out.

Subsequently, a vastly prosperous sugar industry was developed on the island, and 'as rich as a Tobago planter' became a familiar saying. Since then Tobago has prospered, and today is one of the world's most sought-after holiday havens.

Religions

Languages spoken by nationals

Time

Currency

Official holidays (all offices and shops closed)

Equally important on the calendar, though not official public holidays, is the Carnival which will be celebrated on 10 and 11 February 1997. The dates for the Hindu festival of Divali and the Muslim festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr are determined based on a religious calendar and are usually announced a few months before the actual date of celebration.

What one should not fail to see

Compte de Lopinot Historical Complex - The Compte de Lopinot Historical complex marks the home of another colourful personality in Trinidad's history, Charles Joseph, Compte de Lopinot. A Lieutenant General of the French Army, he fled France at the beginning of the French Revolution in 1680 and established a large estate on the beautiful plain 'La Reconnaissance'. Forts George and Picton in Trinidad, Forts James and King George in Tobago - Built to protect the islands against invasion. Now historical landmarks.

Buccoo Reef, Tobago - Submarine coral gardens viewed through glass bottom boats.

Nylon pool-sea bathing in clear waist-deep water several kilometres from shore.

Gasparee Caves - combine natural beauty and historical interest. The caves, at the western end of Gaspar Grande Island, offer splendid examples of stalactites and stalagmites. The government installed harbour defence guns nearby during the First World War. Local volunteers manned the guns throughout the Second World War.

Maracas Bay/Las Cuevas Bay- Two of the more popular and beautiful beaches in Trinidad. Facilities at the Maracas Bay have been enhanced, making it even more user-friendly and attractive. Angostura Limited - Trinidad's unique contribution to the world's drinking habits. This is Angostura Bitters, first distilled by Dr Siegert while serving in Venezuela at the Military Hospital of Cuidad Bolivar. He brought the formula to Trinidad for commercial production, and it is still a closely guarded family secret.

Most favourable seasons for sojourns and touring