2013 Edition

Background

First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained 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. The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

Area

5,128 sq km 5,128 sq km 0 sq km

total

5,128 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Delaware

Climate

tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Coastline

362 km

Elevation extremes

Caribbean Sea 0 m El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

highest point

El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

lowest point

Caribbean Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches; deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.23 cu km/yr (67%/25%/8%) 177.9 cu m/yr (2005)

per capita

177.9 cu m/yr (2005)

total

0.23 cu km/yr (67%/25%/8%)

Geographic coordinates

11 00 N, 61 00 W

Geography - note

Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt

Irrigated land

36 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

4.87% 4.29% 90.84% (2011)

arable land

4.87%

other

90.84% (2011)

permanent crops

4.29%

Location

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Map references

Central America and the Caribbean

Maritime claims

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines 12 nm 24 nm 200 nm 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Terrain

mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Total renewable water resources

3.84 cu km (2011)

Age structure

19.5% (male 121,713/female 116,764) 13.6% (male 86,514/female 80,397) 47.1% (male 299,207/female 278,043) 10.7% (male 65,195/female 66,033) 9.1% (male 48,102/female 63,257) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

19.5% (male 121,713/female 116,764)

15-24 years

13.6% (male 86,514/female 80,397)

25-54 years

47.1% (male 299,207/female 278,043)

55-64 years

10.7% (male 65,195/female 66,033)

65 years and over

9.1% (male 48,102/female 63,257) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

14.07 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

1,201 1 % (2006 est.)

percentage

1 % (2006 est.)

total number

1,201

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

4.4% (2000)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

42.5% (2006)

Death rate

8.42 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

42.5 % 29.6 % 12.9 % 7.8 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

12.9 %

potential support ratio

7.8 (2013)

total dependency ratio

42.5 %

youth dependency ratio

29.6 %

Drinking water source

urban: 98% of population rural: 93% of population total: 94% of population urban: 2% of population rural: 7% of population total: 6% of population (2010 est.)

rural

7% of population

total

6% of population (2010 est.)

urban

2% of population

Education expenditures

NA

Ethnic groups

Indian (South Asian) 40%, African 37.5%, mixed 20.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2000 census)

Health expenditures

5.7% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.5% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

15,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2.1)

Infant mortality rate

25.74 deaths/1,000 live births 27.08 deaths/1,000 live births 24.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

24.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

25.74 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), French, Spanish, Chinese

Life expectancy at birth

71.96 years 69.09 years 74.91 years (2013 est.)

female

74.91 years (2013 est.)

total population

71.96 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 98.8% 99.2% 98.5% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

98.5% (2011 est.)

male

99.2%

total population

98.8%

Major urban areas - population

PORT-OF-SPAIN (capital) 57,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

46 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

33.9 years 33.4 years 34.4 years (2013 est.)

female

34.4 years (2013 est.)

male

33.4 years

total

33.9 years

Nationality

Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s) Trinidadian, Tobagonian

adjective

Trinidadian, Tobagonian

noun

Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

Net migration rate

-6.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

29.3% (2008)

Physicians density

1.18 physicians/1,000 population (2007)

Population

1,225,225 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.09% (2013 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 25.8% (Anglican 7.8%, Baptist 7.2%, Pentecostal 6.8%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4%), Hindu 22.5%, Muslim 5.8%, other Christian 5.8%, other 10.8%, unspecified 1.4%, none 1.9% (2000 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 92% of population rural: 92% of population total: 92% of population urban: 8% of population rural: 8% of population total: 8% of population (2010 est.)

rural

8% of population

total

8% of population (2010 est.)

urban

8% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 12 years (2004)

female

12 years (2004)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female 0.76 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.08 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.07 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.76 male(s)/female

at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

total population

1.03 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.71 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

10.5% 8.8% 12.9% (2008)

female

12.9% (2008)

total

10.5%

Urbanization

14% of total population (2010) 3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

14% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

9 regions, 3 boroughs, 2 cities, 1 ward Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin Port of Spain, San Fernando Tobago

borough

Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin

cities

Port of Spain, San Fernando

regions

Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco

ward

Tobago

Capital

Port of Spain 10 39 N, 61 31 W UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

10 39 N, 61 31 W

name

Port of Spain

time difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

previous 1962; latest 1976; amended many times, last in 2007 (2012)

Country name

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago

conventional long form

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

conventional short form

Trinidad and Tobago

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Margaret B. DIOP 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain P. O. Box 752, Port of Spain [1] (868) 622-6371 through 6376 [1] (868) 822-5905

chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Margaret B. DIOP

embassy

15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain

FAX

[1] (868) 822-5905

mailing address

P. O. Box 752, Port of Spain

telephone

[1] (868) 622-6371 through 6376

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Neil N. PARSAN (since 14 February 2011) 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 467-6490 [1] (202) 785-3130 Miami, New York

chancery

1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

chief of mission

Ambassador Neil N. PARSAN (since 14 February 2011)

consulate(s) general

Miami, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 785-3130

telephone

[1] (202) 467-6490

Executive branch

President Anthony CARMONA (since 18 March 2013) Prime Minister Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR (since 26 May 2010) Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament president elected by an electoral college, which consists of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 February 2013 (next to be held by February 2018); the president usually appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives as the only candidate nominated, Anthony CARMONA elected president; sworn in on 18 March 2013; percent of electoral college vote - 100%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament

chief of state

President Anthony CARMONA (since 18 March 2013)

election results

as the only candidate nominated, Anthony CARMONA elected president; sworn in on 18 March 2013; percent of electoral college vote - 100%

elections

president elected by an electoral college, which consists of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 February 2013 (next to be held by February 2018); the president usually appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives

head of government

Prime Minister Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR (since 26 May 2010)

Flag description

red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side to the lower fly side; the colors represent the elements of earth, water, and fire; black stands for the wealth of the land and the dedication of the people; white symbolizes the sea surrounding the islands, the purity of the country's aspirations, and equality; red symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun, the vitality of the land, and the courage and friendliness of its people

Government type

parliamentary democracy

Independence

31 August 1962 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of the Judicature (consists of a chief justice for both the Court of Appeal with 12 judges and the High Court with 24 judges) note - Trinidad and Tobago can file appeals beyond its Supreme Court to the Caribbean Court of Justice, with final appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the parliamentary leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the Judicial Legal Services Commission, headed by the chief justice and 5 members with judicial experience; all judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 Courts of Summary Criminal Jurisdiction; Petty Civil Courts; Family Court

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of the Judicature (consists of a chief justice for both the Court of Appeal with 12 judges and the High Court with 24 judges)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the parliamentary leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the Judicial Legal Services Commission, headed by the chief justice and 5 members with judicial experience; all judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65

subordinate courts

Courts of Summary Criminal Jurisdiction; Petty Civil Courts; Family Court

Legal system

English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (31 seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the president, 6 by the opposition party to serve a maximum term of five years) and the House of Representatives (41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015) House of Representatives - percent of vote - NA; seats by party - UNC 21, PNM 12, COP 6, TOP 2 Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly with 12 members serving four-year terms; last election held in January 2013; seats by party - PNM 12

election results

House of Representatives - percent of vote - NA; seats by party - UNC 21, PNM 12, COP 6, TOP 2

elections

House of Representatives - last held on 24 May 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

National anthem

"Forged From the Love of Liberty" Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE adopted 1962; the song was originally created to serve as an anthem for the West Indies Federation; it was adopted by Trinidad and Tobago following the Federation's dissolution in 1962

lyrics/music

Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE

name

"Forged From the Love of Liberty"

National holiday

Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

National symbol(s)

scarlet ibis (bird of Trinidad); cocrico (bird of Tobago)

Political parties and leaders

Congress of the People or COP [Prakash RAMADHAR] Democratic Action Congress or DAC [Hochoy CHARLES] (only active in Tobago) Democratic National Alliance or DNA [Charles CARSON] (coalition of NAR, DDPT, MND) Movement for National Development or MND [Garvin NICHOLAS] National Alliance for Reconstruction or NAR [Lennox SANKERSINGH] People's National Movement or PNM [Keith ROWLEY] Tobago Organization of the People or TOP [Ashworth JACK] United National Congress or UNC [Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Jamaat-al Muslimeen [Yasin ABU BAKR]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

cocoa, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry; sugar

Budget

$7.654 billion $7.933 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$7.933 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$7.654 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-1.1% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

4.25% (31 December 2010 est.) 7.25% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

7.7% (31 December 2012 est.) 7.97% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$959 million (2012 est.) $2.899 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$4.722 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $4.738 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Economy - overview

Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses and has one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in Latin America. Economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged slightly over 8%, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for that same period; however, GDP has slowed down since then and contracted during 2009-2011 due to depressed natural gas prices and changing markets. Growth had been fueled by investments in liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and steel with additional upstream and downstream investment planned. Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, and its economy is heavily dependent upon these resources but it also supplies manufactured goods, notably food products and beverages, as well as cement to the Caribbean region. Oil and gas account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports, but only 5% of employment. Oil production has declined over the last decade as the country focused the majority of its efforts on natural gas. However, declining reserves, lack of government investment in the sector, and the changing global gas market raises concern for the long-term growth of the country's energy sector. Although Trinidad and Tobago enjoys cheap electricity from natural gas, the renewable energy sector has recently garnered increased interest. The country is also a regional financial center with a well-regulated and stable financial system. Other sectors the Government of Trinidad and Tobago targeted for increased investment and projected growth include tourism, agriculture, information and communications technology, and shipping. The economy benefits from a growing trade surplus with the US. The US is Trinidad and Tobago's leading trade partner. The previous MANNING administration benefited from fiscal surpluses fueled by the dynamic export sector; however, declines in oil and gas prices have reduced government revenues, challenging the current government's commitment to maintaining high levels of public investment. Crime and bureaucratic hurdles continue to be the biggest deterrents for attracting more foreign direct investment and business.

Exchange rates

Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar - 6.39 (2012 est.) 6.41 (2011 est.) 6.38 (2010 est.) 6.31 (2009) 6.29 (2008)

Exports

$12.98 billion (2012 est.) $14.91 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, cereal and cereal products, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus fruit, vegetables, flowers

Exports - partners

US 42.1%, Chile 7.1%, Argentina 6.5%, Spain 4.5% (2012)

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition, by end use

55.5% 16.3% 14.9% 1.3% 92.4% -80.3% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

92.4%

government consumption

16.3%

household consumption

55.5%

imports of goods and services

-80.3%

investment in fixed capital

14.9%

investment in inventories

1.3%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

0.3% 57.8% 41.9% (2012 est.)

agriculture

0.3%

industry

57.8%

services

41.9% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$19,800 (2012 est.) $19,900 (2011 est.) $20,500 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

0.2% (2012 est.) -2.6% (2011 est.) 0.2% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$25.4 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$26.35 billion (2012 est.) $26.3 billion (2011 est.) $27 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

20% of GDP (2012 est.) 28.1% of GDP (2011 est.) 37.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$9.065 billion (2012 est.) $9.478 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

mineral fuels, lubricants, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals, live animals

Imports - partners

US 33.1%, Brazil 8.1%, Colombia 7.7%, Gabon 5.5%, Canada 4.4%, China 4.2% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

-0.5% (2012 est.)

Industries

petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

9.2% (2012 est.) 5.1% (2011 est.)

Labor force

618,200 (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

3.8% 12.8% 20.4% 62.9% (2007 est.)

agriculture

3.8%

construction and utilities

20.4%

manufacturing, mining, and quarrying

12.8%

services

62.9% (2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$14.73 billion (31 December 2011) $12.16 billion (31 December 2010) $11.15 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

17% (2007 est.)

Public debt

37.9% of GDP (2012 est.) 39.7% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$9.897 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $10.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$17.28 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $15.46 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$3.829 billion (2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$102 billion (31 December 2008 est.) $12.44 billion (2007)

Stock of domestic credit

$6.059 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $5.731 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$6.221 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $5.594 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

30.1% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

5.6% (2012 est.) 5.5% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

52.07 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

75,340 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

70,260 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

119,300 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

728.3 million bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

7.586 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

99.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

1.605 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

7.998 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

23.32 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

17.64 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

40.6 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

375.4 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

41,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

106,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

1,598 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

132,300 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

5 TV networks, one of which is state-owned, broadcast on multiple stations; multiple cable TV subscription service providers; multiple radio networks, one state-owned, broadcast over about 35 stations (2007)

Internet country code

.tt

Internet hosts

241,690 (2012)

Internet users

593,000 (2009)

Telephone system

excellent international service; good local service combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 170 telephones per 100 persons country code - 1-868; submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US and parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana (2011)

domestic

combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 170 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

excellent international service; good local service

international

country code - 1-868; submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US and parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

287,000 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

1.884 million (2012)

Airports

4 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

1

total

2

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

1

total

2

Merchant marine

passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1 2 (unknown 2) (2010)

registered in other countries

2 (unknown 2) (2010)

total

4

Pipelines

condensate 257 km; condensate/gas 11 km; gas 1,567 km; oil 587 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port of Spain, Scarborough Galeota Point terminal

oil terminals

Galeota Point terminal

Roadways

8,320 km 4,252 km 4,068 km (2001)

total

8,320 km

unpaved

4,068 km (2001)

Manpower available for military service

341,764 317,899 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

317,899 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

341,764

Manpower fit for military service

269,824 261,735 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

261,735 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

269,824

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

8,164 7,503 (2010 est.)

female

7,503 (2010 est.)

male

8,164

Military branches

Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF): Trinidad and Tobago Army, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Defense Force Reserves (2010)

Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF)

Trinidad and Tobago Army, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Defense Force Reserves (2010)

Military expenditures

0.6% of GDP (2011)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (16 years of age with parental consent); no conscription; Trinidad and Tobago citizenship and completion of secondary school required (2012)

Disputes - international

Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a maritime boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; in 2005, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to compulsory international arbitration under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea challenging whether the northern limit of Trinidad and Tobago's and Venezuela's maritime boundary extends into Barbadian waters; Guyana has also expressed its intention to include itself in the arbitration as the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela maritime boundary may extend into its waters as well

Illicit drugs

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; producer of cannabis

Trafficking in persons

Trinidad and Tobago is a destination and transit country for adults and children subjected to sex trafficking and adults subjected to forced labor; local victims have been trafficked to the US and the UK for sexual exploitation, while women and girls from South America and the Dominican Republic have been subjected to sex trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago's brothels and clubs; some economic migrants from the Caribbean region and Asia have had their passports held and experienced forced labor conditions; children are vulnerable to forced labor, including scavenging trash; the country is a potential transit point for human trafficking to Caribbean and South American destinations Tier 2 Watch List - Trinidad and Tobago does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2013, the government proclaimed its anti-trafficking law and established a counter-trafficking unit, but authorities did not use the law to its full effect; despite victim protections in the new law, the government has failed to properly screen and protect hundreds of potential trafficking victims; the reported complicity of public officials in trafficking offenses is also an obstacle (2013)

current situation

Trinidad and Tobago is a destination and transit country for adults and children subjected to sex trafficking and adults subjected to forced labor; local victims have been trafficked to the US and the UK for sexual exploitation, while women and girls from South America and the Dominican Republic have been subjected to sex trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago's brothels and clubs; some economic migrants from the Caribbean region and Asia have had their passports held and experienced forced labor conditions; children are vulnerable to forced labor, including scavenging trash; the country is a potential transit point for human trafficking to Caribbean and South American destinations

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - Trinidad and Tobago does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2013, the government proclaimed its anti-trafficking law and established a counter-trafficking unit, but authorities did not use the law to its full effect; despite victim protections in the new law, the government has failed to properly screen and protect hundreds of potential trafficking victims; the reported complicity of public officials in trafficking offenses is also an obstacle (2013)