Trinidad and Tobago is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of Windward Group of islands, located 11 00 N, 61 00 W. The country has an area of 5,128 sq km. The capital is Port of Spain.
Trinidad and Tobago has a population of 1,228,691, with a life expectancy of 71.09 years. The population is 40% Hindu, 37.5% African, 20.5% mix, 1.2% other, 0.8% unspecified. Trinidad and Tobago is majority Christian, with 5.8% muslim, 10.8% other, and 1.4% unspecified. English is the official language.
Trinidad was originally inhabited by Arawaks, Chaimas,Tamanaques, Salives, Chaguanes, Quaquas, and Caribs. By 1824, the population was greatly diminished to 893.
Columbus arrived in 1498. Trinidad was named after the Holy Trinity. Trinidad switched from Spanish, French, and Dutch hands, until English rule became more permanent in 1797.
African slaves began to be imported in mass around 1804, to work the cane fields. Slavery ended in 1834, causing a labor shortage. Slavery was abolished in Trinidad and Tobago in 1833 and all British territories.
In 1844, to compensate for the labor shortage, East Indian indentured servants were imported. Chinese labor was imported around 1849.
Tobago was originally inhabited by Caribs. Columbus arrived in 1498. Tobago is a corruption of tobacco, a crop grown by Caribs. The island switched hands from the English, Dutch, and French, until the English gain more permanent ground in 1802. Sugar production took hold in the Eighteenth Century and reflected in the racial composition. For example, in 1756 the population was 181 whitemen to 3,864 black slave or 1 to 21.
Tobago became a crown colony in 1877. In 1888, Trinidad and Tobago was joined politically. Trinidad and Tobago became independent in 1962, under Eric Williams.
Cameron, Sarah and Box, Ben(1993). Travelers World Guides:Caribbean Islands Handbook. Trade and Travels: pp. 587-590 ISBN 0-13-116971-8
CIA, Factbook, Trinidad and Tobago
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