Region: Caribbean

Capital: Port of Spain

Population: 1,096,585 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 5,130 sq km

Currency: dollar

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $9,600 (2003 est.)

Background:
The 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.

Economy – Overview
Trinidad 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 2004 are good as prices for oil, petrochemicals, and liquified 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.

United Nations membership date: 18 September 1962

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
to the United Nations
820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-697-7620, 7621, 7622, 7623
Fax: 212-682-3580