Country Profile: Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago, an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea northeast of Venezuela, is known for its rich natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas. With a population of approximately 1.41 million, the country boasts a diverse society influenced by various ethnic groups, primarily of East Indian and African descent. Economically, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean, largely due to its hydrocarbon exports, although it faces challenges such as high inflation and crime rates. The governance of the country is structured as a parliamentary republic, with a commitment to democracy and inclusive participation.

Geography

Trinidad and Tobago is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, featuring a tropical climate and mostly flat terrain with some hilly areas. The country has a total land area of 5,128 square kilometers and a coastline of 362 kilometers. It is known for its diverse natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, and asphalt, with the Pitch Lake on Trinidad being the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt.

362 km of coastline
5,128 sq km total land area
0% water area
44.2% forest cover (2023)
10.5% agricultural land (2023)

People and Society

Trinidad and Tobago has a population of approximately 1.41 million, with a slight majority of males. The country is characterized by a multicultural society, with significant populations of East Indians and individuals of African descent. English is the official language, and the country is home to various religions, with Protestantism and Hinduism being the most prevalent. The urban population stands at 53.4%, primarily concentrated in Port of Spain, the capital.

1,410,170 total population (2025 est.)
53.4% urban population (2023)
35.4% identify as East Indian
32.1% Protestant (2011 est.)
76.5 years life expectancy (2024 est.)

Economy

The economy of Trinidad and Tobago is classified as a high-income economy, heavily reliant on hydrocarbon exports, particularly in natural gas and petroleum. The country has been experiencing challenges such as high inflation and public debt but maintains substantial foreign reserves. The services sector is particularly significant, contributing nearly 60% to the GDP, while agriculture accounts for about 0.8%.

$26.429 billion GDP (2024 est.)
4.6% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
$31,700 GDP per capita (2024 est.)
45.4% of GDP from exports (2017 est.)
0.8% remittances of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislature known as Parliament. The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country enjoys universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and above, with a constitutional framework that supports democratic governance. The latest presidential election in January 2023 resulted in Christine Kangaloo becoming the first female president.

Presidential election last held on 20 January 2023
42 members in the House of Representatives
31 appointed members in the Senate
9 regions and 3 boroughs in administrative divisions
Independence achieved on 31 August 1962

Military and Security

The Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force is responsible for the nation's military security. It includes the Army, Coast Guard, and Air Guard. The country has been facing challenges with crime and has a growing military budget as a percentage of GDP. Military personnel strength is approximately 5,000, and the nation has a voluntary military service policy without conscription.

0.9% of GDP allocated for military expenditures (2024 est.)
Approximately 5,000 Defense Force personnel (2025)
No compulsory military service
Focus on countering gang-related crime and drug trafficking

Energy

Trinidad and Tobago is heavily reliant on fossil fuels for energy production, with 99.9% of its electricity generated from fossil fuels. The country has significant reserves of natural gas and crude oil and is known for its extensive natural gas production. Electricity access is universal, ensuring that all citizens have access to power.

100% electrification rate (2022 est.)
25.994 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced (2023 est.)
72,000 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023 est.)
2.139 million kW installed power generation capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Trinidad and Tobago faces several environmental challenges, including water pollution, illegal dumping, and deforestation. The rainy season extends from June to December, and the country is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.

3.84 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
727,900 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
16.2% municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
10.4 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago includes a few airports and a shipping industry with a significant number of merchant vessels. The nation has developed ports that facilitate the export of goods, especially hydrocarbons, making it a vital hub in the Caribbean.

3 airports as of 2025
102 merchant marine vessels (2023)
10 ports, including key terminals for oil

Communications

Trinidad and Tobago boasts a high level of internet accessibility, with about 85% of the population using the internet. The telecommunications sector includes a range of fixed and mobile subscriptions, supporting a well-connected society.

1.79 million mobile subscriptions (2024 est.)
311,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2023 est.)
404,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
85% internet user rate (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,410,170	Estimated for 2025
Area	5,128 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$26.429 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	9.001 billion kWh	Electricity consumption (2023)
Birth Rate	10.33 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	76.5 years	Estimated for 2024
Debt as % of GDP	37%	Estimated for 2016
Urbanization Rate	53.4%	Percentage of urban population (2023)
Military Expenditures	0.9%	Of GDP in 2024