Location

Trinidad and Tobago are the most southerly islands in the Caribbean. Believed to have once been attached to the South American mainland, Trinidad is situated 10 km (7 miles) north-east of the coast of Venezuela and is separated from it by the Gulf of Paria. Tobago lies 21 miles north-east of Trinidad. Geographic coordinates: Latitude 10 1/2°N, Longitude 61 1/2° W.

Approximate flying times to Trinidad and Tobago:

Climate and Geography

Trinidad‘s climate can be described as pleasant tropical marine. Daytime temperatures average 31°C (87°F) moderated by north-east trade winds, while nights are a cool 21°C (69°F). Trinidad possesses two distinct seasons- dry, from January to May, and wet, from June to December. There is a short dry period around mid-September called Petit Carême, which is an excellent off-season time to visit. Trinidad is just outside the usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms.

The topography is primarily flat, with plains and hills in the central and south and a low mountain range in the north. The highest point, El Cerro del Aripo, situated in the northern range, is 940 m (3,080 feet). Forty-six (46) per cent of all land is undeveloped forest and woodlands. Trinidad is 4,828 sq. km (1,864 sq. miles) in area, which is roughly the size of Rhode Island in the USA. It is approximately rectangular in shape (81.25 km long by 57-73 km wide, or 50 miles by 35-45 miles). Tobago is approximately 300 sq. km in area, or 116 sq. miles.

Time Zone

Business Hours

Offices:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Banks:
Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Government:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Retail:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Government

Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from Britain on August 31st, 1962 and became a Republic on August 1st, 1976. Trinidad and Tobago‘s government is a parliamentary democracy. The Head of State is the President (largely a ceremonial role), elected by an Electoral College of members of the Senate and House of Representatives for a five-year term. Executive power, however, is vested in the Prime Minister and Government following elections every five years.

Legal System

The legal system is based on English common law and statutes. The judicial system is composed of a lower Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court, which includes a Court of Appeal and a High Court. The President appoints judges based on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Attorney General is responsible for the administration of the legal and judicial system. Final appeal from