Speyside
Tobago estate
TOBAGO
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Although Tobago is an island, it was once joined to Venezuela, therefore it's flora and fauna is continental in origin. This, and the influence of the nutrient-rich current outflow from the Orinoco river accounts for it's astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, of which almost one third is endemic. Only 27 miles long by 7 miles wide at it's widest, it has an outsized role in rainforest conservation, and is an ovelooked gem in the world's biodiversity.
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The climate is tropical, and the island lies just south of the Atlantic hurricane belt. Trinidad is 6.8 miles (11 km) from the coast of Venezuela, with Tobago located 19 mi (30 km) northeast of Trinidad and measuring about 298 sq km (115 sq mi) in area, or 5.8% of the country's area.
Tobago is primarily hilly, mountainous and of volcanic origin.The southwest of the island is flat and consists largely of coralline limestone. The hilly spine of the island is called the Main Ridge. The highest point in Tobago is the 550-metre (1804 ft) Pigeon Peak near Speyside.
In the past, two of Trinidad and Tobago’s major agricultural products were cocoa and coffee beans, with the former being acknowledged by many in the industry as being among the highest quality in the world. Production in Tobago has greatly declined and now is an artisanal crop.
The climate is tropical, and the island lies just south of the Atlantic hurricane belt. Trinidad is 6.8 miles (11 km) from the coast of Venezuela, with Tobago located 19 mi (30 km) northeast of Trinidad and measuring about 298 sq km (115 sq mi) in area, or 5.8% of the country's area.
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More than steelpan, masqueraders and calypso, Tobago's Carnival celebrations embrace many of the island's traditions. Speech bands, whip wielding devils called jab jabs (from French diable), bottle and spoon bands and African drumming are incorporated into the island's celebrations. Tobago's Carnival is laid back when compared to the frenzied festivities in Trinidad.
The steelpan is Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument. During the Carnival season, music lovers crowd the "yards" of their favourite bands as they practice in preparation for The Internationl Panorama, competition for steel pan bands. In 2015, Trinidad & Tobago took the top 3 spots.
Notables from Trinidad and Tobago include Dr. Joseph Lennox Pawan, bacteriologist whose discovery of the rabies virus in Vampire Bats led to the development of the vaccine.
More than steelpan, masqueraders and calypso, Tobago's Carnival celebrations embrace many of the island's traditions. Speech bands, whip wielding devils called jab jabs (from French diable), bottle and spoon bands and African drumming are incorporated into the island's celebrations. Tobago's Carnival is laid back when compared to the frenzied festivities in Trinidad.
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Trinidad & Tobago is a stable democratic nation with general elections held at least every 5 years. Formerly a British colony, it was granted its independence in 1962 and has been a Republic since 1976.
The currency unit is the Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TT$). A managed floating exchange rate is in effect, with some degree of monitoring and control exerted through the Central Bank. The TT$ is pegged to the US$, and TT$6.47= 1 US$ approx.The financial system is well-organised and soundly-regulated.
Trinidad & Tobago is a member of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and subscribes to the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade.
Trinidad & Tobago is a stable democratic nation with general elections held at least every 5 years. Formerly a British colony, it was granted its independence in 1962 and has been a Republic since 1976.
The Tobago Festival of the Wind
The Tobago Carnival Festival of the Wind