Line #3 UsefulNotes/TrinidadAndTobago


1	[[quoteright:279:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Mapa_Trinidad_y_tobago_2002_6413.gif]]
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3	A nice little country composed of a major island called Trinidad, a minor island named Tobago (actually the top of an underwater volcano) and some little islets nearby. The islands are so close to UsefulNotes/{{Venezuela}} that you could think they’re part of that country; however, they are considered part of UsefulNotes/TheCaribbean because of their cultural ties with it (and the fact that the official language is English, not Spanish, albeit an English spiced with a lot of local words).
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5	The island of Trinidad was originally inhabited by tribes coming from UsefulNotes/SouthAmerica, until the arrival of the [[UsefulNotes/NewSpain Spaniards]]. The British took the island by the end of the eighteenth century. The island of Tobago was initially settled by the Dutch, but it ended up changing hands between the UsefulNotes/{{Europe}}an powers until it ended under the firm control of the English, when they combined it with Trinidad to form one entity. Eventually, the country achieved its independence in 1962.
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7	The country has prospered and is one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean. The fact that oil and gas deposits are around has helped the economy. Not to mention [[SceneryPorn tourism]], especially on the island of Tobago.
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9	This is also where the limbo dance originated (not from UsefulNotes/{{Hawaii}}, as it’s commonly believed). Also, the musical instrument known as the steelpan (aka steel drum) is commonly associated with UsefulNotes/{{Jamaica}}, where, in fact, it was actually developed in Trinidad.
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11	Trinidad and Tobago shares a general Anglophone Caribbean culture with UsefulNotes/{{Guyana}}, Jamaica, Barbados, and other former British colonies in the area. However, it can probably be stated that the nation it shares the strongest cultural ties with is Guyana. Like Guyana and unlike Jamaica and UsefulNotes/{{Barbados}}, Trinidad and Tobago saw a large influx of indentured workers from [[UsefulNotes/TheRaj British]] UsefulNotes/{{India}} in the 19th century after the abolition of slavery in UsefulNotes/TheBritishEmpire, leaving a much stronger Indian stamp on the culture than the other Anglophone Caribbean countries (especially in cuisine; the Trinidadian kitchen is heavily influenced by India). Many Trinidadians are therefore of Indian or mixed West UsefulNotes/{{Africa}}n and Indian descent, called "Dougla". Trinidad is where ChutneyMusic was invented, and it is extremely popular in both countries and among the diaspora from both countries. Similarly, Trinidad is where the Calypso (which primarily uses {{steel drums\|And Sunshine}}) and Soca music styles originated, with the popular [[Music/TheAndrewsSisters Andrews Sisters]] hit "Rum and Coca-Cola" originating as a satirical calypso by Lord Invader commenting on the presence of American soldiers in Trinidad during UsefulNotes/WorldWarII.
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13	Myth/YorubaMythology from West Africa influenced the local folklore.
14	----
15	!!Notable Trinidadians:
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17	* Perhaps the most famous writer of the country is Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, also known as V. S. Naipaul, who writes books about colonialism (and who is also known for his Flame Bait comments), and won the UsefulNotes/NobelPrizeInLiterature in 2001.
18	* German singer Music/{{Haddaway}} (he of "What is Love" fame) was born in Port of Spain and lived there until his parents separated, living between his father in Europe and his mother in America before moving to Cologne in 1987.
19	* Multi-talented artist Creator/GeoffreyHolder, perhaps best known for ''Theatre/TheWiz'' and as the Baron Samedi in ''Film/LiveAndLetDie''.
20	* Music/NickiMinaj (born Onika Tanya Maraj) lived in Port of Spain until she was five years old when her mother brought her to New York.
21	* Creator/WinstonDuke was born in Tobago before moving to the US at the age of nine.
22	* Creator/AnslemRichardson: American actor of Trinidadian descent.
23	* Creator/LorraineToussaint lived in Trinidad until the late 1960s.
24	* Creator/RudolphWalker: British actor who lived in Trinidad until he was 20.
25	* Creator/NinaBadenSemper: British actress who also lived in Trinidad.
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27	[[AC:The Trinidadian[=/=]Tobagonian flag]]
28	https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/trinidad_and_tobago_flag_4872.png
29	->The red field symbolizes courage, crossed by the diagonal black band of dedication, in turn with white fimbriations signifying purity and equality.
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31	[[AC:The Trinidadian[=/=]Tobagonian national anthem]]
32
33	->Forged from the love of liberty
34	->In the fires of hope and prayer
35	->With boundless faith in our destiny
36	->We solemnly declare:
37	->Side by side we stand
38	->Islands of the blue Caribbean sea,
39	->This our native land
40	->We pledge our lives to thee.
41	->Here every creed and race find an equal place,
42	->And may God bless our nation
43	->Here every creed and race find an equal place,
44	->And may God bless our nation.
45	----
46	[[AC:Government]]
47	* Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic
48	** President: Christine Kangaloo
49	** Prime Minister: Keith Rowley
50	** House Speaker: Bridgid Annisette-George
51	** Senate President: Nigel de Freitas
52	** Chief Justice: Ivor Archie
53	** Opposition Leader: Kamla Persad-Bissessar
54	----
55	[[AC:Miscellaneous]]
56	* '''Capital:''' Port of Spain
57	* '''Largest city:''' San Fernando
58	* '''Population:''' 1,366,725
59	* '''Area:''' 5,131 km
60	(1,981 sq mi) (164th)
61	* '''Currency:''' Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) (TTD)
62	* '''ISO-3166-1 Code:''' TT
63	* '''Country calling code:''' [[UsefulNotes/NorthAmericanNumberingPlan 1]] (area code 868)
64	* '''Highest point:''' El Cerro del Aripo (940 m/3,084 ft) (163rd)

Context UsefulNotes / TrinidadAndTobago