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. Located at the end of a sweep of islands on the southeastern boundary of the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago are just barely off the coast of Venezuela.

Area: 5,128 sq km

Population: 1.27 million

Capital: Port of Spain

People: African (39%), East Indian (40%), with significant European, Chinese, Syrian, Lebanese and Carib minorities

Language: Chinese, Spanish; Castilian, Hindi, English, French

Religion: Roman Catholic (30%), Hindu (24%), Anglican (11%), other Protestant denominations (29%) and Muslim (6%)

Government: Independent Republic within the British Commonwealth

GDP: US$10.6 billion

Major Industries: Petroleum, processed foods, fertilizers, cement, steel, cotton, electronics, sugar, rice, cocoa, citrus, and coffee.

Major Trading Partners: US, Caricom countries, Central and South America, EU, and Japan