Historical Background
First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing.

Economic Background
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. Prospects for growth in 2006 are good as prices for oil, petrochemicals, and liquefied natural gas are expected to remain high, and foreign direct investment continues to grow to support expanded capacity in the energy sector. The government is coping with a rise in violent crime.

Overview
Area: 5,128 sq km (Trinidad 4825 sq km; Tobago 303 sq km)
Capital: Port of Spain
Population: 1,065,842 (July 2006 proj.)
Language: English (official), Caribbean Creole
Currency: Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TT$) (US$1=TT$6.30)
Legal system: Supreme Court of Judicature (comprised of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal); Trinidad & Tobago is the Seat of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Educational Info

Trinidad and Tobago
List of schools and Universities in Trinidad and Tobago:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki /List_of_schools_in_Trinidad _and_Tobago