Trinidad is completely different from the other Caribbean islands, which is part of its charm and appeal. It's not for everyone, though. Because Port-of-Spain, the capital, is one of the most bustling commercial centers in the Caribbean, more business travelers than tourists are drawn here. The island -- approximately 80km (50 miles) long and 65km (40 miles) wide -- does have beaches, but the best of them are far away from the capital. The city itself, with a population of about 120,000, is hot, humid, and somewhat dirty. With the opening of its US$2-million cruise ship complex, Port-of-Spain has become a major port of call for Caribbean cruise lines.
Although Port-of-Spain, with its shopping centers, fast-food joints, modern hotels, and active nightlife, draws mixed reviews, the countryside is calmer. Far removed from the traffic jams of the capital, you can explore the fauna and flora of the island. It's estimated that there are some 700 varieties of orchids alone, plus 400 species of birds.
Prices on Trinidad are often lower than on many other islands in the West Indies. Port-of-Spain abounds in inexpensive inns and guesthouses. Since most of the restaurants cater to locals, dining prices reflect the low wages.
The people are part of the attraction on Trinidad, the most cosmopolitan island in the Caribbean. The island's polyglot population includes Syrians, Chinese, Americans, Europeans, East Indians, Parsees, Madrasis, Venezuelans, and the last of the original Amerindian settlers of the island. You'll also find Hindustanis, Javanese, Lebanese, African descendants, and Creole mixes. The main religions are Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. In all, there are about 1.2 million inhabitants, whose language is English, although you may also hear the local dialect, Trinibagianese.
One of the most industrialized nations in the Caribbean, and one of the biggest exporters of oil in the Western Hemisphere, Trinidad is also blessed with the huge 46-hectare (114-acre) Pitch Lake, the source of most of the world's asphalt. It's also the home of Angostura Bitters, the recipe for which is a closely guarded secret.
