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The World Cup of Cricket 2007 in Trinidad and Tobago |
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The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state, which means one from a cluster or chain of islands. The country covers an area of 5128 square kilometers, and consists of two chief islands namely Trinidad and Tobago, with 21 smaller islands. Trinidad is the larger and more populous than Tobago. The country has a mixture of African, Indian, mixed-race, European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern people. Trinidad and Tobago became an independent nation from the United Kingdom on 31st August 1962, and a republic in 1976. Trinidad and Tobago is basically an industrialized country, and its economy is based on petroleum and petrochemicals. This country is famous for its pre-Lenten Carnival, and as the birthplace of steelpan, calypso, and limbo. Its capital city is Port of Spain, and currency is Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD).
History
Christopher Columbus was the one who visited the island of Trinidad and discovered it in the year 1498. The first settlement was built by Spain in 1532. From 16th century till 1802 it was a Spanish colony and after it was given to Britain it joined with Tobago in the year 1976. It was only in the year 1889 when Trinidad and Tobago were united. Independence was gained in the year 1972 and it became a republic on August 1, 1976. For the year 1956 to 1981 Eric Williams was the Prime Minister.
Facts
Area: 5,128 sq.km (Trinidad 4,828 sq.km. and Tobago 300 Km.)
Population (2005 Est.): 1.08 m
Capital (Population): Port-of-Spain (52, 000)
Sports
In 2006, Trinidad and Tobago was the smallest country in terms of population, to qualify for FIFA World Cup. This was the first successful qualification of their national football team, which brought their ranking to 51st position in the world. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation controls the national football team, also called as “The Soca Warriors”. This country has produced a number of Premiership players like Dwight Yorke, Stern John, and Shaka Hislop. Trinidad and Tobago hosted 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship. Apart from this, Trinidad has a horseracing track called Santa Rosa Park. One can also find goat racing in Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago is very popular with international cruising yachtsmen, as it is just south of the hurricane belt. A number of repair centers and other facilities are available in Chaguaramas. The sailing season is from August to October.
Cricket
Trinidad and Tobago participates in both Test Cricket and One Day International, as a member of the West Indies Team. The West Indian Cricket team, colloquially called “The Windies”, is a multinational cricket team representing a sporting union of 12 English speaking Caribbean countries and British dependencies. In regional competitions, the national team plays at the first class level. Brian Lara, a double world record holder for the most runs scored in Test and first class innings, is from Trinidad and Tobago. No wonder he is called “The Prince of Port of Spain”, or simply “The Prince”.
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