The Economy of Trinidad and Tobago

Summary

Natural Resources of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is the wealthiest island state in the Caribbean. The country’s economy is primarily industrial, with an emphasis on petroleum and petrochemicals. The country has large reserves and exploitation of oil and natural gas. Petrochemical, aluminium, and plastics projects are in various stages of planning.

Trinidad and Tobago has many natural resources, this includes vegetation includes wild flowers, many flowering shrubs and trees, palms, giant aroids, and large broad-leaved varieties. Natural animal life includes a few species of mammals, monkeys among them, and many reptiles and birds.

The mountains are covered with tropical rain froest; and the plains have mangrove swamps and savannahs. There are rivers, waterfalls and jungle-green shores.

Morang River, St. Joseph, Trinidad.

Activity: Draw a map of Trinidad and Tobago.

Video on Natural Resources

Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Natural resources come from the Earth, sun and Atmosphere. They can be classified into two categories: non-renewable and renewable.

Non renewable resources are natural substances that are not replenished with the speed at which it is consumed. These are finite resource, such as gas and coal.

Renewable resources are resources that are readily available. They include biomass energy such as ethanol that comes from corn, biofuel, cultivated plants, wood and sewage.

Activity: Identify the resource that contribute to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago. Show on the map drawn where non-renewable resources can be found.

Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad ecosystem is rich and rewarding for the tourism industry. They are many tour operators and guides that are eager to show the beautiful fauna and flora of the Trinidad and Tobago.

An overview of Parlatuvier Bay in Tobago W.I.

Trinidad has mountains regions, mountain ranges, coaslines, plains, valleys and basins. There are caves, gorges, mangrove swamps, rivers, lagoons and waterfalls as well.

There are woodland and forested areas that are protected.

Thus there are tours and hikes to to these places.

Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary: Trinidad and Tobago

Small Tour of Lopinot Historical Complex and Cave

Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad.

Diving in Tobago

Activity: Draw a map of Trinidad and Tobago. Indicate the places of interest for tourist. Include at least: a beach, a hiking trail, and a swamp.

Worksheet

Click on the links below to download the PDF worksheets.