Country explorer: Trinidad and Tobago
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Trinidad and Tobago is a tropical, high-income country in the Caribbean with a small population. Its economy has been volatile in recent decades, and is based on energy, petrochemicals and manufacturing.
The country of Trinidad and Tobago is known for its vibrant Carnival celebrations.
Economy
Trinidad and Tobago has shown a significant growth in GDP per capita, transitioning closer towards high-income country status, while maintaining relatively low unemployment rates and moderate inflation, distinguishing it from many of its regional peers by demonstrating a resilient and growing economy amidst global economic fluctuations.
Demographics
Trinidad and Tobago has seen gradual demographic shifts characterized by a slight increase in population, a fluctuating net migration pattern reflecting both influxes and outflows, a moderate decline in fertility rates aligning with global trends toward smaller families, and an overall improvement in life expectancy indicative of advances in healthcare and living standards, mirroring changes observed in multiple high-income and developing countries.
Basic needs
Trinidad and Tobago has consistently maintained nearly universal access to clean cooking fuels and electricity, reflecting significant advancements in basic needs that align closely with high-income countries, showcasing its distinct position among its Caribbean peers.
Human development
Trinidad and Tobago has witnessed notable improvements in human development, as evidenced by advancements in its Human Development Index, reductions in child mortality rates, increased literacy rates, and enhanced average learning-adjusted years of schooling, highlighting a trajectory of progress that aligns it more closely with high-income countries than many of its regional peers.
Environment & energy
Trinidad and Tobago has experienced notable environmental shifts, particularly a significant per capita CO₂ emissions increase and a reliance on natural gas for electricity, positioning it differently from many nations by heavily leveraging its fossil fuel resources amidst global pushes for renewable energy.
Technology & innovation
Trinidad and Tobago has seen gradual progress in technology and innovation, marked by significant increases in internet usage and mobile subscriptions, alongside modest growth in scientific publication and research and development spending, echoing global trends albeit at a distinct pace.
Culture & society
Trinidad and Tobago has experienced moderate changes in its social fabric, marked by slight increases in foreign-born population and gender equality, alongside improvement in life satisfaction, yet facing an aging demographic similar to global trends, underscoring its unique blend of progress and challenges within the Caribbean context.
Governance
Trinidad and Tobago has shown significant strides in improving governance, as evidenced by generally positive trends in the rule of law, corruption perception, political civil liberties, and press freedom indicators, reflecting a shared trajectory with its regional peers towards greater transparency, accountability, and democratic freedoms.