Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two major islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The island lies 11 km (6.8 mi) off the northeastern coast of Venezuela and sits on the continental shelf of South America. People often refer to it as the southernmost island in the West Indies. With an area of 4,768 km2 (1,841 sq mi), it is also the fifth largest in the West Indies. The original name for the island in the Arawaks’ language was Iëre which meant “Land of the Hummingbird”. Christopher Columbus renamed it La Isla de la Trinidad (‘The Island of the Trinity’), fulfilling a vow he had made before setting out on his third voyage. Since then, the name has been shortened to Trinidad, and it is regarded as one of the best places in the world to catch Atlantic tarpon.
Tobago is a delightful island in the southern Caribbean. It is an escape from the hustle and bustle of Port of Spain for those from Trinidad and, served by British Airways and Condor as a major destination for those from outside the country. The west side of the island features beautiful beaches and the Bucco reef at Pigeon Point. The east side features unspoilt rainforest that are protected and is the oldest protected rainforest on the western Hemisphere.
As a dual island nation, Tobago is by far in a way the smaller when compared to Trinidad. Tobago’s allure and economy revolve around rum, sugar, and cocoa. The island’s name may trace back to the tobacco trade during colonial times. The people speak English with a Caribbean accent, incorporating some dialect words, posing an initial challenge but becoming gradually understandable.
In 1889, Tobago’s economy crumbled due to the sugar industry collapse, leading to its amalgamation with Trinidad. Despite retaining a subordinate legislature and separate taxes, this formed the united colony of Trinidad and Tobago. The country’s fame stems from its nationwide recognition of prepared provisions, such as dasheen, sweet potato, eddoes, cassava, yam, soups, and stews, collectively known as blue food. Corresponding to the Blue Food Day event held annually in Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidadians are the people from Trinidad, while Tobagans or Tobagonians are the people from Tobago. Some places in Trinidad and Tobago received African names. For example, Majuba and Sobo. Words such as obeah and the names of the orishas are also African words.
