People & Diverse Culture

People & Diverse Culture

Trinidad & Tobago's cosmopolitan population of 1.4 million people is its greatest resource

Quick Facts

  • English Speaking

    2nd largest English speaking nearshore nation for North America

  • Highly Educated

    7,600 tertiary level graduates annually

  • Competitive Workforce

    Low labour costs

  • Free Education

    Free education at primary & secondary levels with state assistance to support tertiary level education

  • Stability

    Democracy Index 2020 - Economist Intelligence Unit

  • World Happiness Report

    Happiest Country in the Caribbean

Globally Competitive Workforce

Skilled

Trinidad and Tobago competes on a global scale with a highly skilled workforce of approximately 615,100 persons who speak native English.

Educated

Education is a prime focus of the country’s development strategy which has a well-developed educational system. Secondary level and university graduates (7,600 annually) provide ready access to a pool of skilled, trained and trainable candidates in a broad spectrum of disciplines.

There are over 141 secondary schools and over 483 primary schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Well-developed human resource base

A high percentage of the workforce includes professionals with postgraduate qualifications. Specializations are abundant in legal, administrative, information technology and general management, as well as STEM qualifications. Industry specific skills are also readily available.

Cosmopolitan

Trinidad and Tobago’s diverse population trace their history from Africa, India, China, the Middle East and Europe. Fondly known as the 'melting pot' of the Caribbean, our diversity manifests itself in our cuisine, music, religions, cultural traditions and events.

Wages and Salaries

Minimum wages are set by the Minimum Wages Act. Normal working hours are 8 hours per day 5 days per week, inclusive of meal break and rest period.


Compensation varies according to the industrial sector. Other fringe benefits such as health insurance, meals, travel allowances and bonuses may also apply.

  • Average wage earnings for high level occupation groupings - US$60,000 per annum

  • Minimum wage - TT$20.50 per hour (approx. US$3.05)

Breakdown of Workforce by Industry

Workforce by IndustryNumber of workers
Sugar (Cultivation and Manufacture)0
Other Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting, and Fishing22300
Petroleum and Gas, including Production, Refining, and Service Contractors11000
Other Mining and Quarrying400
Other manufacturing (excluding sugar and oil)42900
Electricity and Water5700
Construction75400
Wholesale and Retail Trade, Restaurants and Hotels108400
Transport, Storage, and Communication35300
Financing, Insurance, Real Estate, and Business Services63100
Community, Social and Personal Services223200
Not stated7800
Source: Source: Central Statistical Office- Continuous Sample Survey of Population (cso.gov.tt)

Enjoy our diverse culture

Carnival

The diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of the people allow for many festivities and ceremonies throughout the year. Famous for its pre-Lenten celebration - Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, described by those who have experienced it as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, is a festival bursting with vivid colour, exquisite costumes, calypso music and the pulsating steelbands.

Indigenous art forms

Indigenous art forms include soca (a derivative of calypso), parang (Venezuelan-influenced Christmas music), local East Indian ‘chutney’ music and the famous African limbo dance. Popular local artistes such as Machel Montano, David Rudder, Bunji and Liam Teague have also received international recognition.

Local artists and the performing arts

There are several art galleries in Port of Spain that feature the works of well-known local artists such as Leroy Clarke, Jackie Hinkson and Boscoe Holder. Also, the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) is a permanent home for the development of the country’s performing arts and ensures that music, theatre and dance art forms continue to thrive in Trinidad and Tobago