Trinidad & Tobago

The Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, while geographically close, are far apart in their tempo of life: Steel-band music and a multiethnic population, including many of African and East Indian descent, give flamboyant Trinidad a fast beat; small farms and quiet resorts give scenic Tobago a slower rhythm. In addition to oil and natural gas, Trinidad contains Pitch Lake, a huge asphalt deposit. High priorities for the economy are increased gas production, aggressive promotion of foreign investment, and industrial and agricultural diversification.