Trinidad and Tobago Population

Trinidad and Tobago Population

Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles. The country is one of the richest and most industrialized in the Caribbean thanks to a large oil and gas industry.

Key figures and facts

  • Capital: Port of Spain
  • Ethnic groups: Indians 35.4%, African Chain 34.2%, Blend-Other 15.3%, Blend African-Indians 7.7%, Other/Unspecified 7.5% (2011)
  • Language: English (official), Trinidadian Creole-English, Tobagic Creole-English, Caribbean Hindustani, Trinidadian Creole-French, Spanish, Chinese
  • Religion: Protestants 32.1%, Catholics 21.6%, Hindus 18.2%, Muslims 5%, Jehovah’s Witnesses 1.5%, others 8.4%, none 2.2%, unspecified 11.1% (2011)
  • Population: 1 372 598 (2018)
  • Control Form: Republic
  • Area: 5 130 km2
  • Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
  • GNP per capita: 32 855 PPP $
  • National Day: August 31st

Trinidad and Tobago Population

In 2013, the population of Trinidad and Tobago was estimated to be 1341,000 residents (World Bank), and annual population growth to 0.3%. Natural growth (born ÷ dead) is higher, the birth and death rates for 2005 were 14 and 8 per thousand respectively. A negative balance of payments keeps growth down. Life expectancy is estimated to be 73 years for women and 67 years for men.

Trinidad and Tobago Country Population

Trinidad’s indigenous people were Arawaker, a Native American people. Tobago was uninhabited in pre-Columbian times. The current population of the islands is very complex; About 60% of the population is of African origin, incidentally many of Indian origin. These are largely descendants of contract workers who came to the sugar plantations in Trinidad after the abolition of slavery in the first part of the 19th century.

About 96% of the population lives in Trinidad. 75% of the population lives in urban areas. Major cities are the capital Port of Spain and San Fernando.

Population of Trinidad and Tobago by Year (Historical)

Year Population Annual Growth Rate Population Density Global Rank
2020 1,399,377 0.320% 272.8047 154
2019 1,394,862 0.370% 271.9246 153
2018 1,389,732 0.420% 270.9246 153
2017 1,383,948 0.470% 269.7971 153
2016 1,377,449 0.530% 268.5302 153
2015 1,370,217 0.630% 267.1205 153
2010 1,328,036 0.480% 258.8981 153
2005 1,296,391 0.460% 252.7294 152
2000 1,267,042 0.210% 247.0084 150
1995 1,254,089 0.540% 244.4834 149
1990 1,221,005 0.850% 238.0343 149
1985 1,170,174 1.530% 228.1257 148
1980 1,084,633 1.420% 211.4511 146
1975 1,010,825 1.350% 197.0635 145
1970 945,249 0.730% 184.2807 144
1965 911,626 1.460% 177.7265 144
1960 847,868 2.770% 165.2980 143
1955 739,598 2.760% 144.1928 142
1950 645,524 0.000% 125.8548 143

Major Cities in Trinidad and Tobago by Population

Rank City Population
1 Chaguanas 67,322
2 Mon Repos 56,269
3 San Fernando 55,308
4 Port of Spain 48,920
5 Rio Claro 35,539
6 Arima 34,889
7 Marabella 26,589
8 Laventille 20,889
9 Point Fortin 18,945
10 Tunapuna 17,647
11 Scarborough 16,889
12 Sangre Grande 15,857
13 Paradise 14,956
14 Penal 12,170
15 Arouca 11,943
16 Princes Town 9,889
17 Siparia 8,457
18 Petit Valley 8,029
19 Couva 5,067

Religion

The Christian population is approximately 60%, well half are Catholics. Protestant communities include Anglicans (about 11%), Pentecostal friends (7.5%), Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists. About 25% are Hindus and approximately 6% are Muslims.

Language

English is the official language. Widespread as a spoken language is Creole French, Spanish and Hindi.