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The city of Port of Spain
Port of Spain is the capital and the official port of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and this city is located on the western coast of Trinidad Island, on the southern side of the northern peninsula on the Gulf of Paria, where Trinidad Island is separated from the northeast coast The state of Venezuela, which extends over an area of 10.4 square kilometers.
About the capital, Port of Spain
Here is some varied information about Port of Spain (the capital of Trinidad and Tobago):
Population
The capital of Port of Spain is the third largest city in Trinidad and Tobago in terms of population, with a population of approximately 37,074 people, according to the latest census statistics for 2011.
Astronomical location
The capital is astronomically located on the latitude (10.4) north of the equator, and on the longitude (61.31 * west of the Greenwich line, noting that the average height above sea level is about three meters.
Historic stands
The following are the most important historical events that the city of Port of Spain has gone through in history:
- The area where Port of Spain is now located was a fishing place during the Native American Indians era, where it was known as (Kumukurabu).
- In the sixteenth century, Spanish settlers arrived on this island, and established a settlement there.
- The city of Port of Spain was adopted as the capital of the state of Trinidad and Tobago in 1757 AD, when it was transferred to the seat of government from the ancient capital, San Jose de Oronia.
- Britain invaded Port of Spain in 1797 AD, knowing that this city remained the capital of Trinidad and Tobago during the British colonial period.
- The city of Port of Spain was taken as the provisional capital of the Union of West Indies for a brief period, from 1958 AD to 1962 AD. It should be noted that since the independence of Trinidad and Tobago in 1962, it has become its official capital.
Economic overview
Although Port of Spain contains many places to attract tourists, it does not depend economically on tourism alone, unlike the Caribbean islands, as it has a diversified industrial base that includes: the manufacture of oils, cigarettes, plastic, and building materials, as well as in them Also many mills, such as textile mills, in addition to citrus factories, and flavorers for juices, and others.
Tourist Attractions
There are many attractions in the capital, Port of Spain, and the most prominent of them are:
- Queen’s Park Savannah: It is a garden with many tropical plants, and it is known as (savannah), knowing that it is the largest traffic circle in the world, as it is considered an open area and extends over an area of approximately 1.1 square kilometers.
- Royal Botanical Garden: This garden, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, contains almost 700 trees, knowing that it was established in 1818 AD.
- Emperor Valley Zoo: It is the main zoo in Trinidad and Tobago, and has more than 200 species of rare animals, including lions, parrots, and wild birds, and contains many aquariums and fish ponds.
- Maracas Bay: Which is located near the capital, Port of Spain, and represents a wonderful view of the Caribbean Sea. It also contains the Maracas waterfall, and it is considered the ideal tourist destination in the region.
