Encyclopedia > Foreign relations of Trinidad and Tobago
Modern Trinidad and Tobago maintains close relations with its Caribbean neighbors and major North American and European trading partners. As the most industrialized and second-largest country in the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has taken a leading role in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), and strongly supports CARICOM economic integration efforts. It also is active in the Summit of the Americas process and supports the establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, lobbying other nations for seating the Secretariat in Port-of-Spain.
As a member of CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago strongly backed efforts by the United States to bring political stability to Haiti, contributing personnel to the Multinational Force in 1994. After its 1962 independence, Trinidad and Tobago joined the UN and the Commonwealth. In 1967, it became the first Commonwealth country to join the Organization of American States (OAS). In 1995, Trinidad played host to the inaugural meeting of the Association of Caribbean States and has become the seat of this 35-member grouping, which seeks to further economic progress and integration among its states.
In international forums, Trinidad and Tobago has defined itself as having an independent voting record, but often supports U.S. and EU positions.
Trinidad and Tobago has historically been a trans-shipment point for South American drugs destined for the United States and Europe. This has created much tension in the country's politics. The islands are also a producer of cannabis, leading to some tension with foreign nations.
There have been recent disputes between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados over access for Barbadian fishermen into Trinidadian territorial waters. There is also a long history of problems between Trinidadian fishermen and the Venezuelan Guardia Nacional. In addition, there is a serious potential for conflict with Venezuela over the exploitation of cross-border petroleum reserves.
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean, although less so than it was during the "oil boom" between 1973 and 1983.
Trinidad and Tobago are supplied with the North Easterly winds which blow from the north east of the islands to the south west of the islands.
Trinidad and Tobago are famous as the birthplace of calypso music, as well as the development of the steel pan, which is widely claimed to be the only acoustic musical instrument invented during the 20th century.
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