Port of Spain is the capital and main port of the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago in the southern Caribbean Sea. The city lies on the western coast of the island of Trinidad. Port of Spain is laid out in geometric patterns with parks and squares. Residential suburbs are located on the hills behind the city.

Places of interest

Queen's Park Savannah and the Royal Botanical Gardens are the major landmarks in Port of Spain. Buildings of religious significance include the palace of the Roman Catholic archbishop of Port of Spain, Holy Trinity Cathedral, All Saints Church, mosques, and Hindu and Jewish temples. Among the city's educational institutions are the Queen's Royal College, Fatima College, and St. Mary's College. One of the campuses of the University of the West Indies is situated at St. Augustine, 8 miles (13 kilometers) east of the city.

Port of Spain has various significant government buildings, such as the Whitehall, where the office of the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago is located. Knowsley House is the site of some government operations. The Red House, built in 1906, houses the Supreme Court and government offices.

Economy

The business district of Port of Spain is in the center of the old city. Unlike other places in the Caribbean islands, Port of Spain is not dependent on tourism. Instead, it has a large industrial base. Economic activities include the production of rum, beer, margarine and oils, cigarettes, plastics, and building materials. There are also sawmills, textile mills, and citrus canneries. Angostura Bitters, a mix for drinks, is known around the world and is produced only in Port of Spain. Its formula is a closely guarded secret.

History

Port of Spain was originally a small fishing village inhabited by Native Americans. The Spanish took control of the island of Trinidad in the 16th century, but few Spanish people settled there. In the 18th century the Spanish government encouraged Roman Catholics from the other Caribbean islands to move to Trinidad. In 1783 they gave large tracts of land to anyone who would settle there. The following year the government made Port of Spain the capital, and the city soon became a major trading center. The city suffered a major fire in the early 19th century, but it was soon rebuilt. The country gained independence in 1962 with Port of Spain as the capital. Population (1996 estimate), 43,396.