Trinidadians

Trinidadians are the inhabitants or citizens of Trinidad, the larger island of the Caribbean nation Trinidad and Tobago. The term also refers to people who identify with its cultural heritage. The population is ethnically diverse, with Afro-Trinidadians and Indo-Trinidadians as the largest groups, alongside mixed-heritage communities and smaller groups such as Chinese and Syrians/Lebanese. English is the official language, and English-based creoles are widely spoken. Indo-Trinidadians preserve Bhojpuri and Caribbean Hindustani, while Chinese communities maintain varieties of Chinese.

Religions are diverse; Christianity is the largest faith, with Hinduism and Islam also significant. Afro-Caribbean religious practices and syncretic traditions are present, especially in urban areas and during cultural events.

Culturally, Trinidad is known for Carnival, calypso and soca, chutney, and parang. Cuisine features include doubles, roti, pelau, and bake and shark, reflecting its multiracial heritage. Major urban centers include Port of Spain and San Fernando, with the economy historically anchored in oil and natural gas, complemented by manufacturing and services.

Historically, the islands were inhabited by Indigenous peoples before Spanish and then British rule. Trinidad and Tobago achieved independence in 1962 and became a republic in 1976, remaining a member of the Commonwealth. The country maintains a diverse society and a prominent cultural profile within the Caribbean and the wider world, with a sizable diaspora in North America and other regions.