| Trinidad and Tobago |
The nation of Trinidad and Tobago nestles close by the coast of South America - either the first among the Caribbean islands or the last, depending on your direction. Once part of the mainland, eons ago, these islands decided they wanted an identity all of their own, and drifted north. Geologically, we remained as exotic as Brazil.
The islands were first settled by Amerindians. Trinidad was named by Columbus on his third voyage(1498) and remained a Spanish backwater until late 18th century. It was captured by the British in 1797. After emancipation East Indian labourers were recruited to replace African workers; descendants of these 2 groups each form about 40% of today's population.
Tobago was fought over by all the 18th century European naval powers, became aprosperous sugar colony, and remained British from 1814.