Whether the country's relative prosperity remains intact is largely in the hands of commodity markets. Foodstuffs, capital goods, consumer goods. Tourism is important to Tobago and is being encouraged in Trinidad. A Spanish, then British, colony, Trinidad imported African slaves and workers from Madeira and Portugal as well as Indian labourers. The beneficiaries of the boom were the rich.
Stark inequalities persist between urban slums and leafy suburbs, town and village.
Despite dependence on oil Trinidad has built up a diversified industrial base. Food security remains a problem. A lively press and long tradition of outspoken political commentary exist, but there are some concerns about corruption and inefficiency in the judicial and prison systems. Relations with Tobago, however, are traditionally tense and the threat of secession emerges at regular intervals.