Located off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbeans most prosperous nations as a result of petroleum and natural gas production. Other exports from this industrious nation include asphalt and tobacco. Trinidad and Tobago have a high population of Africans, who were enslaved until 1834. Contract laborers from India replaced the African slaves through the early 20th Century, further diversifying the population. This diversity is celebrated to this day with the national motto: “Together we aspire, together we achieve.”Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Britain in 1962, and a constitution was ratified in 1976. Today, Trinidad and Tobago is governed by a parliamentary democracy, which helps to maintain unity amongst the diverse cultures. Although the nation remains 99% literate, the high unemployment rates for youth are resulting in growing violent crime, especially related to drug trafficking. Many blame North American media for penetrating the country with symbols of material wealth such as cars, homes, and fashion. Women are objectified in a culture that emphasizes physical beauty. It is also common for men to sexually harass women in public, and women risk loss of social status if they respond. In addition, Trinidad and Tobago has one of the highest incidences of HIV/AIDS in the world.

Around one fourth of the population is identified as Protestant, while another fourth is Roman Catholic. The rest of the population is mainly Hindu and Muslim. The variety of religions results in syncretistic beliefs within the Christian Church, including witchcraft, which is accepted within the culture. Though the number of Evangelicals is growing rapidly as a result of cross cultural missionary efforts, an unintended consequence has been the creation of a culture of dependence on visiting foreign nationals.