Editing Port of Spain (section)

== Geography ==
{{Moresources|section|date=October 2022}}
[[File:PortmountainpartmentPOS.jpg|thumb|The Port of Port of Spain (PPOS) lies on reclaimed land. Much development still occurs on new land reclaimed near Invaders Bay (Movietowne, Invaders Bay Tower, Marriott) and in the surrounding Northern Range Mountains.]]
Port of Spain measures about 10.4&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (c. 4 sq. mi) in area and is located in the northwest section of the island of Trinidad, between the [[Gulf of Paria]], the Northern Range and the [[Caroni Swamp]].

The Northern Range is the range of tall, biodiverse hills across the northern portion of Trinidad and is considered an extension of the Andes mountains of South America, although that is geologically incorrect. Over 465 species of birds, and 100 species of mammals can be found in these mountains, making it one of the most biodiverse mountain ranges in the [[Caribbean]]. The Northern Range runs from the [[Chaguaramas, Trinidad|Chaguaramas]] Peninsula in the west to [[Toco]] in the east and consists mainly of steeply dipping metasedimentary rocks and lush rainforest containing a wide variety of plants and animal species. Port of Spain lies at the western end and the city climbs into the hills and valleys which are settled and largely deforested. The two tallest peaks are [[El Cerro del Aripo]] and [[El Tucuche]] which top 900 m (3,000&nbsp;ft).

The 3278 hectare protected [[Caroni Swamp]] has long formed a physical barrier to the city's expansion to the south, forcing urban growth relentlessly eastward at the expense of a traffic relieving ring road. This west coast mangrove area is the island's second largest wetland after the east coast [[Nariva Swamp]] which is almost twice as large. It has well over 160 species of birds, including the national bird, the [[scarlet ibis]]. It is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions with visitor facilities and regular guided boat tours.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070417185254/http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Agri/agri_WETLANDS_theirsustainabledevelopment.htm Wetlands: Towards their sustainable development]. ''The Trinidad Guardian'', (31 January 2000), pg. 18.</ref>

Some of the city lies on land reclaimed from the [[Gulf of Paria]], the calm sheltered bay separating Trinidad from Venezuela, while other parts climb into the hills above the city. Geographically, the Port of Port of Spain is ideal for maritime traffic, providing a natural harbour on Trinidad's north-western coasts where adverse weather conditions are extremely rare.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patnt.com |title=Port Authority of Port of Port of Spain website |publisher=Patnt.com |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref>

Unlike Chaguanas and [[San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago|San Fernando]], Port of Spain has a comparatively cool climate due to the surrounding Northern Range mountains. In the valleys and mountains that surround the northern outskirts of the city, temperature inversion is quite frequent.

=== Cityscape ===
[[File:Port of Spain Skyline at Night.JPG|thumb|center|600px|Night view of West and [[Downtown Port of Spain]].]]

=== Districts ===
* '''[[Downtown Port of Spain]]''' is the Central Business District of the City of Port of Spain. It is the oldest part of the city and spans between South Quay (to the south), Oxford Street (to the north), the St. Ann's River (to the east), and Richmond Street (to the west). It is the cultural and financial center of [[Trinidad and Tobago]] and the wider [[Caribbean]] region and is home to the [[Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange]], the [[Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago]], Port of Spain City Hall, [[The Red House (Trinidad and Tobago)|The Red House]], [[Independence Square (Port of Spain)|Independence Square]], Port of Spain Magistrate Court, Hall of Justice, Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Legal Affairs, The Museum of the City of Port of Spain, [[Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port of Spain|Holy Trinity Cathedral]], St. Marry's College, South East Port of Spain Government Secondary School, UWI School Of Business and Applied Studies, Woodfood Square, Colaort Mall, New City Mall, Espermania Plaza, Aboutique Mall, Excellent City Centre, and most of the country's and city's skyscrapers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Downtown,+Port+of+Spain,+Trinidad+and+Tobago/@10.6597115,-61.5130843,13z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8c3607e288036ef9:0x151605af19573381?hl=en-us |title=Google Maps |date= |accessdate=2022-03-16}}</ref>
* '''[[Woodbrook, Port of Spain|Woodbrook]]''' is a large district which was formerly a sugar estate owned by the Siegert family, was sold to the Town Board in 1911 and developed into a residential neighbourhood and wider district. Woodbrook is known for its cultural gingerbread houses and many parks and green spaces and a distinctive architectural heritage.
* '''[[Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago|Saint James]]''' is north of [[Woodbrook, Port of Spain|Woodbrook]] and west of Saint Clair and is the last district to be incorporated into the city limits. Since the late 19th century, Saint James has been the center of Port of Spain's [[Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian|Indian]] population and hence many streets in the district has been named after cities and districts in South Asia. The district is the city's main nightlife district and is given the nickname "The City that never sleeps".
* '''[[Newtown, Port of Spain|Newtown]]''' is a district in north Port of Spain and is home to many churches and schools within the city. The Newtown district has well evolved into a developed business district with many diplomatic mission being situated there.
* '''[[St Clair, Port of Spain|Saint Clair]]''' is an upscale business and residential district between the [[Queen's Park Savannah]] and the [[Maraval River]]. It is home to most of the city's grandest and largest mansions and also home to the [[Magnificent Seven Houses]]. [[Federation Park]] and [[Ellerslie Park]], two of Port of Spain's most upscale neighbourhoods are also located in the district.
* '''[[Belmont, Port of Spain|Belmont]]''' is a district in the city located at the foot of the Laventille Hills, was the city's first suburb. In the 1840s–50s, parts of the area were settled by Africans rescued by the [[Royal Navy]] from illegal [[slave ships]]. In the 1880–90s, the population swelled rapidly, and the characteristic Belmont street pattern of narrow, winding lanes developed. The black professional class built large homes in Belmont, as they were excluded from the more expensive neighbourhoods such as St. Clair and Maraval; Belmont became known as "the Black St. Clair". Many of these large homes have been renovated and converted to business use, but some remain in family hands. Belmont currently is a lower-middle to middle-class residential neighbourhood. It was the birthplace and early home of many important Carnival designers and bandleaders. Belmont has 9,035 inhabitants.

==== Suburbs and Surrounding Towns ====
* '''[[Laventille]]''' is largely working class neighborhood located east of the St. Ann's River. For visitors entering Port of Spain from the airport, this neighbourhood dominates the city as it spreads over the surrounding hills. The area is unfortunately portrayed as one of the most violent in the country due to drug, gun and turf wars among gangs (financed arguably by illicit drug wealth which does not remain in the community),<ref name="ttparliament.org">[http://www.ttparliament.org/about.php?mid=83&q=engaging+youth+at+risk/ Trinidad and Tobago Parliament] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214192317/http://www.ttparliament.org/about.php?mid=83&q=engaging+youth+at+risk%2F |date=14 December 2013 }}. Ttparliament.org. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> but it is also the birthplace of the [[steelpan]] and, some would argue, the spiritual capital of the city since [[Calypso music|calypso]]. Steelpan and carnival are the life source of many Trinidadians who live in the capital. South of Laventille are [[Beetham Estate Gardens|Beetham Estate]] and [[Sea Lots]], two other economically depressed neighbourhoods.

Immediately north and northwest of Port of Spain lie the suburbs of Cascade, St. Ann's and Maraval. The last one falls outside the municipal boundary, but is sometimes considered an extension of the city. St. Ann's is notable for being the location of the Prime Minister's official residence and diplomatic centre. Cascade, a mainly suburban area with treed lot type housing is located to the south-eastern area of St. Ann's. Cascade borders St. Ann's by a hill named Mount Hololo, a neighbourhood of both middle class and exclusive housing developments.

Maraval is home to the exclusive Trinidad Country Club and right next door to the popular Long Circular Mall. Further afield, west of Diego Martin, lies the suburb of Westmoorings, which is known for its expensive Miami style highrise apartments facing the seafront. One of Trinidad's poshest shopping centres, The Falls at West-Mall, lies at the centre of these developments. As you head west beyond Carenage settlement is sparse, however the peninsula known as Chaguaramas, which was once a large US Army Base, has become a mecca for hundreds of international cruisers and a world major yacht storage and repair hub.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chagdev.com/ |title=Chaguaramas Development Authority website |publisher=Chagdev.com |date=28 June 2009 |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref>

To the east along the East–West Corridor, also falling outside city limits, lie the large towns of San Juan, Tunapuna and Arima. With congestion rendering downtown inaccessible during peak hours, major shopping centres like Valsayn Shopping Centre, Grand Bazaar and Trincity Mall have sprung up at highway intersections. The last two are noted for being among the largest shopping centres in the country and in the Caribbean, with {{convert|600000|sqft|m2|-4|order=flip}} of commercial space in each. Two large Universities have been established in the eastern section of the E-W corridor – the regional University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus and the multi campus local University of Trinidad and Tobago whose main campus is on the Arima outskirts.

=== Climate ===
The city has a [[tropical monsoon climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Am'') characterized by warm to hot temperatures year-round, with little seasonal variation due to its proximity to the equator, though nighttime temperatures dip somewhat during the winter months from January to March. Temperatures typically range from {{convert|19|to|34|°C|1}}, rarely above {{convert|35|°C|°F}} or below {{convert|17|°C|°F|1}}. The wet season lasts from May to December, and the dry season lasts from January to April of the following year. Between December and February, it can become mild at night.

{{Weather box
| location = Port of Spain ([[Piarco International Airport]]) (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1961-2020)
| width= 70%
| single line = Y
| metric first = Y
| Jan high C =31.0
| Feb high C =31.3
| Mar high C =32.1
| Apr high C =32.8
| May high C =32.7
| Jun high C =31.7
| Jul high C =32.0
| Aug high C =32.6
| Sep high C =33.0
| Oct high C =32.6
| Nov high C = 31.9
| Dec high C = 31.2
| year high C =32.1
| Jan low C =22.1
| Feb low C =22.2
| Mar low C =22.5
| Apr low C =23.6
| May low C =24.3
| Jun low C =24.3
| Jul low C =24.0
| Aug low C =23.9
| Sep low C =24.0
| Oct low C =23.9
| Nov low C =23.6
| Dec low C =22.8
| year low C =23.4
| Jan mean C =26.6
| Feb mean C =26.7
| Mar mean C =27.3
| Apr mean C =28.2
| May mean C =28.5
| Jun mean C =28.0
| Jul mean C =28.0
| Aug mean C =28.2
| Sep mean C =28.5
| Oct mean C =28.3
| Nov mean C =27.7
| Dec mean C =27.0
| year mean C =27.8
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm =79.6
| Feb precipitation mm =48.6
| Mar precipitation mm =40.6
| Apr precipitation mm =51.6
| May precipitation mm =109.4
| Jun precipitation mm =243.4
| Jul precipitation mm =228.8
| Aug precipitation mm =255.3
| Sep precipitation mm =179.1
| Oct precipitation mm =192.9
| Nov precipitation mm =222.9
| Dec precipitation mm =149.0
| year precipitation mm =1,801.2
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
| Jan precipitation days =11.2
| Feb precipitation days =8.3
| Mar precipitation days =6.1
| Apr precipitation days =6.1
| May precipitation days =10.9
| Jun precipitation days =19.0
| Jul precipitation days =19.4
| Aug precipitation days =18.4
| Sep precipitation days =14.5
| Oct precipitation days =15.3
| Nov precipitation days =16.9
| Dec precipitation days =15.0
| year precipitation days =161.1
|Jan sun =254.6
|Feb sun =241.9
|Mar sun =261.5
|Apr sun =256.6
|May sun =251.8
|Jun sun =199.9
|Jul sun =227.1
|Aug sun =224.0
|Sep sun =212.0
|Oct sun =212.7
|Nov sun =197.4
|Dec sun =225.9
|year sun =2,765.4
| Jan record high C =33.6
| Feb record high C =36.3
| Mar record high C =35.7
| Apr record high C =36.3
| May record high C =35.9
| Jun record high C =34.7
| Jul record high C =35.1
| Aug record high C =35.8
| Sep record high C =36.5
| Oct record high C =36.2
| Nov record high C = 34.9
| Dec record high C = 34.2
| Jan record low C =15.6
| Feb record low C =16.1
| Mar record low C =16.7
| Apr record low C =17.2
| May record low C =18.9
| Jun record low C =19.7
| Jul record low C =18.3
| Aug record low C =18.9
| Sep record low C =19.4
| Oct record low C =19.4
| Nov record low C = 17.9
| Dec record low C = 16.7
| Jan humidity = 80.1
| Feb humidity = 77.3
| Mar humidity = 75.3
| Apr humidity = 75.6
| May humidity = 78.0
| Jun humidity = 82.5
| Jul humidity = 82.5
| Aug humidity = 82.7
| Sep humidity = 82.4
| Oct humidity = 83.3
| Nov humidity = 84.8
| Dec humidity = 82.7
| year humidity = 80.6
| Jan dew point C = 21.8
| Feb dew point C = 21.3
| Mar dew point C = 21.4
| Apr dew point C = 22.3
| May dew point C = 23.2
| Jun dew point C = 23.7
| Jul dew point C = 23.7
| Aug dew point C = 23.9
| Sep dew point C = 24.0
| Oct dew point C = 23.9
| Nov dew point C = 23.7
| Dec dew point C = 22.8
| year dew point = 
|source = NOAA<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-4-WMO-Normals-9120/TrinidadAndTobago/CSV/Piarco_78970.csv
| title = Piarco Climate Normals 1991–2020
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| access-date = April 10, 2024
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/TABLES/REG_IV/TD/78970.TXT
| title = Piarco Intl AP Climate Normals 1961–1990
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| access-date = April 10, 2024}}</ref>
}}

=== Urban structure ===
Port of Spain's official population is relatively small, and reflects the narrow city boundaries including the central business district and a number of economically depressed and a few upscale adjoining suburbs. In addition to the official population, the adjacent East–West Corridor conurbation has a population close to 600,000 people<ref name="nationsencyclopedia1"/> and the "big city" feel with its suburban car dominated commuting. The corridor is the built-up area of north Trinidad stretching from the capital, Port of Spain, {{convert|15|mi|km|order=flip|0}} east to Arima. It includes the towns of [[Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago|Barataria]], [[San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago|San Juan]], St. Joseph, [[Curepe]], [[Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago|St. Augustine]], [[Tunapuna]], [[Tacarigua]], [[Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago|Arouca]], and Five Rivers, once distinct communities and now districts within a continuous urban area. For the most part it runs along the Eastern Main Road, between the Churchill–Roosevelt Highway and the foothills of the Northern Range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carnaval.com/trinidad/north/ |title=Northern Range of Trinidad Travel Guide |publisher=Carnaval.com |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref>

[[File:PoSHarbour.jpg|thumb|PoSHarbour December 2002 ]]

=== Parks ===
==== Queen's Park Savannah ====

[[File:CompletedWaterfrontPOS.JPG|thumb|The Port of Spain International Waterfront Centre, 2009]]
[[File:QPSpicfromhilton23.jpg|thumb|Queen's Park Savannah]]

Port of Spain's largest open space—and the world's largest traffic [[roundabout]]—is the [[Queen's Park Savannah]], known colloquially simply as "the Savannah". It occupies about {{convert|260|acre|ha|sigfig=2|order=flip}}<ref>Agostini, Keifel A. (21 September 1997) [https://web.archive.org/web/20060116073703/http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Places/Places_Queen%27sParkSav1.html Queens Park Savannah: Save Our Savannah.] ''[[Trinidad and Tobago Express|Sunday Express]]''.</ref> of level land, and the distance around the perimeter is about {{convert|2.2|mi|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}. Once sugar land, it was bought by the town council in 1817 from the Peschier family (except for a small parcel near its centre that served as the Peschier cemetery, which remains in private hands).

At first it was used as a vast cattle pasture in what was then the town's suburbs, but by the middle of the 19th century it had become established as a park. Until the early 1990s, horse racing was held frequently at the Savannah race track, and it also contains several [[cricket]], [[association football|football]] and [[Rugby football|rugby]] pitches. Apart from a ring of trees round its perimeter, the Savannah was never really landscaped, except for the small area in its northwest corner called the Hollows, a former reservoir now drained and planted with flowering shrubs.

[[File:Botanic Gardens Trinidad 2006-03-22.JPG|thumb|Royal Botanic Gardens]]

Immediately north of the Savannah—also the northern limit of the city of Port of Spain—are the [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Trinidad|Royal Botanic Gardens]], the [[Emperor Valley Zoo]], [[President's House, Trinidad and Tobago|President's House]] (recently abandoned after one end fell down), the official residence of the prime minister, and Queen's Hall, the city's major performing arts venue. Lady Chancellor Road, which ascends the hills overlooking the Savannah, is one of Port of Spain's most exclusive residential areas and is the current home of former West Indies cricketer and record breaking batsman, Brian Lara.

On the Savannah's southern side is the Grand Stand, formerly used for viewing horse races, now used for various cultural events, most notably [[Trinidad and Tobago Carnival|Carnival]], when a temporary North Stand and raised stage are constructed in front of the Grand Stand, creating the "Big Yard", Carnival's central location since the early 20th century (previously, the main viewing area for Carnival was in downtown Port of Spain). From this location the Parade of Bands is broadcast live to the nation on Carnival Monday and Tuesday; it is also the venue for the [[Calypso Monarch]] and Carnival King and Queen Competitions and the finals of the Panorama [[steelpan]] competition. The architecturally soothing arches and curves of the Port of Spain National Academy for the Performing Arts dominate the south boundary of the Savannah between the green trimmed landmarks of Memorial Park (in remembrance of fallen soldiers during World Wars I and II) and the gingerbread styled, limestone built, colourful splendour of the Knowsley Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building.

The western edge of the Savannah, along Maraval Road, is the location of the Magnificent Seven, a group of late Victorian and Edwardian buildings built in an eccentric and flamboyant variety of styles. These are the recently well restored [[Queen's Royal College]]; the residences of the Anglican bishop and the Roman Catholic archbishop; Whitehall, once a private residence, then the office of the prime minister from 1963 to 2010; Mille Fleurs, once a private residence, is undergoing full restoration as a public museum and headquarters for the National Heritage Trust and was sold to the Government in 1979; Roomor, an ornate black-and-white château-like building that remains a private residence; and Stollmeyer's Castle, a turreted house supposedly modelled on [[Balmoral Castle]]. The slow pace of building restorations over the years remains a concern.<ref>Kalifa Clyne (26 March 2012). [http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-26/govt-focuses-magnificent-seven-president%E2%80%99s-house Govt focuses on Magnificent Seven, President’s House] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329021123/http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-26/govt-focuses-magnificent-seven-president%E2%80%99s-house |date=29 March 2012 }}. ''The Trinidad Guardian''. Retrieved 24 August 2012.</ref>