Not far in the past, the Cold War is in full swing... You manage to seize power on one of the islands of the Caribbean, not quite honestly. Tropico is now the territory of your dictatorship, and you are the all-powerful 'El Presidente'.
Whether you turn Tropico into a tourist paradise or a modern industrial country, you will have to answer for all your actions to your people. Guide life on Tropico in the right direction, withstand the pressure of political opponents, and enjoy the full spectrum of power in your own tropical Caribbean.
But do not take your eyes off the numerous enemies. Danger lurks around every corner! At any moment, warlike revolutionaries may rise in rebellion, and superpowers like the USA and the Soviet Union may begin their machinations to establish control over strategically important Tropico.
Are you worthy of writing your name in world history and leaving an indelible mark on Tropico?