Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1962.

It's the southernmost Caribbean nation, located just off the coast of Venezuela.

The country became a republic in 1976, separating from the British monarchy.

The official language is English, but various creole languages are spoken.

Port of Spain, located in Trinidad, is the capital city.

Trinidad is the larger and more industrialized island, while Tobago is known for tourism.

The country is the most industrialized and third richest country in the Caribbean.

It's one of the few Caribbean nations with significant petroleum and natural gas reserves.

Houses the Western Hemisphere's oldest commercial tree, an African Baobab planted in 1816.

Is the culinary home of doubles, roti, and other Indo-Caribbean dishes that have become famous worldwide.

Features the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of Scarlet Ibis return at sunset creating a spectacular natural display.

Has the largest brain coral in the Western Hemisphere, located off Tobago's coast.

Has over 400 species of birds in an area smaller than Delaware.

Is the birthplace of steelpan, the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century.

Has the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world - the La Brea Pitch Lake in Trinidad.

Is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere - the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago (established in 1776).

Created the musical genres of calypso, soca, chutney soca, and rapso.

Has Tobago's Nylon Pool, a unique in-sea shallow pool with waters said to have rejuvenating properties.

Houses the Temple in the Sea at Waterloo, built single-handedly by Sewdass Sadhu after he was forbidden to build on land.

Is the origin of the world-famous Angostura Bitters, used in cocktails globally.

Has the strongest currency in the Caribbean Fixed Exchange Rate System.

Features the annual Carnival celebration, considered one of the greatest shows on earth.

Is home to the Scarlet Ibis (national bird of Trinidad) and Cocrico (national bird of Tobago) - the only country with two national birds.

Has the second-largest leatherback turtle nesting site in the world.

Features a unique architectural style in its "Gingerbread Houses," combining Victorian and Caribbean elements.

Is known for the invention of Limbo dancing, which originated as part of funeral ceremonies.