1. Home of the Hummingbirds
Trinidad and Tobago earned the nickname “Land of the Hummingbirds.” This is because there are more species of hummingbirds found on these islands than any other place on earth. There are approximately 17 species of hummingbirds in Trinidad and Tobago, out of around 340 species worldwide.
2. Once a Part of Mainland South America
Trinidad and Tobago wasn’t always an island. In fact, it was once linked to South America. Thousands of years ago, the sea levels rose and separated the islands from the mainland. This is why there’s a wider variety of flora and fauna here than in most other Caribbean islands.
3. Home to the Largest Roundabout in the World
The largest traffic roundabout in the world is found in Trinidad and Tobago. The Queen’s Park Savannah, located in Port of Spain, doubles as a park. It is approximately 3.5 km in circumference and is surrounded by many historical buildings, making it an interesting place to visit.
4. The Birthplace of the Steel Pan
Did you know that the Steel Pan, a musical instrument often associated with the Caribbean, was actually invented in Trinidad and Tobago? This unique musical instrument, which is made from an oil drum and played with a pair of mallets, was first created on the islands around the time of World War II.
5. The Land of Oil and Asphalt
Trinidad and Tobago is home to Pitch Lake, the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world. It spans about 100 acres and is estimated to be 76 meters deep. The lake is a major tourist attraction and has reputed therapeutic effects.
6. Home to the Oldest Protected Rainforest
The Main Ridge Reserve in Tobago is the world's oldest legally protected forest reserve geared towards a conservation purpose. Established in April 1776, it is an important sanctuary for bird and wildlife conservation in the Western Hemisphere.
7. Birthplace of Calypso Music and the Limbo Dance
Both Calypso music and the Limbo dance originated from Trinidad and Tobago. Calypso music reflects the country's African and Creole history and was recognized as a means of communication between slaves. Limbo, a dance that involves bending backwards as low as you can to get under a horizontal rod, was conceived on the islands as a symbolic re-enactment of the Atlantic slave trade.
8. Unique Wildlife Species
Due to their South American roots, these islands have a unique range of biodiversity. They're home to over 100 species of mammals, including the agouti, ocelot, and capybara.
9. Home to the largest Carnival in the Caribbean
Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its Carnival - an explosion of color, music, dance, creativity, and revelry that floods the country's streets on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday annually. It's known as the biggest street party on Earth.
10. The Bocas Islands
Trinidad and Tobago consists of two main islands and 21 smaller islands. The Bocas Islands, which lie in the Bocas del Dragón (Dragon's Mouth) between Trinidad and Venezuela, are among these smaller islands.
11. Little-Explored Caves
Trinidad and Tobago houses an array of little-explored caves. Some of these caves, like Aripo Caves, are known for their colonies of oilbirds, a species of tropical bird that navigates in total darkness.
12. Emphasis on Education
Trinidad and Tobago takes education very seriously. In fact, citizens enjoy free education up to the tertiary level. This includes free transportation, books, meals, and other essential services.
13. Presence of Multiple Races and Religions
Trinidad and Tobago is a multicultural and multi-religious country. It is home to people of different ethnicities including Afro-Trinbagonians, Indo-Trinbagonians, mixed-race individuals, and smaller percentages of Chinese, Portuguese, Syrian, Lebanese and others. Religious practices range from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Orisha-Shango and traditional African religions to Buddhism, Baha'i and Judaism.
14. World's Most Expensive SUV Made By Trinbagonian
The Karlmann King, the world's most expensive SUV, was designed by a Trinidadian, Mr. T. Ansel Ali. It starts at a price point of $1 million and is fully customizable.
15. Land of Tobago's Blue Food Festival
Tobago's Blue Food Festival is held annually in Bloody Bay and celebrates the use of the root crop, dasheen, which turns blue when cooked. The festival features dasheen ice cream, dasheen punch, and so much more.
16. Contains The Third Oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth
Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament is the third oldest in the Commonwealth, established on December 1, 1848. It consists the President and two houses: the House of Representatives (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House).
17. Long-Time Love for Cricket
Cricket is a significant part of Trinidad and Tobago's culture. They have produced some of the world's most famous players, including Brian Lara, who holds the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket.
18. Only Natural Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere
The Caroni Bird Sanctuary found in Trinidad and Tobago is unique in the western hemisphere. It’s the only natural reserve that's home to the national birds - the Scarlet Ibis.
19. The Space Invaders Connection
One of the founding fathers of modern video games, Gerry Lawson who has designed over 75 games including the arcade game 'Space Invaders', hailed from Trinidad and Tobago.
20. Fame for Doubles
A popular street food item in Trinidad and Tobago is 'doubles'. It is a sandwich made with two pieces of flat, fried bread called 'bara', filled with chickpeas or channa. This unique local dish is a must-try for every visitor.