Southern Caribbean, off Venezuelan coast.

GMT - 4.

Total: 5,128 sq km (1,980 sq miles). Trinidad: 4,828 sq km (1,864 sq miles). Tobago: 300 sq km (116 sq miles).

1.3 million (UN estimate 2006).

253.5 per sq km.

Port of Spain. Population: 52,000 (UN estimate 2006).

Trinidad and her tiny sister island of Tobago lie off the Venezuelan coast. Along the north of Trinidad runs the Northern Range of mountains, looming over the country's capital, Port of Spain. South of Port of Spain on the west coast the terrain is low, and the Caroni Swamps contain a magnificent bird sanctuary largely inhabited by the scarlet ibis. On the north and east coasts lie beautiful beaches. Central Trinidad is flat and largely given over to agriculture.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1962.

President Maxwell Richards since 2003.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning since 2002.

In the election of December 2000, the Asian United National Congress (UNC) came out on top with a small majority, under the leadership of Basdeo Panday. Panday continued as prime minister but his government was brought down by a serious corruption scandal (the UNC has been persistently dogged by such allegations) after less than a year. At the December 2001 poll, the UNC and Patrick Manning's People's National Movement (PNM) were tied on 18 seats each. After 12 months of almost paralysed government, the country went to the polls once again, in October 2002. This time, the PNM, with Patrick Manning still at the helm, was returned with a small working majority.

Tobago was granted full internal self-government by the national government in 1987.

The official language is English. French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese are also spoken.

30% Roman Catholic, 29% other Christian denominations, 24% Hindu, 11% Anglican, and 6% Muslim.

110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. US pattern twin plus earth plugs are standard, though variations may be found.

Many local attitudes are often reflected in the lyrics of the calypso, the accepted medium for political and social satire since pre-emancipation days. Hospitality is important and entertaining is commonly done at home. Casual wear is usual, with shirt sleeves generally accepted for business and social gatherings, but beachwear is not worn in towns.