Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean country with over 20 islands. The namesake islands are the two main islands of this nation, but the country also has 21 other smaller islands. You can learn many fun facts about Trinidad and Tobago when visiting the country.
The best thing is that this nation has various attractions to make your trip worthwhile. Before that, here are some fascinating Trinidad and Tobago facts to get you started.
Historical Facts About Trinidad And Tobago
A country’s history allows you to familiarize yourself with the locals and enhance your knowledge. These are some of the interesting historical Trinidad and Tobago facts.
Steelpan Was Invented Here
From its name, you may assume a steelpan is a kitchen utensil, but it is actually a musical instrument. It was also the only acoustic tool that was produced in the 20th century. The first models of this instrument were made using oil drums.
Steelpan also has the status of being the national instrument in Trinidad and Tobago. Many musicians also refer to them as pannists.
Christopher Columbus Helped Name The Country
When it comes to the origin facts about Trinidad, many people don’t realize that the country’s name has two origins. Christopher Columbus called the main island La Isla de La Trinidad after The Holy Trinity.
Meanwhile, some believe the Tobago part comes from the fact that many natives grew tobacco on the smaller islands. However, it cannot be confirmed that this is the main origin.
It Was The First Country To Declare A Public Holiday For Slavery Abolishment
Denmark may have been the first country to banish slavery, but it was not the first one to celebrate the occasion. Trinidad and Tobago declared a public holiday for this unique achievement in 1985. A joyful parade is hosted in the country annually to help the locals celebrate.
People play African drums on the street and show different dance performances. Many locals also dress in their native clothing to celebrate their independence and show respect for their culture.
Cultural Facts About Trinidad And Tobago
The country consists of various islands, allowing it to house people of various cultures. Here are some fun facts about Trinidad and Tobago, and its vibrant heritages.
The Greatest Carnival Of The Caribbean Occur Here
One of the interesting facts about Trinidad and Tobago is that it is home to The Greatest Show on Earth. The annual carnival occurs for two days in February or March. It began as a local tradition around the 18th century.
Locals dress up in different costumes, and parades are held throughout the nation. Another big festival that is celebrated in this country is Diwali, or The Festival of Lights.
Its National Cuisine Is A Soupy Dish
Calaloo is a unique dish that you can compare to Antiguan pepperpot. It is mainly made using crabs, but some people also use chicken and other meats for it.
People in this country mainly prepare this dish for lunch on Sunday. Meanwhile, the unofficial national dish of the nation is Pelau.
Some Locals Believe The La Brea Pitch Lake Was Made For A Punishment
Locals of every country have some beliefs that you may not understand, but they are always interesting to know.
The position of the amazing La Brea Pitch Lake is a mystery in Trinidad and Tobago. However, many citizens believe that God is behind the lake’s appearance.
Legend goes that the lake came into being to drown a town as punishment. That is because the people of that town had killed a significant population of hummingbirds.
Limbo Dance Was Invented Here
One of the amusing facts about Tobago is that the limbo dance originated in this nation due to its African heritage. Dancers pass under various sticks in their performance. Some people in this nation can cross sticks with only a height of 8.5 inches.
You may also see thrilling performances where the bar is set on fire while the locals perform the dance.
Simple Facts About Trinidad And Tobago For Kids
Here are some incredible and amazing facts about Trinidad that can be interesting to kids.
World’s Largest Natural Asphalt Deposit Is Here
La Brea Pitch Lake is a deposit that contains at least 10 million tons of asphalt. It is found in southwest Trinidad, and some people call it the eighth wonder of this planet.
You can walk over the lake while it produces hiss and bubble sounds. Small water pools may also develop on this lake during the rainy season.
Moruga Scorpion Is Grown In Trinidad And Tobago
You may think that Moruga Scorpion is an animal, but it is actually an extremely hot pepper found in Trinidad and Tobago. This is also one of the spiciest chilis you can find on this planet. The pepper got its name because of its potent heat and original growing site.
Moruga is a historical place in this nation because it was also the landing site of Christopher Columbus when he came to this twin island country.
Treasure Island Is Believed To Be Based On Tobago
An interesting fact about Trinidad and Tobago is that it served as a setting or inspiration to many great stories, some of which we probably know and love since young.
Treasure Island is a great novel written by the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. It is believed that he based the treasure island on the Island of Tobago. Another great novel series Robinson Crusoe is also thought to be set in Tobago.
It Has The Greatest Population Of Bird Species Per Square Mile
One of the most incredible Trinidad and Tobago facts is, without a doubt, the country’s rich biodiversity. It has various natural wonders and landscapes, such as waterfalls and coasts.
The country is home to more than 450 bird species; you can also find 17 types of hummingbirds in this nation. Some people believe that these birds represent their spiritual ancestors.
Useful Trinidad And Tobago Facts For Travelers
Here are some fun facts about Trinidad that will help you explore this country.
The Best Place To See Leatherback Turtles
Leatherback turtles are amazing creatures that are found only in a few countries. The Grande Riviere beach in Trinidad and Tobago has the 2nd largest nest of these turtles.
You can more commonly see these animals around the islands from March to September. They come to land around this time to lay eggs.
You Can Stand In The Center Of The Ocean Here
Just from the sound of it, you can imagine this is one of the most intriguing and yet facts about Trinidad and Tobago.
The Nylon Pool is a famous lagoon in the middle of the ocean. It has a sandy bottom, so you can stand in it with ease. The place is only reachable by a ship or other sea vehicles.
It is easy to identify the pool when you’re near it because it has a lighter color than the ocean. Imagine looking around, and all you see is the vast ocean.
The Largest Brain Coral On Earth Is In Trinidad And Tobago
Brain corals belong to the Mussidae family, which has a grooved shape. This resembles the image of a brain, giving the reef its name. One of the top facts about Tobago is that it has a diving site with the largest brain coral.
Many people visit The Kelleston Drain to dive and see the famous coral colony that boasts 10 ft in height.
It Has A High Murder Rate
You should always exercise caution when traveling. This is no exception in Trinidad and Tobago, especially since the country has a high homicide rate.
The country suffers from a rate of 38.6 violent crimes every 100,000 people. Always be alert and practice common sense when roaming the islands, especially during nighttime.
Common Facts About Trinidad And Tobago
Famous People Like Nicki Minaj and Brian Lara Were Born Here
One of the world’s most famous cricketers, Brian Lara, is from Trinidad and Tobago. He played for West Indies at international level competitions.
During his playing years, he made a lot of records, some of which stand unbroken to this day. The famous rapper Nicki Minaj is also from Trinidad and Tobago.
The Country’s Flag Represents Natural Elements
The flag of Trinidad has red, white, and black colors in it. These represent fire, water, and earth. Black color is also used for signifying the nation’s unity and strength.
It Is The Most Developed Caribbean Country
Trinidad and Tobago has one of the highest GDPs in the world. The economy is primarily supported by the robust petroleum and manufacturing industries.
The country takes advantage of its large reserve of oil and gas, making it one of the richest nations in the Caribbean. They also earn pretty well through the tourism sector.
Other Interesting Facts About Trinidad And Tobago
Many People Here Are Fluent In English
Even though the country has its own version of the English language called Trinidad English. The locals can understand and speak other variations of the language as well.
This is why it is easy for travelers to connect with the locals. Another reason for this high influence of the English language is that the country was once a British territory.
The World’s Finest Cocoa Is Found Here
Trinitario is a famous chocolate brand that has its origin in this country. It uses the finest cocoa that is grown on various islands in this nation. The area for cocoa cultivation was 2,400 hectares in 1856.
It was increased to 90,000 hectares in 1917 due to high-quality results.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Trinidad And Tobago
These are some of the interesting Trinidad and Tobago facts that offer a glimpse of this stunning Caribbean nation. While you might not hear of it as a regular travel destination, there is much to explore and learn about this Caribbean gem.
With a well-developed economy and incredible nature, visiting Trinidad and Tobago promises to be a memorable and enjoyable trip for those who venture to its shores. Amidst its deep cultural heritage and history, you will discover more fascinating facts about Trinidad and Tobago.
