Date of independence, or formation date: 1962
Date when current borders were established: 1962
National day: Aug 31
Vehicle country identifying code: TT
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): -4
International telephone dialling code: +1868
Internet country identifying code: .tt

The two islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the most southerly of the Caribbean Windward Islands and lie just 15 km (9 miles) off the Venezuelan coast. They gained joint independence from Britain in 1962, and Tobago was given internal autonomy in 1987. The spectacular mountain ranges and large swamps are rich in tropical flora and fauna. Pitch Lake in Trinidad is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004