Top 10 Interesting Facts About Trinidad And Tobago

The world's largest brain coral is found in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago is a beautiful twin-island nation in the Caribbean region. It is one of the region’s wealthiest and most well-developed countries. There are many natural and cultural wonders in Trinidad and Tobago that attract tourists to the nation from far and wide. Some of these wonders are highlighted below.

10. The World’s Largest Natural Deposit of Asphalt Is Located in Trinidad

Pitch Lake is located in the town of La Brea in Trinidad’s southwestern region. The lake occupies an area of nearly 100 acres and has a depth of about 250 feet. Pitch Lake is the world’s largest natural deposit of asphalt, containing nearly 10 million tons. It is also a popular tourist destination in Trinidad.

9. One of the Hottest Chillies in the World Is Native to Trinidad and Tobago

The Trinidad scorpion is native to Trinidad and Tobago and is regarded as one of the hottest chilies in the world. According to the Scoville scale, the Trinidad scorpion has a mean heat of over 1.2 million SHU (Scoville heat units).

8. The First Black Winner of the Miss Universe Pageant Is From Trinidad and Tobago

Janelle Penny Commissiong won the Miss Universe title in 1977, becoming the first black woman to do so. Commissiong was born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1953 and migrated to the US when she was 13. A decade later, she returned to her homeland. There, she won the Miss Trinidad and Tobago title and then represented her country in the Miss Universe contest.

7. The Limbo Dance Contest Traces Its Origin to Trinidad

The Limbo dance contest is a very interesting and challenging contest. It originated in Trinidad and was popularized by Julia Edwards and her dance company. The contest involves a horizontal bar, called the limbo, placed atop two vertical bars, and the dancer must face the bar and go under it without touching the bar or knocking it over. Each time someone is eliminated, the bar is set to a lower position, making the task even more challenging. In this way, the bar is lowered each time a contestant gets eliminated until only the winner is left.

6. The World’s Largest Brain Coral Can Be Seen in Trinidad and Tobago

Brain coral is a unique part of the world's oceans. The term ‘brain coral’ refers to coral colonies of the family Merulinidae and Mussidae that achieve a spherical shape with a grooved surface. These colonies appear like the human brain. Genetically identical polyps give rise to such colonies. Brain corals are important in coral reef generation. The Kelleston Drain, a dive site off the shore of the island of Little Tobago hosts the world’s largest brain coral. This coral colony has a height of about 10 ft and a diameter of around 16 ft.

5. Trinidad and Tobago Hosts the World’s Oldest Legally Protected Forest Reserve

The Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is the world’s oldest protected rainforest. The reserve was established on April 13, 1776 and has an area of about 3958 hectares. The rainforests here are home to a significant diversity of flora and fauna. About 16 mammalian species, 210 species of birds, and other animals reside here.

4. Standing in the Middle of the Ocean Is Possible in Trinidad and Tobago

An interesting natural feature is present in the offshore waters of Pigeon Point, Tobago. It is a white coral pool located in the middle of the ocean. It is called the Nylon Pool and is the result of the presence of a sandbar under the waters in the area. The pool’s waters have a different color than the rest of the ocean. As one approaches the pool by boat, a distinct change from the deep blue color of the ocean to the turquoise clear water of the pool can be observed. The water in the Nylon Pool is quite shallow and varies from waist-to-chest deep for a person of average size. It is one of the country’s biggest attractions.

3. Trinidad and Tobago Celebrates Festivals in a Major Way

The people of Trinidad and Tobago love to celebrate! Religious festivals in the country are not confined to their respective religious communities, but other communities also participate with equal enthusiasm. For example, Trinidad and Tobago has the biggest celebration of Diwali in the entire Western Hemisphere. Although Diwali is a Hindu festival, the entire country enjoys the festival. Carnival is also a major annual event in Trinidad and Tobago that is attended by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists.

2. Trinidad and Tobago Is the Birthplace of Many Forms of Music

Due to the rich amalgamation of cultures in Trinidad and Tobago, a number of music genres were born in the country. For example, calypso, soca, chutney, and various combinations of these forms of music trace their origins to Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, the steelpans are a musical instrument that also originated in the country.

1. Trinidad and Tobago Is the Most Developed Caribbean Nation

Trinidad and Tobago has the third highest GDP per capita (PPP) in the Americas, and is thus recognized by the World Bank as a high-income economy. In 2011, the country was removed from the OECD’s list of developing nations. The petroleum industry, manufacturing sector, and tourism are important contributors to the nation’s economy.