The home of carnival, steel bands, calypso and limbo dancing, Trinidad and Tobago’s blend of different cultures gives them an air of cosmopolitan excitement. Liming, or talking for talking’s sake, is a popular pastime, as is chatting about, watching and playing cricket.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, thanks to its considerable reserves of oil and gas. Along the north of Trinidad runs the Northern Range of mountains, looming over the country’s capital, Port of Spain. On the north and east coasts lie beautiful beaches.

Port of Spain, surrounded by lush green hills, is the capital and business hub of oil-rich Trinidad. Bazaars throng beneath modern skyscrapers and mosques rub shoulders with cathedrals. San Fernando is the island’s second town and the main commercial centre in the south. Close by is the fascinating natural phenomenon of the Pitch Lake, a 90-acre (36.4 hectares) lake of asphalt which constantly replenishes itself.

Tobago is very different from her sister isle, some 32km (20 miles) away. The island is so beautiful and fertile that just about every western European colonial power has fought to have it. It is a tranquil island with calm waters and a number of fine beaches, each with their own flavour. They include Pigeon Point on the southwest coast. Buccoo Reef, an extensive coral reef, lies offshore.

The history of Trinidad & Tobago has been one of invasion and conquest since its discovery by Christopher Columbus, who claimed it for Spain in 1498. In 1888, Tobago was amalgamated with Trinidad and administered as a single colony thereafter. The British sponsored the West Indies Federation as a potential post-colonial model, in the belief that most of the Caribbean islands would be unable to survive politically or economically on their own. The Caribbean peoples thought otherwise and the Federation collapsed in the early-1960s. By this time, Trinidad and Tobago had already been granted internal self-government and achieved full independence in 1962.

The only shadow on the paradisiacal image of the islands is the negative impact of drugs. As with other nations in the region, Trinidad and Tobago - a major transshipment point for cocaine - has become ridden with drugs, gang-related violence and corruption, which is threatening the increasingly important tourism industry.

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 2005).

253.5 per sq km.

Port of Spain. Population: 55,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1962.

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.

GMT - 4.

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.

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

Prime Minister Patrick Manning since 2002.

President Maxwell Richards since 2003.