Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation and one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas. Its population is primarily people of African and Indian descent. It gained independence from Britain in the 1960s, becoming a republic in 1976.
The country comprises two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, separated by a 30 km strait. It has a maritime tropical climate, and a large biodiversity of plant and animal life. Trinidad and Tobago is well known for its large number of bird species, and is a popular destination for bird watchers who come to observe species like the scarlet ibis, cocrico, egret, shiny cowbird, bananaquit, and oilbird.
The main languages spoken include English and Creole, as well as Indian languages such as Hindi and Hindustani. Christianity is practiced by the majority of the population, with Hinduism a close second. Cricket is considered a national sport with strong rivalry with their Caribbean neighbors.