Flag of Trinidad and Tobago

What the flag looks like

A red field with a white-edged black diagonal band running from the upper hoist to the lower fly.

What it means

Red represents the vitality of the land and people and the warmth of the sun, black the strength and dedication of the people, and white the sea and equality.

How to remember it

Trinidad and Tobago: one white-edged black slash across solid red, with no stars, unlike the diagonal of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Fun facts

• The steelpan, made from oil drums, was developed in Trinidad and is the national instrument.
• Pitch Lake in Trinidad is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world.

Trinidad and Tobago at a glance

Capital

Port of Spain

Region

Caribbean

Population

1.4 million

Area

5,130 km²

Languages

English

Currency

Trinidad and Tobago dollar ($)

Flag adopted

1962

Flags often confused with Trinidad and Tobago

• Saint Kitts and Nevis: Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago both have a black diagonal band. Trinidad's runs down from the upper hoist on plain red; Saint Kitts' rises from the lower hoist, edged in yellow, with two stars and green and red triangles.