Home of the wildest, most famous Carnival in the Caribbean, Trinidad is an island that can give even the most cosmopolitan metropolis a run for its money on the cultural scene. The sounds and flavors of Africa, India, China, and the Middle East are all here, reflected in music (Calypso was born here) and food, as well as festivals. Trinidad's Port of Spain, a thriving center of oil and gas operations, has never been a major tourist destination, except at Carnival time. But there is more to the island than just street parade bacchanalia. Along with its sister isle of Tobago, this two-island nation is located only 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela. That helps account for its astonishingly varied wildlife, including more than 400 bird and 600 butterfly species. High in Trinidad's northern mountains, at the famed Asa Wright Nature Centre, the lush rainforest is filled with toucans, cuckoos, and hummingbirds. Although Port-of-Spain, with its shopping centers, fast-food joints, modern hotels, and active nightlife, draws mixed reviews, the countryside is calmer. Far removed from the traffic jams of the capital, you can explore the fauna and flora of the island. It's estimated that there are some 700 varieties of orchids alone, plus 400 species of birds. Prices on Trinidad are often lower than on many other islands in the West Indies. Port-of-Spain abounds in inexpensive inns and guesthouses. Since most of the restaurants cater to locals, dining prices reflect the low wages. The people are part of the attraction on Trinidad, the most cosmopolitan island in the Caribbean. The island's polyglot population includes Syrians, Chinese, Americans, Europeans, East Indians, Parsees, Madrasis, Venezuelans, and the last of the original Amerindian settlers of the island. You'll also find Hindustanis, Javanese, Lebanese, African descendants, and Creole mixes. The main religions are Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. In all, there are about 1.2 million inhabitants, whose language is English, although you may also hear the local dialect, Trinibagianese. One of the most industrialized nations in the Caribbean, and one of the biggest exporters of oil in the western hemisphere, Trinidad is also blessed with huge 46-hectare (114-acre) Pitch Lake, the source of most of the world's asphalt. It's also the home of Angostura Bitters, the recipe for which is a closely guarded secret.