The islands of Trinidad and Tobago form an independent republic in the West Indies. Trinidad lies near the northeastern coast of Venezuela, from which it is separated by the shallow Gulf of Paria. Geologically it is more like the adjacent mainland of South America than like other islands of the Caribbean. Three low mountain ranges cross the island from west to east.
Farther south is the Central Range, and another range parallels the southern coast.
Between the mountains are fertile rolling plains and forested hills. Swamps along the eastern and western coasts serve as refuges for birds such as egrets, herons, pink spoonbills, and scarlet ibises. Nearby Little Tobago Island is a sanctuary for birds of paradise. The climate of Trinidad and Tobago is warm and humid, but the easterly trade winds temper the heat. Rainfall is abundant throughout most of the island and occurs mainly from June to December.