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Samoa

🏙️ Capital city:

Apia

📈 Country population:

205,000

🗺️ Country area:

2,842 km²

Core Facts / Infobox

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Official NameIndependent State of Samoa
Common NameSamoa
ISO CodesWS, WSM, 882
Internet TLD.ws
Calling Code+685
Capital CityApia
Largest CityApia
Coordinates13.8° S, 171.8° W
Time ZoneUTC+13
Population (2025 est.)~205,000
Area2,842 km²
Population Density~72 per km²
LanguagesSamoan, English
CurrencySamoan Tālā (WST)
Driving SideLeft
GDP (Nominal)~USD 900 million
GDP Per Capita~USD 4,000–4,500
HDI0.713 (High)
Literacy Rate~99%
Life Expectancy~74 years
Continent & SubregionOceania — Polynesia
National Day1 June (Independence Day)
National SportRugby Union
National DishPalusami
National AnthemO le Fu’a o le Sa’olotoga o Samoa

Geography & Environment

  • Samoa is a Polynesian island nation located in the central South Pacific, composed of two main islands (Upolu and Savai’i) and several smaller islands.
  • Neighboring areas include American Samoa to the east and Tonga to the south.
  • The landscape includes volcanic mountains, waterfalls, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, lava fields, and pristine coastlines.
  • Climate: tropical rainforest with warm temperatures year-round; wet season runs from November–April.
  • Best time to visit: May–October.
  • Major natural attractions: To Sua Ocean Trench, Lalomanu Beach, Alofaaga Blowholes, O Le Pupu-Pue National Park.
  • Wildlife includes fruit bats, reef fish, sea turtles, tropical birds, and unique marine biodiversity.
  • Environmental challenges: cyclones, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, volcanic activity.

Demographics

  • Total population: ~205,000.
  • Median age: ~22 years.
  • Urban population: ~20%.
  • Ethnic groups: predominantly Samoan (Polynesian), with small European and mixed communities.
  • Religions: Christianity (dominant — Congregational, Catholic, Methodist, Mormon).
  • Literacy rate: ~99%.
  • Major cities: Apia, Vaitele, Faleula, Siusega.

History

  • Samoa has a long Polynesian history dating back over 3,000 years.
  • European contact began in the 18th century with Dutch and later British explorers.
  • Germany colonized Samoa in 1900; it was later taken over by New Zealand following WWI.
  • Samoa gained independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962, becoming the first Polynesian nation to do so.
  • Post-independence, Samoa developed a stable political system rooted in traditional culture (fa’a Samoa).

Government & Politics

  • Government type: Unitary parliamentary republic.
  • Executive: Prime Minister (head of government) and ceremonial Head of State (O le Ao o le Malo).
  • Legislature: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono).
  • Judiciary: Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, District Courts.
  • Administrative divisions: 11 political districts (itūmālō).
  • Current issues: climate adaptation, economic diversification, infrastructure development.

Economy

  • Samoa has a small, developing economy reliant on agriculture, remittances, tourism, and light manufacturing.
  • Major industries: tourism, agriculture, fishing, food processing, handicrafts.
  • Main exports: coconut products, fish, taro, nonu juice, beer.
  • Main imports: machinery, vehicles, food, petroleum, manufactured goods.
  • Strengths: strong remittance inflow, cultural tourism, fertile agricultural land.
  • Weaknesses: vulnerability to cyclones, limited industry, dependence on imports.
  • GDP sectors: Agriculture (~10%), Industry (~25%), Services (~65%).

Culture & Society

  • Samoan culture (fa’a Samoa) emphasizes family, respect, hospitality, and tradition.
  • Traditional activities include tattooing (tatau), fire dancing, weaving, and storytelling.
  • Important festivals: Teuila Festival, Independence Celebrations, fiafia nights.
  • Traditional dress includes lavalava, puletasi, and finely woven mats.
  • Music and dance: siva dance, pese (songs), log drum rhythms.
  • Languages: Samoan (primary) and English (official).

Food & Cuisine

  • National dish: Palusami — taro leaves baked with coconut cream.
  • Traditional dishes: Oka (raw fish in coconut milk), Sapasui (Samoan chop suey), Fa’apapa, Roast pig, Taro.
  • Street foods: pani popo (coconut buns), grilled fish, barbecued meats.
  • Beverages: coconut water, koko Samoa (cocoa drink), kava.
  • Cuisine is rich in seafood, tropical fruits, and coconut-based dishes.

Education & Institutions

  • Medium of instruction: English and Samoan.
  • Literacy rate: ~99%.
  • Top institutions: National University of Samoa, University of the South Pacific (Alafua Campus).
  • Key academic fields: agriculture, business, culture studies, education.

Tourism

  • Top destinations: To Sua Ocean Trench, Lalomanu Beach, Savai’i blowholes, Papase’ea sliding rocks, Apia waterfront.
  • Natural attractions: coral reefs, waterfalls, volcanic craters, caves, beaches.
  • Adventure tourism: snorkeling, diving, hiking, surfing, lava cave exploration.
  • Cultural tourism includes traditional villages, tattoo ceremonies, dance performances.
  • Visa: visa-free or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities.
  • Transportation: buses, taxis, rental cars, inter-island ferries.

Practical Information

  • Safety: generally safe; strong community culture.
  • Healthcare: adequate in Apia; limited on outer islands.
  • Emergency numbers: Police 995, Fire 994, Ambulance 999.
  • Plug type: I; Voltage: 230V.
  • Internet: available in urban centers; moderate speeds.
  • Best time to visit: May–October.
  • Budget: moderate; accommodations range from budget guesthouses to resorts.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

  • National sport: rugby union; Samoa is known worldwide for its rugby talent.
  • Famous athletes: Brian Lima, Tana Umaga (NZ All Blacks, Samoan heritage), David Tua (boxer).
  • Entertainment: fiafia cultural nights, fire knife dancing, traditional music.
  • Notable figures: Malietoa Tanumafili II, Albert Wendt (writer), Troy Polamalu (NFL star of Samoan descent).

Famous For

  • To Sua Ocean Trench.
  • Strong Polynesian traditions and tattoo culture.
  • Beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
  • Rugby excellence.
  • Volcanic landscapes and rainforests.
  • Warm hospitality and fa’a Samoa lifestyle.

Sources

  • World Bank
  • United Nations (UN Data)
  • IMF
  • CIA World Factbook
  • Samoa Bureau of Statistics
  • Official Government Publications