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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 Name | Independent State of Samoa |
| Common Name | Samoa |
| ISO Codes | WS, WSM, 882 |
| Internet TLD | .ws |
| Calling Code | +685 |
| Capital City | Apia |
| Largest City | Apia |
| Coordinates | 13.8° S, 171.8° W |
| Time Zone | UTC+13 |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~205,000 |
| Area | 2,842 km² |
| Population Density | ~72 per km² |
| Languages | Samoan, English |
| Currency | Samoan Tālā (WST) |
| Driving Side | Left |
| GDP (Nominal) | ~USD 900 million |
| GDP Per Capita | ~USD 4,000–4,500 |
| HDI | 0.713 (High) |
| Literacy Rate | ~99% |
| Life Expectancy | ~74 years |
| Continent & Subregion | Oceania — Polynesia |
| National Day | 1 June (Independence Day) |
| National Sport | Rugby Union |
| National Dish | Palusami |
| National Anthem | O 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