Samoa Facts and Culture

What is Samoa famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: Samoans approach life in a friendly and playful way, with a strong sense of 'fa'a Samoa' or 'the Samoan way'.... More
• Family: Children are taught to respect their elders, avoid shaming their families, and sustain the culture. They are expected to support... More
• Personal Apperance: Traditional attire is still commonly worn in Samoa, though Western clothing is gaining popularity. Men wear a straight wraparound lavalava... More
• Recreation: Rugby football is a popular sport. Entire villages sometimes play kirikiti, which is similar to cricket but involves teams... More
• Diet: The original staple food was taro, but it was destroyed by blight. It has been replaced by a larger root... More
• Visiting: Visiting people takes place in the home, on the road or at church. Women visit while weaving, making handicrafts. Visiting... More
• Dating: Samoan youth generally meet at church activities or in the village. Dating as in the Western world is not shared.... More

What is the capital of Samoa?

Capital	Apia
Government Type	parliamentary republic
Currency	Tala (WST)
Total Area	1,093 Square Miles 2,831 Square Kilometers
Location	Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand
Language	Samoan (Polynesian), English
GDP - real growth rate	2.6%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$5,400.00 (USD)

What is the population of Samoa?

Ethnic Groups	Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%
Languages	Samoan is probably the oldest Polynesian language, and it is the official language of both Independent Samoa and American Samoa. English is the second official language. Samoans are proud of their language.
Nationality Noun	Samoan(s)
Population	203,774
Population - note	note: prior estimates used official net migration data by sex, but a highly unusual pattern for 1993 lead to a significant imbalance in the sex ratios (more men and fewer women) and a seeming reduction in the female population; the revised total was calculated using a 1993 number that was an average of the 1992 and 1994 migration figures
Population Growth Rate	0.59%
Population in Major Urban Areas	APIA (capital) 37,000
Urban Population	19.900000

What type of government does Samoa have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi II (since 21 July 2017) head of government: Prime Minister FIAME Naomi Mata’afa (since 24 May 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the chief of state on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: chief of state indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a 5-year term (2-term limit); election last held on 23 August 2022 (next to be held in 2026); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the chief of state, approved by the Legislative Assembly election results: TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi II (independent) unanimously reelected by the Legislative Assembly
Suffrage	21 years of age; universal
Citizenship	citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Samoa dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National Holiday	Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January 1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship, but it is observed in June
Constitution	history: several previous (preindependence); latest 1 January 1962 amendments: proposed as an act by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the third reading - provided at least 90 days have elapsed since the second reading, and assent of the chief of state; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles on customary land or constitutional amendment procedures also requires at least two-thirds majority approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2020
Independence	1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

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What environmental issues does Samoa have?

Overview	Samoa is a group of volcanic islands in the heart of the South Pacific. Independent or "Western " Samoa lies halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and just to the west of American Samoa. Samoa consists primarily of two major islands, Upolu and Savaii, which together make up an area of approximately 2,680 sq. km (115 sq. miles). The capital, Apia, sits on the northern coast of Upolu. Savaii is a few kilometers to the west of Upolu and slightly larger. The only other inhabited islands Manono and Apolima, are two small land masses in the Apolima Strait, which separates Upolu and Savaii. Many tiny uninhabited islands and a few lonely atolls comprise the remainder of the country. Lush forests of predominantly broadleaf evergreens, vines, ferns, and mosses cover the upland areas of the islands. The mountains of Upolu and Savaii are host to temperate forest vegetation, such as tree ferns, wild coleus and epiphytic plants (mosses and other nonparasitic creepers) and grasses. Banyan trees dominate the landscape at higher elevations. The tropical rainforests are both a source of food as well as a rich resource for natural medicine. Traditional healers use 75 plant species to treat up to 200 different types of diseases. Scrubland, marshes, pandanus forests and mangrove swamps cover the remainder of the island.
Climate	Samoa's proximity to the Equator results in hot and humid conditions throughout most of the year. There are two distinct seasons, the dry season (winter) between May and October and the wet season (summer) between November and April. The average annual temperature is 26.5 °C in coastal areas, with a decrease in temperature as the land rises inland. Southeasterly trade winds make April to October the more pleasant months. Samoa lies in the cyclone belt and is periodically buffeted and bruised by cyclones, the majority of which occur between November and April.
Environment - Current Issues	soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing
Environment - International Agreements	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

How big is the Samoa economy?

Economic Overview	Samoa, officially known as the Independent State of Samoa, is a Pacific island nation with a developing economy that relies primarily on agriculture, tourism, and remittances. Agriculture: Agriculture is a significant sector of the Samoan economy, employing a large portion of the population and contributing to both domestic consumption and exports. The main agricultural products include coconuts, bananas, taro, cocoa, and coffee. Subsistence farming is common in rural areas, while commercial agriculture focuses on export crops. Tourism: Tourism plays a crucial role in Samoa's economy, generating foreign exchange earnings and providing employment opportunities. The country's pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant Polynesian culture attract tourists worldwide. Tourist activities include beach resorts, ecotourism, cultural tours, and water sports. Remittances: Remittances from Samoans living abroad, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, are a significant source of income for many households in Samoa. Remittances contribute to poverty reduction, household consumption, and education, healthcare, and housing investments. Fisheries: Samoa's rich marine resources support a small but important fisheries sector. Fishing and aquaculture activities contribute to food security, employment, and export earnings. The government is working to manage fisheries resources and sustainably enhance value-added processing and exports. Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector in Samoa is relatively small and focuses on agro-processing, including producing coconut oil, cocoa products, and canned tuna. The government promotes value-added processing and supports initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and market access for manufactured goods. Infrastructure Development: Samoa has invested in infrastructure development projects, including transportation, telecommunications, and energy, to support economic growth and development. Infrastructure improvements enhance connectivity, reduce costs, and attract investment in key sectors of the economy. Financial Services: Samoa's financial services sector includes banking, insurance, and offshore finance. The country's stable regulatory environment and favorable tax policies attract foreign investment and promote financial sector development. The government is committed to strengthening financial regulation and supervision to maintain stability and integrity in the economic system. Challenges: Despite its natural resources and potential for economic growth, Samoa faces several challenges, including vulnerability to natural disasters, climate change, limited market access, and high dependence on imports. The government is working to address these challenges through policy reforms, diversification strategies, and international cooperation.
Industries	food processing, building materials, auto parts
Currency Name and Code	Tala (WST)
Export Partners	Australia 61%, Hong Kong 10.4%, US 9.1%
Import Partners	New Zealand 23.7%, Fiji 20.9%, Australia 16.4%, Japan 13.6%, US 4.5%

What current events are happening in Samoa?
Source: Google News

What makes Samoa a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

The Independent State of Samoa consists of two large islands, Upolu and Savaii, two smaller inhabited islands of Manono and Apolima, and several uninhabited islets. Samoa is located approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific. The main island of Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa's population and Samoa’s capital city of Apia. The country has a stable parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. The Samoa Tourism Authority provides a wide range of information for travelers.

Crime

Although Samoa has a low level of crime, you should remain aware of your surroundings, lock your doors at night, and not leave your belongings unattended. Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common. Some incidents have involved residential break-ins. While rare, violent assaults, including sexual assaults, have occurred in Samoa. No specific groups have been targeted, and there have been no reported racially motivated or hate crimes against U.S. citizens. Police in Apia generally respond quickly to incidents. However, since there is a very limited police presence elsewhere in Samoa (where order is maintained primarily by local village authorities), police response outside of Apia is not as quick or reliable as it is in Apia.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Samoa, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods in a foreign country. Likewise, engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Samoa, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Languages

Samoan is probably the oldest Polynesian language, and it is the official language of both Independent Samoa and American Samoa. English is the second official language. Samoans are proud of their language.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Health care facilities in Samoa are adequate for routine medical treatment but are limited in range and availability. Complex illnesses and life-threatening emergencies, as well as related laboratory work, generally need to be treated elsewhere. Serious medical conditions and treatments that require hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. You should have emergency evacuation insurance before you travel abroad.

The national hospital is located in Apia, and there are several small district hospitals on Savai'i and in outlying areas of Upolu. Dental facilities do not meet U.S. standards, but good dental treatment and some emergency medical care is available at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Pharmacies may not carry prescription or over-the-counter medicines, or the medicines may be of a different quality than those available in the United States.

There are no hyperbaric chambers on any of the islands for the treatment of scuba diving-related injuries. Serious cases of decompression sickness are evacuated to the nearest treatment center in Suva, Fiji, or Auckland, New Zealand.

Safety and Security

Recent disputes between villages and the central government have led to protests, road blocks, and shootings between the police and villagers. To date, no bystanders or tourists have been injured in such incidents, but travelers should be alert to avoid inadvertently encountering such confrontations.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in Samoa, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. This information for Samoa is provided as a general reference, and it may not be the case in all locations or circumstances.

Urban roads in Apia and the main roads circumnavigating and crossing the island are all generally kept in fair condition though bumps and potholes are common. Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop. Roads outside Apia are often narrow, winding, relatively steep, with narrow or no shoulders, and poorly lighted. Pedestrians as well as vehicles and livestock regularly travel these roads. Due to poor and deteriorating road conditions, night driving on unlit rural roads can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. You should exercise extreme caution when fording these streams, which can become swollen and dangerous with little warning. Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the water’s depth is more than the vehicle’s clearance.

Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike. However, some are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver. Buses are slow, crowded, uncomfortable, undependable, and rarely used by visitors. You can use rental cars, but be aware that limited roadside assistance is available. Most major roads are tar-sealed, but secondary roads are predominantly dirt and gravel and may be rough and/or overgrown with vegetation. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel on these roads. You should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced, and traffic violations occur routinely.

In September 2009, Samoa switched from driving on the right side of the road (as in the United States) to driving on the left side (as in the United Kingdom). Some vehicles in Samoa remain left-hand drive, including rental vehicles and public transportation. Drivers should familiarize themselves with operating requirements and local traffic laws before operating a vehicle in Samoa.