Samoa

The two main islands of Savai'i and Upolu feature mountains of volcanic origin, encompassing dense rainforests on slopes and coastal plains with black sand beaches. Coral reefs encircle the landmasses, forming lagoons of clear water. Smaller islands such as Manono and Apolima extend the archipelago in the central South Pacific, hosting scattered villages with traditional fale structures of open timber platforms beneath tall roofs.

German traders and plantation owners established settlements on the islands after 1880, before Germany formally gained control in 1900. After World War I, New Zealand assumed administration, replacing Germany and maintaining control until independence on January 1, 1962. Political tensions marked the transition decades, including the Mau movement advocating for self-governance during the 1920s and facing repeated suppression.

Traditional Matai titles grant selected individuals leadership roles within extended families, giving them authority over land decisions and local dispute mediation. Ceremonial displays of respect, including kava rituals and presentation of fine mats, affirm social bonds during important occasions. These customs shape daily life and connect the population to ancestral heritage across generations.

Faleolo International Airport on Upolu provides connections to New Zealand, Australia, and neighboring Pacific islands. The dry season from May to October brings less rainfall and more comfortable conditions for travel and outdoor activities. Public buses link Apia to surrounding villages, while small ferries connect the main islands to smaller atolls. Accommodations range from simple beach fale to hotels in the capital.

In 2011, the country skipped from December 29 directly to December 31, shifting the date line eastward to harmonize its time zone with Australia and New Zealand. This adjustment allowed closer business coordination and strengthened economic connections to major neighboring partners. Previously, the territory lagged one day behind these trading partners, creating scheduling difficulties for commercial transactions.

Inception: 1962

Capital city: Apia

Part of: Polynesia

Shares border with: United States

Website: http://samoagovt.ws

GPS coordinates: -13.76939,-172.12005

Latest update: November 30, 2025 18:33