Samoa, Island nation in central South Pacific Ocean, Polynesia.
Samoa is an island nation in the central South Pacific whose 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, while smaller islands such as Manono and Apolima extend the archipelago and host 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 and maintained control until independence on January 1, 1962, while the Mau movement advocated for self-governance during the 1920s and faced repeated suppression.
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 and connect the population to ancestral heritage across generations.
Faleolo International Airport on Upolu provides connections to New Zealand, Australia, and neighboring Pacific islands, while 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.
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 that were previously one day ahead.
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