- Samoa is a small island country in Polynesia, a subregion of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. Its nearby countries are Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga, and Niue.
- This microstate consists of four inhabited and five uninhabited volcanic islands. Savai’i is the largest island, while the second-largest island Upolu is the most populous and contains the capital, Apia. More than 99% land area of the country is composed of these two islands.
- The initial settlers of Samoa arrived around 1000 BC. They intermarried with the nobility of Tonga and Fiji. This system still dominates in Samoa, where almost all seats in the legislature are for Samoan chiefs.
- In 1722, a Dutch explorer became the first European to spot Samoa. Christian missionaries from the UK started their work in 1830. Missionary activities resulted in the conversion of the majority of the local population.
- Disputes between rival families over the succession of the Samoan king resulted in two civil wars during the 19th Century. The USA, the UK, and Germany actively participated in both civil wars. After the second civil war (1898-99), the Western powers abolished the monarchy and handed over Samoa (then the western Samoan Islands) to Germany after a deal.
- Samoa remained under the control of the German Empire from 1899 to 1914. New Zealand captured it in 1914 during WW1.
- Samoa aligned its date with the US in 1892 to facilitate business with American traders. Later in 2011, it changed the time to enhance economic ties with Australia and New Zealand. (Source)
- Samoa adopted driving on the right side after the German occupation at the beginning of the 20th Century. It changed this direction from right to left in 2009, becoming the first country in four decades to switch driving sides. This step aimed to purchase cars from New Zealand and Australia. (Source)
Samoa changed its driving direction after nearly a century - Before the 20th Century, Europeans called Samoa “Navigator Islands” due to the seafaring skills of the local population. (Source)
- In 1918, the flu pandemic affected 90% and killed 20% of the Samoan population. It happened due to the unsafe handling of a New Zealand ship infected with the Spanish flu.
- New Zealand police shot and killed 11 people during a peaceful protest. This event is known as “Black Sunday” in Samoa. These two events increased opposition to New Zealand’s rule in the country.
- In 1962, Samoa became the first country in Polynesia to gain independence. In 1997, it changed the name from “Western Samoa” to “Samoa.”
- Nearly 96% of people in Samoa belong to the Samoan ethnicity. Samoan and English are the two official languages in the country.
- The majority of the Samoan population (around 98%) follows Christianity. It officially converted from a secular country to a Christian state in 2017. (Source)
- Samoa is one of the few countries without any regular military force. Under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship, New Zealand provides military assistance to Samoa.
- Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of the famous novel “Treasure Island” (1881), spent his last few years in Samoa. His grave is also in Samoa.
- The HRPP (Human Rights Protection Party) ruled Samoa for nearly four decades after 1982. They lost to Fast Party in 2021.
- Samoans are famous for their unique tattoos, separate for males and females. They managed to protect this 3000-year-old tradition despite pressure from Christian missionaries. (Source)
- Flying foxes are the only native mammals in Samoa. Wild cattle, pigs, and rats are introduced species.
- Rugby football is the most popular and the national sport in Samoa. Samoans play for their national team and New Zealand during international competitions.
- A large proportion of Samoan people live abroad compared to Samoa. Countries with a significant Samoan Diaspora are the USA, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Samoa is the only Polynesian country still extensively using traditional houses, known as “fale.” These structures are constructed without walls. (Source)
- Apia is the only town in Samoa. More than 80% of the country’s population lives in rural areas.
- Pulemelei Mound in Savai’i is one of the largest and oldest structures in Polynesia, dating back to 1000 CE. The discovery of a vast network of ruins beneath this area proves that Samoa had a large population before European colonialism than previously thought. (Source)
- To Sua Ocean Trench is one of the most attractive places in Samoa for tourists. This vast swimming hole has seawater with a powerful tidal surge. (Source)
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