What’s the most fun and interesting fact you know about Samoa? Even though I’ve been to Samoa many times, there are so many fun and interesting facts, historical ties, and unique stats I didn’t know!

Learn Samoa culture facts plus facts about Samoan food, their national sport, and national drink—I bet you’ll be surprised!  

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Samoa: Facts About Geography And Climate

Samoa is a great place to visit. It has lots of interesting things to see and do. In this blog post, I’ll share 103 facts about Samoa that you may not know about one of my favorite places to visit. These facts include information about Samoan culture, landscapes, and of course, the amazing Samoan food. 

1. Samoa is an island nation in Oceania made up of nine volcanic islands.
2. Samoa is known for its lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches. 
3. Two main Samoan islands—Savai’i and ‘Upolu—account for 99% of Samoa’s total land area. 
4. The other seven Samoan islands are Apolima, Manono, Nu’utele, Nu’ulua, Namu’a, Fanuatapu and Nu’usafe’e.
5. Samoa’s total land area is 2,831 square kilometers (1,093 square miles), making it one of the smallest countries in Oceania.   
6. Of Samoa’s nine islands, four have people living on them, and five are full of wild animals.
7. Samoa is approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
8. The highest point in Samoa is Mount Silisili, at 1,857 meters (6,095 feet) above sea level.
9. The country has a population of approximately 218,764 (2021) people.
10. Most people in Samoa come from two different cultural backgrounds. 92.6% are Samoan, 7% are a mix of European and Polynesian, and 0.4% are European only.
11. Samoa is a country with only one city. That city is Apia. It is the capital of Samoa, and it is located on the north coast of ‘Upolu Island at the mouth of the Vaisigano River.
12. Other major towns include Salelologa on Savai’i Island and Mulifanua on ‘Upolu Island.
13. The national flower of Samoa is the Teuila which grows on trees and has bright red petals that resemble a trumpet shape when fully bloomed. 
14. UNESCO declared three sites on ‘Upolu Island were part of its World Heritage List: To Sua Ocean Trench, Aleipata Islands; and Falealupo Rainforest Reserve
15. Samoa experiences a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 70-90°F (21-32°C) year-round with humidity levels between 75% and 85%.
16. Samoa has a rainy/ wet season from November to April. The dry season typically lasts from May to October.
17. Samoa has several protected areas, including Falealupo Rainforest Reserve on Savai’i Island and Togitogiga Forest Reserve on ‘Upolu Island.
18. The main rivers in Samoa are the Vaisigano River on ‘Upolu Island and the Mulivai River on Savai’i Island.
19. Samoa has several waterfalls, including Sopoaga Waterfall near Falealupo Village on Savai’i Island and Papaseea Sliding Rocks near Apia Town on ‘Upolu Island.
20. There are more than 200 beaches in Samoa, including Lalomanu Beach on ‘Upolu Island and Palolo Deep Marine Reserve near Apia Town.
21. There are several coral reefs around the Samoan Islands, including Palolo Deep Marine Reserve near Apia Town.
22. The main ports in Samoa are Matautu Port near Apia Town on ‘Upolu Island and Salelologa Port near Salelologa Town on Savai’i Island.

Facts About History + Government

1. The Samoan Constitution was adopted in 1960.
2. Samoa gained independence from New Zealand on January 1, 1962, and was the first Pacific nation to do so. 
3. In 1889, Germany took control of the western part of what was called the Western Samoan Islands. The United States controlled the eastern part until 1962. Then, both parts were combined to form an independent country known today as Samoa.
4. Samoa celebrates Independence Day on June 1.
5. The Samoan Archipelago was first settled by Polynesian voyagers sometime between 800 BCE and 1000 CE.
6. In 1722, Jacob Roggeveen was the first European to discover what we now call Samoa. He was on a round-the-world-trip and named it ‘the Friendly Islands.’
7. In 1830 missionaries from England arrived to convert locals to Christianity.    
8. New Zealand occupied Samoa during World War I and was granted control of the territory by the League of Nations.
9. The traditional form of government in Samoa is based around chiefs or matai who hold authority over extended families within villages.
10. Samoa’s national motto is “Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa,” which means “Samoa is founded on God.”
11. Samoa’s official name is the Independent State of Samoa.
12. Samoa is a parliamentary democracy led by a Prime Minister. 
13. The Samoan Prime Minister is elected for a 5-year term, along with a unicameral legislature known as Fono. 
14. In Samoa, 49 members of the Fono are elected to serve for five years. The people vote for them, or chiefs can choose them. It depends on the district’s traditions and how things have been done in the past.
15. The current Head of State of Samoa is Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II
16. The Prime Minister of Samoa is Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa
17. Samoa’s economy largely depends on agriculture, tourism, and remittances from overseas Samoans.
18. Major exports include coconut products, taro, and fish.
19. Samoa is a United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, and Pacific Islands Forum member.

Samoa Facts: Economy 

1. Tourism is one of Samoa’s main sources of income. It accounts for about 20% of GDP.
2. The currency used in Samoa is Tala (WST). 

Samoa Facts: Language

1. Samoa has two official languages: Samoan, which is spoken by 95% of the population; English which is spoken by 4%; plus French spoken by 1%.    
2. The Samoan language is a Polynesian language closely related to other languages like Tongan and Hawaiian.

Samoa Facts: Religion

1. In Samoa, 99% of people practice Christianity. 98% of these people follow Protestant teachings such as Congregational Christian Church and Methodist Church. The other 1% practice religions like Buddhism, Baha’i Faith, or no religion.

Samoan Culture Facts

1. Fa’a Samoa, or “the Samoan way,” is a cultural practice emphasizing respect for elders, hospitality towards visitors, and strong family ties.
2. Samoans follow an indigenous socio-political tradition called ‘fa’amatai,’ which involves complex systems of titles given to individuals based on their rank within society.
3. The traditional dance of Samoa is called the ilao afi, or siva nifo and is commonly called the “fire knife dance” by many visitors to the islands.
4. Samoa has four recognized cultural genders: Male, Female, Fa’afatama, and Fa’afafine. Fa’afatama, and fa’afafine are fluid gender roles that move between female and male.
5. Samoans are known for their traditional art forms, such as wood carving, tapa cloth making, weaving and tattooing (tatau).
6. The tatau was used to signify social status and was a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood.
7. The traditional male tatau, called the pe’a, covers the body from the knees to the waist.
8. The traditional female tatau, called the malu, covers the legs from the knees to the upper thighs.
9. The traditional dress for men consists of a lavalava (sarong) worn around the waist, while women wear a puletasi (long skirt-like garment).
10. Fishing is an important food source for many families living in rural areas. However, overfishing has led to a decline in fish stocks resulting in increased restrictions on fishing practices by local governments to protect marine life sustainability.
11. Agriculture plays a major role in Samoa’s economy, with taro root being one of its main crops; other popular crops include bananas, coconuts, yams and breadfruit trees, which can be found growing throughout the islands’ tropical climate conditions.
12. Samoa has a rich oral tradition, including legends, myths, and stories passed down through generations.
13. ʻAva ceremonies are an important part of social gatherings where kava root is pounded into a paste and mixed with water to make a relaxing drink. The ʻAva ceremony ritual has been practiced since ancient times as a way to bring people together.
14. Music plays an important role in Samoan culture, with traditional instruments like pate (drum) used to accompany singing at events like weddings or funerals.
15. Dance also plays an important role in Samoan culture, with different types, like siva nifo, performed on occasions like birthdays or religious ceremonies.
16. Aiga (extended family) plays an important role within Samoan society, where members support each other through difficult times or celebrate successes together. You’ll experience this sense of community throughout villages across the islands.

Facts About Samoan Food

1. Traditional Samoan cuisine includes dishes such as oka (raw fish salad), palusami (coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves) and palolo (seaworms).
2. Koko Samoa is Samoa’s national drink. It is made with special cocoa beans that do not have a bitter taste. It is typically made with coconut milk or water.
3. Palusami is made with coconut cream, onions, garlic and tinned corned beef or fish wrapped in taro leaves. This is an absolute must-try!
4. Oka i’a is a raw fish dish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk with onions and tomatoes — and it’s delicious!
5. Taro is a staple food in Samoa. ( Sometimes, I think I could live on Taro alone!) You can cook taro in many different ways, including boiled, steamed or baked in an oven or over an open fire pit called an umu—my favorite way.
6. Umu cooking is still used for special occasions such as weddings and funerals when large amounts of food are needed to feed guests.
7. The Samoan diet also includes imported foods such as rice, breadfruit, potatoes and canned goods like tuna fish or corned beef.
8. Fruits such as bananas, papayas, pineapples and mangoes are also common ingredients in Samoan dishes as well as coconuts.
9. Fish such as tuna, wahoo (ono) and mahi-mahi (dorado) are popular protein sources in the Samoan diet. Pork is usually reserved for special occasions due to its high cost compared to other proteins available on the islands, such as chicken or seafood.
10. Traditional Samoan feasts involve large amounts of food being served on banana leaves spread out over mats on the floor. Guests sit cross-legged while eating their meal with their hands using pieces of breadfruit called ‘pani popo.’

Samoa Facts: Sports

1. Rugby is the national sport of Samoa. Since 1991, Samoa has taken part in multiple Rugby World Cups. Their best result was in 1995 when they came in third against England at Twickenham Stadium (London, United Kingdom).
2. Other sports, like kilikiti (the Samoan take on cricket), are also enjoyed in Samoa.

Famous Samoans + Notable People

1. Novelist Robert Louis Stevenson lived and died on the island of ‘Upolu, where he wrote his famous novel “Treasure Island” The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Apia is dedicated to the famous Scottish novelist, who lived his last years on ‘Upolu Island before passing away there in 1894
2. Actor Dwayne Johnson has starred in films such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. And television shows, like Saturday Night Live and Ballers. Mama Johnson is Samoan.
3. NFL player Troy Polamalu is a former NFL safety who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 12 seasons. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.
4. Oscar Kightley is a Samoan-born New Zealand actor, television presenter, writer, journalist, and director. He is best known for his work on the hit comedy series The Naked Samoans and the 2006 film Sione’s Wedding. He also wrote and acted in the 2012 sequel Sione’s 2: Unfinished Business. Oscar has been awarded the MNZM for his services to entertainment.
5. Brian Lima is a former professional rugby player from Samoa. He was known as “The Chiropractor” for his hard-hitting tackles on the field. Lima played in four Rugby World Cups and was the first player to score tries in five different tournaments.
6. Shaka Sola is a Samoan shot putter and discus thrower who rose to fame at the 2005 World Championships. He has competed in the Olympic Games and is now a coach, landscaper, and father. 
7. David Tua is a former heavyweight boxer from New Zealand. He had a successful career in the 1990s and early 2000s, winning 52 of his 59 fights. 43 of his victories were by way of knockout! Tua fought some of the biggest names in boxing, including Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.
8. Jimmy Thunder was a former heavyweight boxer from New Zealand. He won the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Title and was challenged for the WBO Heavyweight Title but was ultimately unsuccessful. Thunder was known for his powerful left hook and had a professional record of 35 wins and 14 losses.
9. Mils Muliaina is a retired rugby player from New Zealand. He played fullback and had a successful career spanning 15 years, including being part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning team. Muliaina also played for the Auckland Blues and Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby.

Interesting Facts About Samoa

1.  Samoa is among the first countries in the world to witness the sunrise each day.
2. Samoa was previously known as Western Samoa to distinguish it from American Samoa.
3. The University of the South Pacific has a campus in Samoa.
4. There are several museums in Samoa, including the Samoa Cultural Village Museum and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.
5. Samoa has a high literacy rate of over 99%.
6. Several newspapers are published in Samoa, including the Samoa Observer and the Talamua Media Network.
7. Samoa has a small film industry, with films like “The Orator” and “One Thousand Ropes” being produced in recent years.
8. The traditional Samoan house, or fale, is made from materials such as timber frames filled with woven pandanus leaves or coconut fronds for walls and roofs, respectively. They are open-air structures with thatched roofs and no walls. They are among the oldest houses in Polynesia still standing today!
9. Samoa was affected by an earthquake and tsunami in 2009 that caused significant damage and loss of life.

Samoa Facts: Landmarks & Attractions

1. To Sua Ocean Trench: A 30m deep swimming hole connected to the ocean via underground tunnels filled with crystal clear water surrounded by lush green foliage.     
2. Papase’ea Sliding Rocks: Natural rock slides carved into volcanic rocks leading down into a freshwater pool below surrounded by rainforest vegetation.     
3. Palolo Deep Marine Reserve: Protected marine reserve off Apia harbor full of colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life;
4. Alofaaga Blowholes: Spectacular blowholes created by waves crashing against lava rocks along the south coast near Saleaula village creating geysers up to 30m high and shooting up into the air when wave conditions are right; 
5. Lalomanu Beach: White sandy beach lined with palm trees on the southeast coast offers stunning views of the open ocean beyond the reef line.
6. On September 7, 2009, Samoa switched from driving on the right side of the road to driving on the left side. They were the first country in over 40 years to make the switch.
7. Samoa FC
8. The Pulemelei Mound, also known as Tia Seu Ancient Mound, is Polynesia’s largest, oldest structure. Located in the village of Vailoa in the district of Palauli, The Pulemelei Mound was constructed using locally sourced basalt stone and volcanic rock between 1,000 AD and 1,400 AD. Pyramidal in shape, it measures 65 meters (213 feet) by 60 meters (196 feet) at the bottom, rising to a height of more than 12 meters (39 feet). 
9. Forests cover more than 60% of Samoa. 
10. Coral reefs surround Samoa, and because of this, it is home to more than 900 different fish species. 
11. Samoa (and Hawai’i) are volcanic hotspots and have young, active volcanoes. Currently, these volcanoes are submerged under the ocean and known as seamounts. However, continuous volcanic activity will eventually cause them to grow in size until they protrude above the ocean’s surface and form islands. The most recent eruption in Samoa was that of Mt Matavanu—which remains active— between 1905 and 1911 on the island of Savai’i.

Fun + Interesting Facts About Samoa: Wrap Up

These Samoa fun facts are meant to help you get acquainted with Samoa and to prepare you for your Samoan adventure. I want you to be excited about visiting such a unique, beautiful, and exotic location. 

[Additional image credits: NeilsPhotography, mikigroup]

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