Key Facts about Samoa

About Samoa:

• It is a Polynesian island nation located in the central South Pacific Ocean.
• Samoa sits about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii.
• It is made up of an archipelago of nine islands, four of which are inhabited.
• It covers an area of 2,842 sq.km.
• The two largest islands are Savai’i and Upolu. About three-quarters of the population lives on the island of Upolu.
• The country originated from volcanic activity.
• It is mountainous, with many lakes and rivers.
• The islands are ringed by coral reefs and shallow lagoons.
• Its capital and main commercial centre is Apia, on the island of Upolu.
• Samoa gained its independence from New Zealand in 1962. It is the first Pacific island country to achieve independence.
• It is a parliamentary democracy.
• Languages:
  • Samoan is the country’s official language.
  • Legislative activity is conducted in both Samoan and English as required by the constitution.
• The economy revolves around fishing and agriculture, which is vulnerable to cyclones and disease.