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Samoa

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description Samoa Overview

Samoa is a Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, with its capital at Apia on Upolu. It gained independence from New Zealand administration in 1962, among the first Pacific island countries to do so, and was called Western Samoa until 1997. Samoan society is organised around the fa'amatai system of chiefly titles and the wider fa'a Sāmoa cultural way. The writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent his final years there, and his home at Vailima is now a museum.

help Samoa FAQ

Where is Samoa located?

Samoa is a Polynesian island country in the South Pacific. Its two main islands are Upolu and Savai'i, and its capital, Apia, is on Upolu.

When did Samoa become independent?

Samoa gained independence from New Zealand administration in 1962. It was among the first Pacific island countries to achieve independence.

What is Samoa's capital city?

Apia is Samoa's capital and is located on the island of Upolu. It is the country's main centre for government, business, and transport.

Why was Samoa called Western Samoa?

The country was commonly called Western Samoa to distinguish it from American Samoa, which lies farther east. It adopted the shorter official name Samoa in 1997.