The location map of Samoa indicates that this country is located in the South Pacific Ocean. Some years back, it was known as the German Samoa, and also Western Samoa. This island nation is located between Hawaii and New Zealand, and its origin can be traced back to volcanic activity that occurred centuries ago.
Samoa is an archipelago that consists of 9 islands. Four of these islands are not inhabited, while the two of the largest are Upolu and Savai’i. Samoa’s capital city is Apia and together with the Faleolo International airport is located in Upolu, the smaller Island. Although it’s an Island, Samoa is known to have many rivers, lakes and is also mountainous. It became an independent state in 1962 and its political system is based on the British parliamentary system. However, there have been some modifications to suit local needs.
Unincorporated territory of the United States
American Samoa is an unincorporated region of the United States and it has the eastern part of the Samoan archipelago, which is situated to the south-central part of the pacific ocean. It lies about 3,500 kilometers to the southwest of Hawaii in the United States and 2, 200 miles from New Zealand.
American Samoa covers the island of Ofu, Olosega, Tau, Aunuu, and Tutuila, which are all inhabited. However, under this jurisdiction are coral reefs that are not inhabited, which include Swain islands, and Rose Atoll. American Samoa has its administrative capital on Tutuila Island.
The economy of Samoa
Samoa depends on agriculture and fishing and it lies in the equatorial/tropical climatic zone. On average, temperatures average 26.5 degrees.
The inhabitants and their origins
A majority of the population of Samoa is made of ethnic Samoans. However, there are a few people who belong to Filipino and Tongan origins. The Samoans are considered to be Polynesians and have a very close relationship with the native inhabitants of Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, and French Polynesia. These people prefer a communal way of life, and the most basic unit of a social unit is the extended family.
The language and culture of the Inhabitants
You will find that most Samoans are still fluent in their native language despite the fact that there has been massive influence from foreign languages. Also, for many years, they have had robust traditions that have withstood the effect of external influence. In most cases, Samoans still practice and respect their age-old traditions which were passed down from their ancestors.
Most of the American Samoan population speak fluent English, and more than half of the population are believed to belong to the many protestant denominations that are common all over Samoa.
Samoa’s physical features
Most parts are high and rugged because they were formed about 7 million years ago because of volcanic activity. The highest point is the Matafao Peak. There are many attractive common reefs that are spread all over the island. The climate is tropical, and there is a lot of precipitation. There are many river streams that carry lots of water from the peak downwards, but don’t reach the ocean.
