Samoa Economy

People of Samoa : majority of the population of the islands of Samoa, more than 90%, are Polynesians. The rest are Euronesians or mix bloods and Europeans.

Arts, Culture and Music of Samoa :

• Art : Samoans have, over time, perfected certain traditional arts. Of them one is the “Siapo” cloth or bark-cloth, which are either dyed or embroidered. Mat-weaving is another traditional art. Tattooing is also a chief art form in the island whereby a man attains manhood.

• Culture: Samoan culture dates back to thousands of years, so does the matai system, in which a chief decides the good and bad, the do's and dont's for an extended family (aiga). Modern system of governance exists side-by-side the traditional matai system. Christianity, often with indigenous rituals and practices, is widespread. Music, dancing and tattoing are integral elements of youth culture.

• Music: Vocal music has an important place in religious services and social gatheings.

European invasion resulted in the disappearance of several ethnic forms of music. The one genre of Samoan music that still remains is the “Fiafia”, which is a theatrical type of performance. The musical instruments used in Samoa are a sort of hollowed-out log and the “Fala”, both of which are drums; and “Kitara” and “Ukulele” which are stringed instruments.

Flag of Samoa : three colors make up the rectangular flag of Samoa; they are red, blue and white. The flag has a red backdrop on which at the top left hand side is a blue rectangle within which is five five-point stars in white color. One of the five stars is smaller in size to the rest. While red is both the traditional color of Samoa and also symbolizes courage, blue stands for independence. The white stars are the stars in the “Southern Cross”.

Economy of Samoa: The four chief contributors to the economy of Samoa are agriculture, fishing, forest resources and tourism. The other main natural resource of the islands is hydropower. The agricultural products of the islands that are important export commodities are cocoa, coffee, coconuts, bananas, yams and taro. Industries in Samoa are those manufacturing building materials and making automobile parts. Together all these commodities along with coconut oil and cream, garments and beer are exported from the country.