Samoa Map

The Samoan islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, and have been inhabited by humans for about 3,000 years. The early people of Samoa probably arrived from Southeast Asia as early as 2500 BCE, though there have been strong ties between other South Pacific islands, including Fiji and Tonga.
The Dutch were the first European explorers to arrive on the islands, in 1722, and were soon followed by the French in 1768. The English began sending missionaries in the early 1800s, and later sent troops. Germany and the United States also grew interested in the islands, and the latter three nations became involved in the local politics, sparking a civil war among the Samoan people from 1886 to 1894. A second civil war erupted in 1898, with the three foreign nations warring over their own claims to the land. The Tripartite Convention of 1899 resulted in the partitioning of the islands between the foreign powers. Under this pact, the eastern Samoan islands became US territories, eventually becoming part of American Samoa. The western islands became German Samoa, and the United Kingdom gave up their rights to the islands to Germany.

The New Zealand military arrived in German Samoa in 1914, taking control until 1962. The people of Samoa began their fight against colonial rule in the 1920s, however, and Western Samoa was granted independence in 1962. Samoa became the first independent island nation in the Pacific.

Neighboring Countries : 
The closest islands to Samoa include the island territories of American Samoa, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, Niue, Fiji, and Tonga.

Major Cities

• Upolu
• Apia

Geography : 
The main islands of Samoa include Upolu and Savai'i, where most of the country's land is and the majority of the population resides, but there are also 8 small islands within the territory. Three of these, Manono, Apolima, and Nu'ulop, are located in the Apolima Strait, and four are the Aleipata Islands, which are Nu'utele, Nu'ulua, Namua, and Fanuatapu. The other islet of Samoa is Nu'usafe'e which is to the south of Upolu.

The islands of Samoa are volcanic islands, created by a hotspot volcano, and Savai'i island features active volcanoes, Mount Matavanu, Mata o le Afi, and Mauga Afi. Though these are considered active, there have been no eruptions since the early 1900s. These eruptions have left lava fields across the island. As volcanic islands, the terrain is mountainous, with its highest point on Mount Silisili, standing 1,858 meters (6,096 feet) above sea level.

The islands were once covered with tropical forests, but with human activity on the island, the original forests have largely been destroyed. The islands continue to be covered in younger forests and other vegetation. Samoa has no major rivers, though there are many streams, some of which are prone to flooding in times of heavy rainfall. A major stream is the Vaisigano river.

Points of Interest : 
Samoa is full of scenic attractions, including national parks like Falealupo Rainforest Preserve and Lake Lanoto'o National Park. There are wonderful hiking opportunities in the mountains of the main islands, including impressive waterfalls like those at Papase'ea Sliding Rocks on Upolu. As a volcanic island chain, there are several natural features that have been formed, including lava fields and caves and blowholes where the ocean waves shoot up between the rocks.

The beaches of Samoa are a beloved destination for visitors and locals alike, and can be accessed from most villages on the islands. There are also many resorts along the coast.

Transportation : 
The main airports in Samoa are Faleolo International, which is outside of Apia, and Fagalii Airport, also outside of Apia. Main destinations served by these airports include New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the United States. Boat is an alternative way to reach Samoa, with major harbors in Apia, Asau, Mulifanua, and Saleloga. Boats are also the main way to get between the islands. Taxis are a great option for getting around the islands as they are everywhere and can be relatively inexpensive. Another option is the bus, which provide cheap and efficient service. Visitors can rent cars or potentially bicycles to get around the islands as well.

District	Population	Area(km.&sup²)	Area(mi.&sup²)	Islands
Eastern	23,639	67	26	Aunuu, Tutuila (part)
Manu'a	1,143	57	22	Ofu, Olosega, Tau
Western	30,720	75	29	Tutuila (part)
Unorganized	17	2	1	Swain's Island, Rose Island
4 divisions	55,519	200	77

Note:  Population: 2010-04-01 census.

District	Pop-2006	Pop-1966	Area(km.²)	Area(mi.²)	Capital	Island
A'ana	20,769	18,000	193	75	Leulumoega	Upolu
Aiga-i-le-Tai	4,857	4,000	27	10	Mulifanu'a	Upolu
Atua	21,826	18,000	413	159	Lufilufi	Upolu
Fa'asaleleaga	13,404	10,000	266	103	Safotulafai	Savai'i
Gaga'emauga	7,487	6,000	223	86	Sale'aula	Savai'i, Upolu
Gagaifomauga	4,842	5,000	365	141	Safotulafai	Savai'i
Palauli	9,082	8,000	523	202	Vailoa i Palauli	Savai'i
Satupa'itea	5,260	4,000	127	49	Satupa'itea	Savai'i
Tuamasaga	85,112	51,000	479	185	Afega	Upolu
Va'a-o-Fonoti	1,624	2,000	38	15	Samamea	Upolu
Vaisigano	6,478	6,000	178	69	Asau	Savai'i
11 districts	180,741	132,000	2,832	1,094

Note  : -Pop-2006: 2006-11-06 census.
ACOD~20131023

Last Updated On : July 29, 2015