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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.

Eastern23,6396726Aunuu, Tutuila (part)
Manu'a1,1435722Ofu, Olosega, Tau
Western30,7207529Tutuila (part)
Unorganized1721Swain's Island, Rose Island
4 divisions55,51920077
Note:  Population: 2010-04-01 census.

Gaga'emauga7,4876,00022386Sale'aulaSavai'i, Upolu
Palauli9,0828,000523202Vailoa i PalauliSavai'i
11 districts180,741132,0002,8321,094
Note  : -Pop-2006: 2006-11-06 census.

Last Updated On : July 29, 2015

Lat Long13.7745° S, 172.0428° W
Area2,831 sq km (1,093 sq miles)
Population195,476 (July 2013 est.)
Largest CityApia
Official LanguagesSamoan, English
Major ReligionProtestant, Roman Catholic etc.
National DayIndependence Day (1 June, 1962)
Form of GovernmentParliamentary Democracy
PresidentO le Ao o le Malo Tufuga Efi
Prime MinisterTuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi
CurrencyTala (WST)
GDP$6,200 (2012 est.)
Calling Code685
Time ZoneUTC+13:00
Internet TLD.ws

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