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Samoa

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Quick Facts

Samoa flag

Map of Samoa

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Capital
Apia
Population
179,000
Government
Constitutional monarchy under native chief
Religions
Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)
Languages
Samoan, English
Calling Code
+685
Nationality
Samoan
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Introduction

Samoa

Samoa

© All Rights Reserved hutchi

The two Samoan brothers (independent and American) are twins, though not identical.
Independent Samoa (or Western Samoa as it was known as until 1997) differs from its eastern namesake in that it is a little less developed and a little less modern. It is therefore slightly less offensive to anthropologists and, we think, much more appealing to tourists. It also benefits from better beaches and more accessible swimming and snorkelling areas. Though deforestation's having its impact, inland Samoa is at times almost as attractive as aquatic Samoa.

That said, the similarities between the two nations far outweigh the differences. Many traditions are the same; both Samoas are keen to present their traditional culture to the adoring tourists who visit. So if you don't like Samoan dance and music styles, tough luck.

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Islands

Samoa is made up of two primary islands and eight small islets.

The two large islands are

  • Upolu, home to the bulk of the population and the capital Apia
  • Savai'i

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Towns

  • Apia
  • Asau
  • Mulifanua
  • Lotopa

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Getting there

Plane

Most travellers arrive at Faleolo Airport, about 30 km from the capital Apia. The national airine is Polynesian Airlines, with flights from Apia to Tonga, Niue and American Samoa. Also, Polynesian Blue serves Samoa, mainly to and from Auckland and Sydney.
There are many flights with Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand from Australia (mainly Sydney) and New Zealand (mainly Auckland).

This is version 5. Last edited at 13:32 on Mar 6, 08 by Utrecht (+4). 10 articles link to this page.

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