Click image to enlarge map |
SAMOANew Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997. WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Samoa is between during the dry season between May and October. Rainy season is from November to April, which coincides with cyclone season. FACTS ABOUT SAMOA - Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand
- Geographic coordinates: 13 35 S, 172 20 W
- Area: 2,944 sq km
- Coastline: 403 km
- Max elevation: Mauga Silisili (Savaii) 1,857 m
- Population: 217,083
- Capital: Apia
- Government: Parliamentary democracy
- Currency: tala (SAT)
- Internet Country Code: .ws
- Calling Code: 685
- Ethnic groups: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%
- Languages: Samoan (Polynesian), English
- Religions: Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, Methodist 15%, Latter-Day Saints 12.7%, Assembly of God 6.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.5%, Worship Centre 1.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.1%
- Major Industries: food processing, building materials, auto parts
- Natural resources: hardwood forests, fish, hydropower
- Environmental issues: soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing
- Climate: tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October)
- Average sea surface temp: 27 °C
- Average annual rainfall: 2870 mm
- Annual tourist arrivals: 112,508
|
