Geography
Samoa is an archipelago, formerly known as the Navigator’s Islands, in the Pacific Ocean, in Oceania. The islands located east of 171 ° W longitude form a dependent territory of the United States known as Eastern Samoa with an area of 199 km2. The islands west of the meridian constitute the independent state of Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) and have an area of 2,842 km2.
Geology
The islands are of volcanic or coral origin. The largest are mountainous and largely covered with forest.
Climate
According to bridgat, the climate is tropical and, as would be expected in a tropical environment, the climate is hot all year round (30ºC – 86ºF). The rainy season is from November to April. Frequently, there are earthquakes and strong hurricanes.
Vegetation and Fauna
The vegetation of the islands is rich but its fauna is very limited. The only animal species that inhabit them are snakes, lizards, bats and some variety of birds, among which the toothed-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostis) stands out, whose beak is similar to that of an owl, with three teeth that protrude from its jaw. lower.
Samoan Creatures
- Flying Fox: It is not really a fox, but a bat with an impressive wingspan of almost two meters. Some have white fur on the back of their necks. They are usually seen while flying over the treetops.
- Toothed-billed pigeon: These mythical-looking and nearly extinct creatures is a forest pigeon with a beak resembling that of a parakeet.
- Marine world: it is common to see dolphins and whales near the coasts.
- Pe’A: Commonly known as bats, they are considered a delicacy in Guam and are sold at very high prices.
Economy
- Currency: 1 Tala (WS $) = 100 sene
- Gross National Product (per capita): $ 3,200 (2000 est.)
- Industry: Food industry, building materials, auto parts
- Agriculture: Coconuts, bananas, taro, yams
- Farmland: 19%
- Minerals and Resources: Forest resources, fishing, hydroelectricity
Sightseeing
The most booming sector is tourism, which currently offers employment to 20% of the population.
Things to see and do
- Robert Louis Stevenson House-Museum: Through a guided tour you can visit Stevenson’s mansion, see his belongings, his library, memories of his travels across the Pacific and pieces of furniture that belonged to his family.
- Caverna de Piula – An oval-shaped natural pool with fresh water near the church on the grounds of the Methodist seminary.
- Markets and bazaars: one of the most interesting places is the Apia It is a hub of activities and a great place to eat traditional food. You can also buy clothing items, coconut shell jewelry at gift prices.
- Palolo Deep Marine Reserve: There is nothing better than grabbing some fins and snorkeling and diving into a world of colors.
Demography
The population is 176,908 2006, of which 38,800 residents live in Apia which is the capital and commercial center of Samoa. Most of the population is agricultural and many live in tribes. 50% of the population of Samoa lives or works abroad. Most of them do so in New Zealand, Australia or American Samoa, the first stage before emigrating to the United States. The natives of Samoa are 92% of the population, this ethnic group adds between 450,000 and 1,000,000 people around the world, the main communities abroad are in New Zealand, Australia and the USA.
Education
Literacy 97.0% total; 97.0% men; 97% women (est. 1971)
Health
Life expectancy Men: 66.77 years; women: 72.37 years (est. 2001)
Culture
Samoan mythology
Samoan mythology is basically a variant within Polynesian Mythology. Tangaloa is the creator god and he is also his messenger. Atu is the first man to inhabit the islands of Fiji and Tonga together with Sasae. There are other deities dedicated to other everyday facets, such as Pargani, god of the seasons.
Religions
Christians 99.7% (about half the population associates with the London Missionary Society ; this includes Congregationals, Roman Catholics, Methodists, Latter-day Saints, and Seventh -day Adventists)
Interesting data
- Sea is a Samoan delicacy made from the guts of a sea slug. It is sold in Coca-Cola bottles in supermarkets. It is only for the most daring.
- Lu’au is Samoa’s most famous dish and once it is tasted, its flavor will never be forgotten. It is made from the leaves of the taro plant, coconut cream, and sometimes onion. The coconut cream, onion and taro are wrapped in the taro leaves. After cooking you can eat the wrapped ingredients.
- Water is more expensive than anything else, including beer.
Sports
The Samoa rugby team has achieved some notable successes, particularly in the seven version of the game. Samoa has participated in the Olympics in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and is represented by the Samoa Olympic Committee. In addition to practicing football (soccer), he has participated in several World Cup qualifying rounds, although he never became part of a World Cup.
