Samoa is a country governing the western part of the Samoan islands archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is located halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean. The two large islands of Upolu and Savaii account for 99% of the total land, while there are also several smaller islands. Although all of the islands have volcanic origins, only Savaii has had recent eruptions and could be considered volcanically active.
Samoa politics are in the framework based on the British pattern of parliamentary democracy. The unicameral legislature, Fono, consists of 49 members who serve a 5 year term. Ethnic Samoans elected forty-seven members from territorial districts while two are chosen by non-Samoans with no affiliation on separate electoral rolls. A majority in the Fono chooses the prime minister who is appointed by the head of state. The head of state also appoints the prime minister's 12 cabinet positions. The judicial system is based on English common law and loyal customs. The Supreme Court is the court of highest jurisdiction and the chief justice is appointed by the head of state. The faá Samoa, traditional Samoan way, is a strong force in Samoan life and politics.
Despite other cultural influences, this country maintains historical customs, social and political systems and language. Christianity is the dominant religion and Samoans are very spiritual and religious people. 98% of the population identify themselves as Christian, while the other 2% are irreligious or do not belong to any congregation. The life of the Samoans' is very communal, with very little privacy. They do everything collectively include live. An example is the traditional Samoan fales which are open with no walls, using blinds made of coconut pal fronds during the night or bad weather. The Samoans have two gender specific and culturally significant tattoos that are very significant and unique to their culture. The traditional Samoan dance is the Siva, which is very similar to the Hawaiian hula.
Quick Facts
Population: 194,320
Capital: Apia
Per-capita GDP: $ 6000
Size: 2,831 km2
Time Zone: (GMT - 11:00 hours) Midway Island, Samoa
Country information is adapted from public domain resources including the CIA World Fact Book and www.Wikipedia.org.
Please report errors or concerns to questions@abroadoffice.net.
Xavier University of Louisiana Center for Intercultural and International Programs
