Samoa is a tropical island country in the Pacific and is part of Oceania. Not yet discovered by mass tourism, there is a lot of original culture and beautiful nature to admire here. Life in Samoa is simple. Nevertheless, Samoa is an exciting and beautiful travel destination. See andyeducation for education in Samoa.
| Capital City | Apia |
| Size | 2,842 km² |
| Resident | 197,000 |
| Official Language | Samoan, English |
| Currency | Tala |
| Time Zone | UTC+13/14 |
| Telephone Area Code | +685 |
Fast facts to know
- Samoa is halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii.
- Samoa has nine islands, four are inhabited.
- The islands of Samoa are of volcanic origin.
- A passport that is still valid for 6 months is sufficient for entry from Germany. As a rule, proof of the return flight ticket and sufficient financial means must be provided.
- In order to be allowed to drive a car in Samoa, a provisional Samoan driver’s license is required, which can be obtained locally on presentation of an international driver’s license.
- In 2009, traffic was switched from right-hand to left-hand traffic.
- The road network is poorly developed, only about 20% are tarred.
- Residents are largely Christian and generally very conservative.
- Around 60% are Congregationalists, 20% are Catholics and 30% are Protestants.
- The Samoan family attends Sunday morning worship. Then you have lunch together and let the day end relaxed.
- Samoa offers perfect water sports opportunities.
- Original Polynesian culture was largely preserved.
- The famous “Treasure Island” was inspired by Samoa.
- One of the most popular sports is Kilikiti.
- Tattooing is part of Samoan culture.
- Beautiful nature, exciting volcanic islands, green rainforests, beautiful beaches.
- Traditional Samoan houses have no walls.
- The power supply is 230 volts AC, 60 Hertz. The sockets are suitable for Type I plugs with three flat pins.
- Drink water only in bottled form.
- Special vaccinations are not necessary, the usual travel vaccinations are recommended.
- Samoa is considered a safe travel destination, but is one of the poorer countries in the world.
Exciting cities in Samoa
- Apia (only real city)
- Vaitele
- Faleasiu
Important islands in Samoa
- Apia (only real city)
- Vaitele
- Faleasiu
History of Samoa
- 1000 BC BC earliest proven settlement.
- 940 to 1250 Samoa is ruled by Tonga.
- 1722 Dutchman Jakob Roggeveen is the first European to reach Samoa.
- From 1830 control and proselytizing by the British London Missionary Society.
- 1839 first American consulate.
- 1847 first British consulate.
- 1861 the German merchant August Unshelm is appointed consul on the island of Upolu.
- In the years that followed, brisk trade intensified the competitive situation between the USA, Great Britain and Germany.
- In 1888 internal tensions led to the Samoan War.
- 1889 Samoa recognized as a formally independent kingdom under the Protectorate of the Three Powers.
- 1899 Samoa Treaty leads to the division of the archipelago between Germany and the USA; Great Britain is compensated with other Pacific islands.
- New Zealand permanently occupies Western Samoa during World War I.
- 1962 Western Samoa becomes the first Polynesian country to become independent again.
- 1970 Western Samoa becomes a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
- 1977 State name changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.
- 2009 severe earthquake and tsunami hit Samoa.
- 2019 severe measles epidemic.
Climate & travel weather in Samoa
- Tropical climate.
- Uniformly warm all year round, but also humid with a lot of precipitation.
- Warm water temperatures all year round.
- Rainy season from November to April.
- Short showers but also in the dry season.
- Severe hurricanes possible, although not a primary hurricane area.
- Recommended travel time:
- June July August
Ideas for trips in Samoa
- Apia:
- Mulivai Cathedral
- Colonial style buildings
- Apia Clock Tower
- Archaeological site Tia Sen ancient mound.
- Experience fire dancers.
- Do a canopy hike.
- Swim in the To-Sua Ocean Trench.
Food & Drink in Samoa
- Traditionally, seafood, suckling pig, chicken, breadfruit and exotic fruits feature on the menu.
- Also often processed: plantains, taro, tamu.
- Coconut cream is the only way to make sauce.
- Turtle, fish, lobster are also eaten with pleasure.
- Cooking over an open fire or in an earthen oven is typical.
- Nowadays, however, rice, flour, sugar, canned goods and frozen products are also making their way into Samoa.
- National drink is kava.
- Typical dishes:
- Roast suckling pig.
- Palusami (young taro leaves baked in coconut cream).
- Oka (raw fish in coconut cream).
- Fresh seafood including squid and tuna.
Particularly scenic
- Sopoga waterfall near Upolu.
- Togitogiga Waterfall, Upolu.
- Piula Cave Pool, Upolu.
- Afu Aau Waterfall on Savaii Island.
- Lalomanu Beach.
