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.