| Local name: Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa i Sisifo |
| Surface
:
2831 sq km (1093 sq miles) - Western
Samoa consists of nine islands. The largest of these is Savai’i,
which covers 1610 sq km (622 sq miles); fertile Upolu, the second
largest (1120 sq km/433 sq miles), lies 13km (8 miles) to the
southeast across the Apolima Strait.
|
| Population :
169,200 inhabitants |
| Electricity:
240 volts AC, 50Hz
(110 volts AC in some hotels). Three-pronged plugs are in use as in
Australia and New Zealand |
| Climate: Samoa
has a warm, tropical climate tempered by trade winds between May and
September. Temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year,
becoming cooler at night. There are more than 2500 hours of sunshine
annually. Rainfall is heaviest between December and April. Sea
temperatures rarely fall below 24°C (75.2°F) |
| PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for 6 months beyond the date of
departure from Samoa required by all. VISAS:
Required by all except: nationals of any
country visiting Samoa for the purpose of business, education,
training or pleasure for visits of up to 30 days, provided holding
confirmed onward travel documentation, onward tickets and a valid
passport. For longer stays, visas should be obtained before arrival |
| Capital : Apia
(Upolu Island). Population: 34,126 |
| System : Constitutional
monarchy. Gained independence from New Zealand in 1962 - Samoa
has a 49-member legislative assembly (the Fono) which is elected by
universal suffrage for a five-year term. 47 members are elected from
the ranks of the 16,000 Matai (titleholders); the other two seats are
reserved for non-Samoan candidates. The Fono appoints the head of
state for a five-year term. Executive power rests with the cabinet,
comprising the Prime Minister and eight other ministers, appointed by
the head of state with the approval of the Fono. |
| Languages : English,
Samoan |
| Religions : Congregational
Church, Roman Catholic, Methodist and Latter Day Saints. |
| Money : Tala
or Samoa Dollar (Tala) = 100 sene. Notes are in denominations of
Tala100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Tala1, and
50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 sene. |
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| Country |
| Travel -
Tourism |
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+ 685 |
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- 12 |
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