Fun Easy English - Travel abroad Samoa.

OFFICIAL NAME: Independent State of Samoa

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

Samoa consists of the two large islands of Upolu and Savai'i and seven small islets. The country has a stable parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Tourist facilities are accessible by bus, taxi, and car and are within walking distance of access roads. Infrastructure is adequate in Apia, the capital, but it is limited in other areas. The Samoan Tourism Authority provides a wide range of information of interest to travelers.

GEOGRAPHY

Samoa consists of the two large islands of Upolu and Savai'i and seven small islets located about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific. The main island of Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa's population and its capital city of Apia. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from November to April.

PEOPLE

The Fa'a Samoa, or traditional Samoan way, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. Despite centuries of European influence, Samoa maintains its historical customs, social systems, and language, which is believed to be the oldest form of Polynesian speech still in existence. Only the Maoris of New Zealand outnumber the Samoans among Polynesian groups.

ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS

U.S. nationals who are not U.S. citizens, and who are resident in American Samoa, must obtain a visitor permit prior to all travel to Samoa. U.S. nationals have not been permitted to travel to Samoa on certificates of identity since May 2005. (U.S. law distinguishes between individuals who are citizens and those who are nationals. The U.S. passport bio-page shows one’s status as either a citizen or a non-citizen national.) As of March 22, 2006, visitor permits to travel to Samoa can be applied for at the new Samoa Consulate General office in Pago Pago, American Samoa. A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required for all Americans (both citizens and nationals) to travel to Samoa. Visitor permits are not required for U.S. citizens (only for U.S. nationals) seeking to stay in Samoa for up to 60 days. All visitors are required to pay a departure tax of 40-tala (approximately 16.00 USD) upon leaving the country. Further information about entry requirements and the departure tax may be obtained from the Samoa Mission to the United Nations at 800-2nd Avenue, Suite 400J, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 599-6196 and 7, fax (212) 599-0797.

QUICK FACTS

Geography
Area: 2,934 sq. km. (1,133 sq. mi.) in two main islands plus seven smaller ones.
Cities: Capital (pop. 34,000)--Apia.
Terrain: Mountainous with narrow coastal plain.
Climate: Tropical.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Samoan.
Population (November 2006): 179,186. Age structure (2001)--40.7% under 15; 4.5% over 65.
Growth rate: 1.4% (mainly due to emigration).
Ethnic groups: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesian (mixed European and Polynesian) 7%, European 0.4%.
Religion: Christian 98.9%.
Languages: Samoan, English.
Education: Literacy--99.7%.
Health: Life expectancy--male 71.8 yrs.; female 73.8 yrs. Infant mortality rate--29.72/1,000.
Work force: Agriculture--64%; services--30%.

Government
Type: Mix of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.
Independence (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship): January 1, 1962.
Constitution: January 1, 1962.
Branches: Executive--head of state (5-year term; elected by parliament), prime minister (head of government), cabinet. Legislative--unicameral parliament (Fono). Judicial--Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and supporting hierarchy.
Major political parties: Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Samoa Democratic United Party (SDUP), and Samoa Party (SP).

Economy
GDP (2005): $461.28 million.
GDP per capita (2005, nominal): $2,556.
GDP composition by sector: Services 39%, industry 48%, agriculture 13%.
Industry: Types--tourism, coconuts, small scale manufacturing, fishing.
Trade: Exports--$11.8 million: fish, coconut products, nonu fruit products, processing of automotive components. Export markets--New Zealand, Australia, U.S. (includes American Samoa). Imports--$219.6 million: food and beverages, industrial supplies. Import sources--New Zealand, Hong Kong, U.S. ($19.99 million), Australia, Japan, Fiji.
External debt: $184.64 million (92.6% is owed to multilateral lenders).

USEFUL LINKS

U.S. Government