SAMOA
The Independent State of Samoa is a country in Oceania comprising a group of islands belonging to the islands of Polynesia
n the South Pacific. From 1900 to 1914 they were known as German Samoa, and from 1914 to 1997 as Western Samoa
They were discovered in 1722 and achieved independence in 1962.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Samoa is an independent constitutional monarchy. The constitution of 1960, which formally took effect after the country's
ndependence , is based on parliamentary democracy UK , modified to take into account the habits of Samoa. The two big
Samoan leaders since independence come together from designating the position of head of state. The former head of state
Malietoa Tanumafili II, held this position since the death of the second big boss in 1963. His successor Tuiatua Tupua
Tamasese Efi has been designated by the legislature for a term of 5 years, has held the title O le Ao or would Malo but by
imiting the mandates of the Head of State to five years, Samoa has become, de facto, a republic.
TERRITORIAL DIVISION
Samoa is divided into once districts distributed in the main islands of Upolu and Savai'i ' i.
n Upolu island (including minor Islands):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Tuamasaga
Aiga-i-le-Tai
A'ana
Atua
Va'a-o-Fonoti
In
In Savai'i island:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Fa'asaleleaga
Gaga'emauga
Gaga'ifomauga
Vaisigano
Satupa'itea
Palauli
GEOGRAPHY
Samoa is west of the international date line and south of Ecuador, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand
Polynesia. The islands are of volcanic origin, and occupy an area of 2,934 square kilometers. 96% of the territory comprise
he two main islands of Upolu and Savai'i. In Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of the population of the country is
195,476 (2013 est.); its capital is Apia.
WEATHER
Samoa 's climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 26.5 C, and a rainy season from November to April.
ECONOMY
Samoa 's economy has always been dependent on agricultural exports and foreign exchange sent by their nationals as well as
oreign aid. The official currency of Samoa is the tala.
Currency: 1 Tala (WS $) = $ 0.40 dollars
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Gross national product (per capita): $ 3,200 (2000 est.)
Industry: Food industry, building materials, auto parts
Agriculture: Coconuts, bananas, taro, yams
Arable Land: 19 %
Natural Resources: Forest resources, fishing, hydroelectricity
LANGUAGES
The two languages official are the Samoan and the English.
CULTURE
Samoa fa'a, or "traditional Samoan way" is still a dominant force in Samoan
life and politics. Despite centuries of European influence, Samoa maintains
its historical customs still, social and political system and language. Cultura
customs such as the ceremony of Samoa 'ava, are important and solemn
rituals practiced during special occasions, such as the appointment of triba
chiefs (matai). Women play an important part for the contribution and
important cultural value items such as' ie toga, carpets tissue used in
ceremonies and exchanges of gifts. Other items include clothes made of tree
bark, siapo, which is made from the bark of the mulberry tree. Patterns o
images are painted with a natural dye brown. These images usually represen
ish, turtles and hibiscus flowers. The siapo can be used as clothing, packing objects or simply with decorative reasons
Ornaments, jewelry and hair accessories are made of natural materials such as shells, coconut or coconut fiber. Samoan
raditional medicine is often practiced as first aid before hospital medicine. This is a type of alternative medicine that uses
plant leaves to massage the affected area. The va'a, a type of Polynesian canoe is a symbol of the country's culture.
The main religion is Christianity, accounting for 98%, and 60% Protestant and 20% Catholic.
EDUCATION
The Department of education of America Samoa (DOE), is composed of 23 primary and 5 secondary schools of which one is
a Polytechnic School. The DOE also offers teaching for younger ages, professional education and special education
programs. The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) was established in 1970 to provide opportunities in the
education post-secondary in them Arts Liberal, training pedagogical, teaching technical professional and education general to
hem residents.
The National University of Samoa is a University located in Apia, which covers some 2000 students. It occupies a campus
built in part with money from the Government of Japan. It offers undergraduate associate of Arts and Sciences, as well as
programs certified in a variety of academies and technical areas.
GASTRONOMY
The traditional Samoan food is far consists mostly of root vegetables, products from coconut, taro or fresh fruit, and the mos
common meats are chicken , beef and pork . Of course also they consumed fish. Another typical Samoan pancakes
something greasy , sometimes stuffed with banana paste . There is also a chocolate drink made on the island called Koko
Samoa, made with roasted cacao from the island, water and sugar.
SPORTS
The Samoa rugby team has achieved some notable successes, particularly in the seven-game version. Samoa has participated
n the Olympics in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and is represented by the Olympic Committee of Samoa. In addition to
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practicing football (soccer), he has participated in several World Cup qualifying, although he never became part of any world
Other very popular sports in Samoa are basketball, baseball, football, cricket and professional wrestling.
Samoa participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 5 to 21 August 2016. The Samoan Olympic
eam did not get any medals in these games.
Athletics
Jeremy Dodson (200 meters)
Alex Rose (discus)
Weightlifting
Nevo Ioane (Male -62 kg)
Mary Opeloge (Female -75 kg)
Judo
Derek Sua (Male +100 kg) 4
Swimming
Brandon Schuster (men's 200m freestyle)
Evelina Afoa (women's 100 meters backstroke)
Canoeing
Anne Cairn (K-1 200 m and K-1 500 m)
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