Samoa
Population facts The population of this Oceanian country is somewhere in the region of 196,440 people. The majority of Samoa's inhabitants reside in Apia which is the country's most populous city. Samoa has a low population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 66 people per sq km. The estimated population of Oceania (region) is approximately 39,331,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the smallest population in the world (excluding Antarctica). The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Capital & major cities Samoa's capital city is called Apia. The names of other major cities situated in this country are Asau, Mulifanua, Faleula, Siusega and Malie.
National symbol(s): Southern Cross constellation (five, five-pointed stars)
National colors: red, white and blue
National Anthem/Song: O le Fu'a o le Sa'olotoga o Samoa (Translation: The Banner of Freedom)
National Holiday(s): Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962)
National Motto(s): Fa'avae i le Atua Samoa (Translation: God be the Foundation of Samoa)
Map of Samoa
Geography
Samoa belongs to the continent of Oceania (region), it is classed as an island country and is positioned in the Pacific Ocean in Central Oceania (region). There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Australia (plus Oceania) is the world's smallest continent, it has 14 countries, occupies a total area of 9,008,500 km2 and forms 5.9% of the landmass of the world. Oceania is a geographical region that includes the continent of Australia. The continent of Australia comprises of mainland Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, New Britain, and numerous small adjacent islands. New Zealand is not located on the continent of Australia. However, Australasia is a region of Oceania that includes New Zealand, Australia and Melanesia. Many of the Pacific island countries are located in subregions of Oceania. The subregions are defined as Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. Samoa is an island country that encompasses a total area of approximately 2,842 km2. It is one of the smaller countries on the continent of Oceania. Samoa is formed of two major islands known as Savai'I and Upolu, and four smaller islands.
The following guideline provides details on the approximate border lengths of Samoa:
Coastline 403 km.
Climate
Samoa has a hot tropical climate with a rainy season that occurs from November to April. The geography of Samoa comprises of two main islands called Savaii and Upolu, and several small islands and islets. The islands are formed mainly of rugged mountainous areas and coastal plains. The lowest point of Samoa is the Pacific Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Mount Silisili at 1,857m.
Culture
The official language of Samoa is Samoan (Polynesian). Another language that is spoken in this country is English
The main religion of Samoa is Protestant at approximately 57% of the population, with the major religion being Congregationalist, followed by Methodist, Assembly of God, and Seventh Day Adventist. Around 19% are Roman Catholic and 15% Mormon. The remaining population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Economy
Natural resources can be described as materials and substances found naturally occurring on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of natural resources present in an individual country depends on varying factors which are influenced by the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries, such as Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada, have many natural resources, where as some other countries have limited to none. Three of the primary uses of natural resources are food, transport and construction. The following examples provide information on the everyday uses of natural resources: Fish occurs naturally in many bodies of water and can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into various fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber can be extracted from forests and used to construct houses and furniture. The natural resources found in Samoa include forests, fish and hydropower (water power).
The flag
Each country has its own individual culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, mottos, colors, anthems and songs represent the national pride and identity of countries worldwide. These national symbols are forged through a nation's unique history and can represent both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, colors, songs and mottos reflect the past, present and future aspirations of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a country such as animals, birds, flowers, trees, geographical features, tools of agriculture, crops, and tools of war. The following facts and information provide a guide to some of the most important national symbols, songs and colors of Samoa: