<p><img src="images/samoaflag.png" alt="" width="110" height="55" /></p>
<p>The Independent State of Samoa formerly known as Western Samoa until July of 1997; is a Polynesian island state in the South Pacific. Samoa is located south of the equator about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It has a land mass of 2842 square kilometers, and a coastline of 403 kilometers. The country’s latitude and longitude is 13 degrees ’35 S and 172 degrees ’20 W respectively.</p>
<p>Samoa has a population of about 194,400 people. The two official languages used are Samoan and English. The spoken Samoan language or <em>Gagana Fa’asamoa </em>is also used in American Samoa.  Additionally, Samoan Sign Language is used by at least some of the deaf population. Tala is the local currency used. Samoa’s climate is tropical with rainy season from November to April.</p>
<p>Samoa gained independence in 1962 after 68 years of New Zealand rule. The two main islands in Samoa are Upolu to the east and Savai’i to the west. Together the two islands account for 99% of the total land area. Upolu home to nearly 75% of the total population situates Apia the capital city and the Faleolo International Airport. While Samoan islands have volcanic origins, only Savai’i, one of the biggest islands in Polynesia is volcanically active with the most recent eruptions in 1905.</p>
<p>Since 2009 Samoans have driven on the left hand side of the road, thus became the first country in recent years and in the 21<sup>st</sup> century to switch to driving on the left. Previously located east of the international dateline, Samoa jumped forward by one day at the end of 2011, when the nation moved to the west. This change aimed to help boost the economy in doing business with Australia and New Zealand.</p>
<p>   <img src="images/Fale_Samoa_Construction_1902.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="252" />            <img src="images/image1.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="258" /></p>
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<p><strong><em>ECONOMY</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>                <img src="images/samoalivestock.JPG" alt="" width="401" height="292" />   <img src="images/samoafisih.jpg" alt="" width="410" height="264" /></em></strong></p>
<p>The industrial sector is the largest contributor to the GDP at 58.4%, followed by the services sector at 30.2% and the agricultural sector at only 11.4% (2004 EST.).</p>
<p>Traditionally the Samoan economy has been dependant on agriculture and fishing. In recent times; development, remittances and agricultural exports have become key factors.</p>
<p> Agriculture employs 66.66% of the labour force and contributes 90% of exports. This features coconut cream, coconut oil, noni and copra. Due to variations in altitude, large range of tropical and subtropical crops can be cultivated, but land is not generally available to outside interests. The staple products of Samoa are copra, cocoa bean and bananas. Other less successful agricultural industry is sugarcane production; and pineapples which grow well in Samoa but is not a major export.</p>
<p><strong><em>RELIGION</em></strong></p>
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<p>The two main religion in Samoa are; Christianity and the Baha’i Faith. Christianity being the dominant holds 98% of the total population. Samoa hosts one of the seven Baha’i Houses of Worship in the world.</p>
<p><strong><em>CULTURE</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em><img src="images/samoanwomen.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="448" />  <img src="images/Samoan_ava_ceremony_c._1900-1930_unknown_photographer.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="306" />        </em></strong></p>
<p>The Traditional Samoan way remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. Despite western influence, Samoa maintains its historical customs, social and political systems, and language. Samoan mythology and legends are still intact and well-known. Some Samoans have adapted the dominant religion Christianity to fit in with their traditional Samoan ways, hence co-existing side by side.</p>
<p>Some Samoans live a communal way of life namely; living in traditional Samoan <em>fale. </em>Moreover, traditional dances or <em>siva</em> are still popular such as <em>sasa</em> and the <em>fa’ataupati</em> or slap dance which is performed by males.</p>
<p><strong><em>Tattoo </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>                         <img src="images/maletatoo.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="391" />            <img src="images/femaletatoo.jpg" alt="" width="310" height="328" /></em></strong></p>
<p>Its significance and uniqueness, Samoans have two gender specific and cultural tattoos. For males it is called the<em> Pe’a</em>, consisting of intricate and geometrical patterns covering areas from the knees up towards the ribs. A male who possesses such a tatau is called a <em>saga’imiti</em>. A Samoan girl or<em> teine </em>is given a<em> malu, </em>covering the area from just below her knees to her upper thighs<em>.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>SPORTS</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>                                              <img src="images/nineteen.jpg" alt="" /></em></strong></p>
<p>The main sports played in Samoa are rugby union, rugby league, Samoan cricket and netball. Rugby union is the national sport; the national team is nicknamed <em>Manu Samoa</em>.  Volleyball is more popular in Samoan villages.</p>