Samoa
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Capital
Apia
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Local time
10:02
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Population
197 448
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Driving side
Left
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Calling code
+685
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Currency
T WST (tala)
Samoa
-
Capital
Apia
-
Local time
10:02
-
Population
197 448
-
Driving side
Left
-
Calling code
+685
-
Currency
T WST (tala)
-
Average Salary
$ 63
-
Petrol price
€ 0.98 pl
-
Precipitation
2 050mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
2 944 km2
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Protected Area
7%
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Forest Area
60%
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Agricultural area
12%
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Annual air passengers
116 167
Population
-
Ethnicity
Samoan - 92 %
Euronesians
Europeans
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Religion
Congregationalist - 35 %
Roman Catholic - 19 %
Methodist - 15 %
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Literacy rates
99.0%
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Languages
Samoan
English
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Alcohol consumption
3.6 l/person
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Smoking
41%
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Diabetes
7.9%
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Tuberculosis
11 per 100k
Economy
-
Industries
food processing, building materials, auto parts
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Agriculture
coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa
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Natural Resources
hardwood forests, fish, hydropower
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Natural Resources
hardwood forests, fish, hydropower
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Renewable Energy
42%
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CO2 Emissions
198kt
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Ease of Business
87 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
41
What not to do when visiting Samoa
Samoa Don’t fail the greetings when meeting someone on the streets - a slight elevation of the head and/or a quick elevation of the eyebrows may suffice. Handshaking is also common.
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Samoa Don’t forget the raised eyebrow in conversations can mean either you do not believe the other person, you agree with the other person, or you give your approval. It all depends on the context.
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Samoa Don’t necessarily approach or feed stray dogs, even though they are not dangerous in most cases. Feeding can cause aggressive behaviour between more dogs.
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Did you know?
In Samoa, there is a tradition called ‘fa’afafine’, which means that the youngest son is raised as a daughter if you have too many sons in the family.
Samoa Don’t enter Samoan house without removing your shoes.
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Samoa Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Samoa Don’t ignore the security when visiting blowholes - the footing around the mouths of blowholes is very slippery, always be cautious.
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Samoa Don’t forget the same-sex acts are a crime in Samoa.
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Samoa Don't be surprised by people sitting on the floor around the perimeter of the room - it’s common.
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Did you know?
Samoa was the first Pacific island country to gain independence.
Polynesia Don't refuse the Hibiscus blossom when offered - place it behind your left ear. The Tiare Tahiti flower can be found only in French Polynesia and is used to welcome friends or new visitors.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Samoa Don’t forget the rainy season runs from November to April.
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