Samoa is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. The two largest islands are Upolu and Savai’i. The first people to settle on the islands are thought to be the Tonga, who came to the islands in 1000 B.C. Tonga is another island nation in the Pacific Ocean. The next people to explore the island were the Dutch and French in the 18th century. In 1899, the islands were divided into east and west, with America governing the western islands and Germany the eastern islands. The Western Islands are an American territory and are called American Samoa. The German Islands were called Eastern Samoa. In 1914, after the outbreak of World War I, Britain took the Eastern islands from Germany and the United Nations gave them to New Zealand. They remained under New Zealand rule until 1962, when the islands gained independence. Much of the Samoan islands are still volcanic. They sit in an area of the Pacific Ocean called “The Ring of Fire,” which is known for its many volcanoes. Hawaii also sits on the ring. Having so much volcanic activity makes the landscape of the islands interesting. It can be dangerous and very harsh, but it can also be incredibly fertile and beautiful.
Here are some more facts about American Samoa:
• The line that divided the islands into east and west was 171°W.
• Women were given the right to vote in Samoa in 1990.
• The full name of the nation is The Independent State of Samoa.
• Their money is called ala.
• Samoa is 2,200 miles south of Hawaii.
• Most of the islands were formed from undersea volcanoes.
• They used to be called the Navigator Islands.
• The capital city is Apia.
• The nation is slightly smaller than Rhode Island.
• The national symbol is five, five-pointed stars called the Southern Cross constellation.
• Their national anthem is “O le Fua o le Saolotoga o Samoa,” which translated is “The Banner of Freedom.”
• Their language is similar to the language spoken by native Hawaiians.
• Samoa was the first Pacific Island country to gain independence.
• They export canned tuna.
• The people are known for being friendly.
• The islands are surrounded by coral reefs.
