Samoa: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts
The capital of Samoa is Apia.
About Samoa
Samoa is an island country in the South Pacific, made up mainly of two large volcanic islands, Upolu and Savaiʻi. It has rainforests, waterfalls, lava fields and beaches lined with coconut palms. Its people are proud of faʻa Samoa, the traditional Samoan way of life.
About Apia
Apia is on the north coast of Upolu and is the country's largest town and main port. Nearby is Vailima, the former home of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, now a museum.
Fun facts about Samoa
- In 2011 Samoa skipped Friday, 30 December, by moving to the other side of the International Date Line.
- Mount Silisili on Savaiʻi is the country's highest point, at about 1,858 metres.
- Rugby union is the national sport, and the national team is called Manu Samoa.
- The fire knife dance, or siva afi, grew out of an ancient Samoan warrior display with a club.
- In 1962 Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to regain its independence in the 20th century.
- Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, spent his last years living in Samoa.
