Samoa

Samoa is a small island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is part of Polynesia and has a strong traditional culture. Samoa has lush rainforests, waterfalls, and warm turquoise waters.

Land and People

About 200,000 people live in Samoa. The capital is Apia. Samoa has two main islands, Upolu and Savaii. The islands are volcanic with thick tropical forests, beautiful beaches, and deep swimming holes.

Old photo of three Samoan girls making a traditional drink.
Old photo of three Samoan girls making a traditional drink. (Bartlett Tripp (1842-1911)Publisher: Cedar Rapids IA : Torch Press uploaded by Teinesavaii / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Samoan culture, called fa'a Samoa, or the Samoan way, is very important. Families live together in open-air huts called fales. Tattooing is a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Fire knife dancing is a spectacular Samoan art. Rugby is the most popular sport.

Fun Facts

  • Samoan traditional tattoos called tatau are the origin of the English word tattoo.
  • Fire knife dancing was invented in Samoa.
  • Samoa switched from driving on the right side of the road to the left in 2009.

Did You Know?

The English word 'tattoo' comes from the Samoan word 'tatau.' Samoan tattooing is a sacred tradition that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. The designs are hand-tapped into the skin using traditional tools made from bone and shell.