The ancient Star Pyramid in Samoa
It is estimated that there are 193,161 (July 2011-C.I.A Fact Book) in population living in Samoa, and 67,242 (July 2011-C.I.A Fact Book) in population living in American Samoa.
Primary countries that Samoans have migrated to are New Zealand which is estimated at 131,103 in population (2006 census), United States estimated at less than 270,000 in population (2008 census), and Australia is estimated at 41,429 (2006 census). As of yet, there has been no updated Demographic census for Samoans living in these countries.
Samoan fans show their support during the Cup quarter-final match against Australia – Rugby Sevens in Adelaide 2011
Samoa has its own Ancient Pyramid. The Pulemelei Mound or Star Pyramid, is situated on the Island of Savai’i. It was built between 1100-1400 AD and was no longer used by 1700-1800 AD.
Until recently, Samoa had been the last country in the world to see the sun-set. On December 29, 2011 – Samoa jumped the International Dateline and became the first country in the world to see the sun-rise. Samoa skipped a day (December 30, 2011) to fall in line with New Zealand and Australia to welcome in December 31, 2011 – New Years Eve. Happy 2012 Samoa!! January 01, 2012 – Samoa is officially ahead of the World!
In July 1997 the Constitution was amended to change the country’s name from Western Samoa to Samoa (officially the “Independent State of Samoa”). Western Samoa had been known simply as Samoa in the United Nations since joining the organization in 1976.
Samoa only has one city – Apia, which is also the capital of Samoa
Robert Louis Stevenson and friend
The famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson brought his family to live on Upolu in 1890 and built a large home in the foothills above Apia, where he spent the last five years of his life. He was affectionately known as ‘Tusitala’, the storyteller, and he is buried on the crest of Mt Vaea. His home and tomb within the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Reserve can still be seen today.
Samoa does not have domestic area codes (i.e. – 09 for Auckland, NZ or 310 for Los Angeles, CA).
Samoa has had 7 flags since the history of its nation. The current Samoan flag (red field, blue rectangle top left with 5 white stars inside – Southern Cross constellation), was introduced in 1949 while under New Zealand. Samoa has kept the flag through its Independence in 1962 from New Zealand, and also through the Constitutional name change in 1997 from Western Samoa to Samoa
