Talofa Lava! Welcome to Samoa!

Samoa is located east of the international dateline and south of the equator, 2890km from Auckland, 4400km from Sydney and 8400km south of Los Angeles. Click HERE to see more maps!

There are nine islands in the group--the larger islands of Upolu and Savaii and the adjacent islets of Manono, Apolima, Nuutele, Nuulua, Namua, Fanuatapu, Nuusafee, and Nuulopa.

Upolu is the most populated island with the capital of Apia located on the north coast, and Faleolo International Airport and Mulifanua Wharf to the west. Apia is a bustling township blending old colonial and modern architecture.

The island of Upolu is 696sq km with good roads reaching beaches, freshwater cave pools, waterfalls, and beautiful plantations. The famous author Robert Louis Stevenson, as known as 'Tusitala' (Samoan for 'teller of tales'), spent the last four years of his life in Samoa and built a beautiful home at Vailima in the foothills of Apia. Stevenson was buried on the crest of Mount Baea overlooking his estate.

Savaii is the largest island at 1065sq km and where our 2003 YFC Medical Mission trip will concentrate. With more than 200 volcanic craters, crater forests, white and black sand beaches, gorges, blowholes and waterfalls and a rugged mountainous interior, Savaii is an adventurer's dream.

The History

First settled more than 3000 years ago, the islands of Samoa attracted a gradual migration from South East Asia. In 1768, Louis de Bougainville discovered the Samoan Islands and called them the 'Navigator Islands'. Traders began calling into Samoa for supplies by the late 1700s and in 1828 the first Methodist missionaries arrived. Today, Christianity plays a major part of the lives of Samoans. In 1899 Samoa became a German colony, but after the outbreak of World War I, New Zealand assumed control and Samoa became a mandated territory of New Zealand. After World War II, Samoa continued to be administered by New Zealand but measures were gradually introduced to prepare for self-government. In 1962 Samoa became the first South Pacific country to gain independence under a constitutional monarchy.

A Prime Minister, who is chosen by Parliament and appointed by the Head of State, leads the country. Ther are 49 seats in Parliament, with a cabinet of 12 members, and elections are held every five years. Over the years there have been significant constitutional reforms, although candidates for Parliament must still hold Matai (village chief) titles.

There are over 362 villages in Samoa with a total of 18,000 matai's. Our favourite Matai is Malaefou Aumoana, pictured to the left, who is a full-time YFC Staff member and Matai in the Letui village of Savaii.

Click here to learn about the history of the Christian Missionary on Samoa.

The Culture

Samoan culture is fascinating and the 'faa Samoa' (Samoan way of life) is still very much in existence despite the influences from the rest of the world. The Aiga (extended family) stay close and loyal within their village and the Matais (chiefs) are well respected and honoured. A village council of all Matai, along with the Alii (high chief) and a Tulafale ('talking chief') make the laws for each village. The women's committees have a big say in village affairs.

Houses or fales in Samoa are very important and the design and construction are unique to faa Samoa. They are usually round or oval in shape with a high thatched roof supported by wooden posts. Generally, they do not have walls to allow a good flow of air, but in the event of rain and for privacy, woven blinds canbe erected temporarily.