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The South Pacific
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Samoa Geography/Land
Once known as Western Samoa, but now more commonly referred to as Independent Samoa, this friendly island nation consists of two of the largest islands in the South Pacific as well as seven additional small islands. Some 1,200 miles from Tahiti and more than 2,500 miles from the state of Hawaii, Samoa boasts some of the prettiest scenery in the South Pacific, for decades attracting people like Robert Louis Stevenson, Margaret Mead, and Somerset Maugham who came for a respite and decided to make the islands their home.
The Islands
The population of Samoa, approximately 175,000 individuals, is spread out over the two main islands – Savai’i and Upolu. Savai’a is the largest island outside of New Zealand and Hawaii, but more than two-thirds of the country’s population live on the volcanic island of Upolu. The most likely reason for this is that Savai’i boasts no towns or town centers, merely villages that strictly adhere to the old Polynesia lifestyle. Upolu, on the other hand, is home to the town of Apia, located on the north coast, a tourist-friendly place that provides plenty of modern conveniences. The two islands are separated by the Apolima Strait, and it’s easy to travel from one to the other via ferry.
Only three of Samoa’s other islands are populated. Manono and Namua entice visitors with their sandy beaches and other natural attractions, though visitors are few. Apolima is actually the rim of an extinct crater, rarely visited but boasting a year-round population of about 150 people.
Geography
Both Savai’i and Upolu are volcanic islands, with Upolu technically the younger of the two. The interior of the islands is quite rugged and presents a challenge for hikers and trekkers. Eco-tourists especially love exploring this portion of the islands, known for their beautiful rainforests, national parks, crystal clear lakes, vast lava fields, and splendid waterfalls.
On the coasts, the beaches are sandy white and unspoiled and provide plenty of opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other watersports. If you’re looking for a beach with a party atmosphere, this is not the place to be. Beaches on Samoa are tranquil and uncrowded, which is the main reason many travel here on holiday.
Flora and Fauna
Thanks to Independent Samoa’s diverse geography, guests are treated to a variety of eco-systems as they explore both Savai’i and Upolu. The islands are also known for their fertile soil, which produces wonderful crops of fruits and vegetables that become part of the day’s fare at island restaurants.
In all, vegetation on both islands is very lush and colorful. It’s easy to spot the national flower of Samoa – the Teuila - by its vibrant reddish-pink blooms that dominate the islands. Other commonly seen flowers include hibiscus and pandanus. Mangrove forests are common along coastal areas and those who travel into the mountainous interior will find moss forest and mountain scrub.
Samoa is a bird lover’s delight! In all, fifty species of birds are found here, including about 16 seabirds that only arrive during breeding season. However, of the 34 land bird species that dominate the islands, nearly half are indigenous, including a selection of parrots, small doves, and pigeons.
Unlike some other South Pacific islands, Samoa does indeed have snakes, though they’re not indigenous. Two species of snake were introduced to the islands by the Europeans as were a handful of lizards and the gecko. The only animals indigenous to Samoa are the rat and the bat-like flying fox.