Culture
Samoa is a traditional society with a distinctive Polynesian cultural heritage. There are over 362 villages in Samoa with a total of 18,000 matai (chiefs). Villages are made up of customary land owned by the extended family units called aiga, whose head is a matai (chief). Traditional authority is vested in the matai of the village. The central structure in each village is the church as well as the Fale Fono, where the matais meet to discuss village matters.

Protocols
The Samoan culture, 'Faa Samoa' has a strong focus on welcoming visitors. However, it is important that you follow protocol when you enter villages and use village resources, including beaches.

• Avoid walking through villages during the evening prayer curfew (usually between 6pm and 7pm). This usually lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is often marked at the beginning and end by a bell or the blowing of a conch shell.
• Respect Sunday. While many visitor attractions are open on Sunday, you are expected to behave quietly and to travel slowly through villages.
• Skimpy clothing is not recommended in villages, and will cause offence.
• Women are recommended to wear a lavalava (sarong) rather than shorts or pants, especially if they attend church.
• Almost all shops are shut on Sunday, so buy what you need the day before.
• No nude or topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing.
• Shoes should be removed before entering a fale.
• Never stand within a fale when elders are seated.
• When sitting in a fale, avoid pointing your feet at others. Either tuck them away, cross them (yoga style) or cover them with a lavalava or mat.
• Always ask permission from your host before taking photos in a village.
• Don't offer children money, even if they ask.
• If in any doubt, ask your host or a village member.

History
Samoans are believed to have migrated from the West, (the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula or the Philippines). The oldest known site of human occupation in Samoa is Mulifanua on Upolu dating back to about 1000 BC (about 3000 years ago). By far the most important agents of change in Samoa were the Western missionaries. The missionary influence on Samoan life was so strong they are now a devoutly religious people with much time devoted to church activities. After the outbreak of World War I, New Zealand took administrational control of Samoa from 1914 up to the day of independence in January 1962. Between 1962 and 1997 Samoa was known as the Independent State of Western Samoa (or more simply Western Samoa), but has since dropped the 'Western' from its name.

Robert Louis Stevenson
This great Scottish author of such books as Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde to name a few, settled in Samoa in the early 1890s with his family. The Samoan's gave him the name 'Tusitala' - meaning 'teller of tales'. After his death he was buried with a ceremony normally reserved for royalty. You can visit his beautiful island plantation home, which is now a museum. The home and grounds have been restored to reflect the glory and grandeur of past eras.

Geography
Samoa is located east of the International Dateline between longitudes 171 and 172 degrees west and latitudes 13 and 14 degrees south of the Equator. It is about 2890km from Auckland, 1200km from Suva, 4400km from Sydney and 8400km from Los Angeles.

Samoa is comprised of two relatively large islands, Upolu and Savaii (which account for approximately 96% of the total land area) and eight smaller islands. The capital Apia and Faleolo International Airport are located on the island of Upolu. Total land area is 2934 sq km. The islands are volcanic and dominated by rugged mountain ranges with a fringe of coral reefs and lagoons which surround the islands.

Flora & Fauna
Samoa's tropical climate and fertile soils offer a wide range of flora from tropical rainforests to scrublands, marshes and swamps. Animal species include flying foxes, land and sea birds, skinks and geckos. In the surrounding ocean, dolphins, whales and porpoises migrate through Samoa's waters, while turtles are regular visitors to our islands. The surrounding reefs around the islands are home to some 900 fish species and over 200 varieties of coral.

Weather
Samoa has two distinct seasons - the dry season, which runs from May - October and the wet season from November to April. Average monthly minimum temperatures are in the low 20's (Celcius, 70's Farenheit), with maximums in the high 20's (Celsius, up to 86 Farenheit) all year round.

People
Samoa's population is approximately 180,000. Samoans are the most populous full-blooded Polynesian race in the world.

Language
Samoan is the national language, but English is the official language of business. Most Samoans are competent in English. Below are some useful Samoan words to learn:

Dress
Light summer clothing is appropriate all year round, with perhaps a light sweater for the cooler evenings. Smart casual evening wear is appropriate for hotels and restaurants. Visitors are requested not to wear bathing suits in Apia or in the villages. No nude or topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing. Women are recommended to wear a lavalava (sarong) or dress, rather than shorts or trousers, if they attend church.

Religion & Church
The main religious denominations in Samoa are Congregational, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Assembly of God, Seven Day Adventist, Bahai, Latter Day Saints and Jehovah's Witness. Sundays in Samoa are dedicated to God, with families usually attending church in the mornings followed by a family to'onai (lunch) and resting for the remainder of the day. You are welcome to attend the services. Please ask at your hotel reception for service times.

Public Holidays

Taxes
There is a 15% tax (VAGST) on accommodation, food and drinks.

Visas and Entry Requirements
Visitors to Samoa do not require an entry permit for stays of less than 60 days, however you must have an onward or return ticket and valid passport (six months or more). An entry permit is required for visits longer than 60 days.

Arriving in Samoa

Faleolo International Airport
All visitors arriving in Samoa by air touch down at Faleolo International Airport, which is about 35km (1 hour drive) to the west of the nation's capital, Apia.

Currency Exchange / Visitor Information
ATMs and money exchange services are available after clearing customs and immigration, providing convenient access to the local currency. The Samoa Tourism Authority also operates a visitor information booth, which is open for all arriving flights, no matter what time they get in.

Electricity
The Samoan electricity supply provides 240 Volt / 50 Hz AC power through the same three-pronged style of plug that is used in Australia and New Zealand. Use of American appliances will require an adapter and a voltage converter, which can be supplied in some of the hotels, although to be safe, it is best to bring your own.

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