Falealupo Mt Silisili
SAVAII
Tafua UPOLU Apia
Secluded beaches
Samoa is located halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Its natural wonders include waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes and miles of beaches.
Capital and major centres
While Savaii is the larger of the two main islands, the capital, Apia, and the international airport are located on the more populated island of Upolu. It is also the seat of government and centre of commerce. Savaii is dotted with secluded beaches and crowned at the centre by the 1858 metre Mt Silisili.
The people
Samoans are the largest group of full- blooded Polynesians in the world and have retained much of their ancient culture. Their practice of fa'a Samoa (the Samoan Way) is a living culture that centres around the family unit and love and respect for all. Their tradition of tattooing is an intricate art and still in use. Many Samoans proudly display complex symbolic designs from the lower chest to the knees.
212 www.paradisesonline.com History
These islands were first settled about 1000 BC and are accepted as the heart of the Polynesian culture. In 1768, Louis de Bougainville sighted Samoa and named them 'The Navigator Islands' because of the many Samoans sailing small canoes far from the sight of land.
During the 18th century, vast plantations producing copra and cotton were developed for export and Apia became a major commercial
centre in the
South Pacific. Samoa was annexed by Germany from 1899 to 1914 and then by New Zealand from 1914 until 1962, when Western Samoa finally gained self- government. The 'Western' was dropped from its official name in 1997. Although Samoan is the native language, English is widely spoken.
Nature
Both islands are rich in fauna and flora. Savaii has lush tropical rainforests that are home to many exotic bird species.
