Samoa 2003

Samoa Border Map

In 2003, Samoa was a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It had a population of around 180,000 people and its economy was largely driven by agriculture and fishing. The country had adopted a democratic multi-party system but corruption remained an issue. According to computergees, Samoa maintained strong diplomatic ties with other Pacific nations such as Tonga and Fiji while it also had close relations with New Zealand and Australia. In 2003, tourism to the islands was beginning to grow as visitors were drawn to its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. The country offered numerous attractions such as Papaseea Sliding Rocks which showcased the unique geology of the region, To Sua Ocean Trench which provided opportunities for snorkeling and swimming, Togitogiga Waterfall which offered hiking trails, and Palolo Deep Marine Reserve which protected coral reefs and marine life. Additionally, there were many opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing in Lalomanu Beach or visiting the Mount Vaea National Park which is home to native Samoan wildlife.

Yearbook 2003

Samoa. According to Countryaah.com, Samoa Independence Day is June 1. The ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) strengthened its position in Parliament after a August general election. The HRPP thus had 32 of Parliament’s 49 seats.

Samoa decided to join 15 policemen in the Australian-led force who were sent to the Solomon Islands in July to establish law and order after the civil war there.

As of August, Samoans were forced to fly to New Zealand, just over 300 miles, when they were applying for a visa to the United States. As part of the protection against terrorism, the United States demanded that the applicant personally approach the embassy there. The government of Samoa protested to the US authorities against the hassle and costs it entailed for its citizens.

Samoa Border Map

An independent state of Samoa Brief Guide

According to AbbreviationFinder, Samoa (until 1997 Western Samoa, between 1900 and 1914 German Samoa) is an archipelago state in the Pacific Ocean. Together with American Samoa, it forms the Samoan archipelago, which is part of the Polynesian archipelago.

For more information on traveling in the country, see the English Foreign Office’s travel bulletin, for example.

Climate
Samoa has a tropical climate, with almost daily rainfall. The highest temperature of the day is about 30 degrees throughout the year, the lowest of the night is about 23 degrees. The actual rainy season lasts from November to April. The rains often come in the afternoon.

Food & Beverage
Everyday food generally includes fish and chicken, salad, root vegetables such as taro and yam. The raw materials used are also breadfruit, coconuts and coffee and cocoa. Products imported from abroad include rice, butter, flour and sugar. Water and beverages must be industrially bottled. It is also a good idea to rinse fruits and vegetables with bottled water. Heated or tablet-purified water can be drunk. Reheated foods should be avoided.

Travel Seasons Year-
round destination. The best time to travel is during our summer season, the quietest season is from November to April, when Samoa also has a cyclone season.

SAMOA. – The New Zealand mandate over Western Samoa became a trustee in 1947. New Zealand encouraged the gradual handover to its residents of ever-expanding responsibilities of government: an Elective Legislative Assembly (reformed and enlarged in 1957) made up of 41 Samoans was established in 1947 and 5 Europeans and the Council of State (made up of the New Zealand high commissioner and two Fautua representing the two dynasties of the Tupua and Malietoa), with tasks similar to those of head of state; in 1949 is the creation of a public administration entrusted to the natives, while in 1952 an Executive Council was established. In 1959 a kind of cabinet was established, accountable to the Legislative Assembly. Finally, following an agreement between the New Zealand government, the Samoan leaders and the UN Trusteeship Council, Western Samoa became independent on January 1, 1962, and with the abolition of the High Commissioner, the two Fautuas jointly became heads of state. The population of the islands as of 31 December 1959 was 105,863 units, of which 99,851 indigenous and 6012 Europeans, with a density of 36.1 residents per km2. Apia had (in 1958) 18,000 residents. The most important product is coconut, followed by banana, cocoa and taro. Over half of the government revenue comes from customs duties.

The Eastern Samoa (20,040 residents In 1960) are administered by a governor, appointed by the American Ministry of the Interior (since 1951); the current governor is a Samoan. A constitution and a possible reunion of all Samoa are being studied.