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Samoa is made up of two separate counties sharing a common history, language and identity. Independent Samoa (know commonly as Western Samoa ) has 7 islands and is a self-governing country with strong ties with New Zealand. American Samoa has 5 islands and two tiny remote atolls and has been a dependancy of the united States of America since 1899.
Approximately 160,000 Samoans live in Western Samoa on the two main islands of Upolu (1115 sq. km - capital Apia) and Savai'i (1700 sq. km - main town Salelologa). Both are high volcanic islands, Savai'i having a distinct volcanic appearance - it's highest peak is Mt. Silisili at 1858m. Savai'i is in fact a dormant volcanic island with the last activity occurring between 1907-1911.
Another 58,000 Samoans live on American Samoa, the majority on the main island of Tutuila (145 sq. km - capital Pago Pago), and just a handful on the outer Manu'a Islands. Like its neighbour, all islands are volcanic in nature, but these islands being geographically older than those on Western Samoa have had more years of erosion and its coast is extremely rugged. The highest point on American Samoa is Matafao Peak at 653m.
The International airport for Western Samoa is Fagali'i International about 40-minutes drive to Apia on Upolu Island. The international airport on American Samoa is Pago Pago International about 40-minutes drive to Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila.
30-day visas are granted to all Nationals on arrival in Western Samoa. America Samoa is governed by the same immigration regularities as the US so check with your nearest US Embassy...
English is widely spoken in both Samoas.
Electricity is 240 volts in Western Samoa (same as UK and Australia) and 140volts in American Samoa (same as USA).
Time is 11 hrs behind GMT
Western Samoa Country Code is (685)
American Samoa Country Code is (684)
Western Samoa uses its own currency, the Samoan Tala (ST$) which equates to about ST$3 to US$1. American Samoa uses the US$ currency. Banks and ATMs (cash dispenser machines) are available in major towns.
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