Samoa

Samoa lies south of the equator, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, and consists of two main islands, Savai'i and Upolu, and eight smaller islands. All islands have volcanic origins. Samoa's highest peak, Mount Silisili (1 853 m), is located in Savai'i and is the only remaining active volcano. Besides the mountainous interior areas of Sava'i and Upolu, Samoa consists mainly of coastal plains.

The tropical climate of Samoa is humid and rainy with warm temperatures year‐round. Monthly average temperatures vary only between 27 and 28 °C, while night‐time temperatures remain above 20 °C. From November to April, Samoa has a rainy and warm season, while a dry and cooler season takes place from May to October. The average annual rainfall is just below 3 100 mm, and in the capital area at 2 800 mm, but can reach up to five meters in the region of Mount Silisili. The Samoa Islands can be exposed to severe tropical cyclones from December to February, especially. -—
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Samoa has a relatively small economy that is dependent on trade. Agriculture employs two‐thirds of the labour force -—
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—-. The main agricultural products are coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee and cocoa. Other industries mainly include the processing of agricultural products, petroleum and tourism. Remittances are important for the economy, contributing 17 per cent to GDP -—
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—-. The tourism sector has been expanding rapidly in recent decades. Samoa received 181 thousand tourist arrivals in 2019 with an inbound tourism expenditure almost reaching 25 per cent over GDP -—
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—-. The service sector makes up three fourths of the country's GDP. The most common destination for exports are American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. -—
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—- More than half of Samoa's electricity comes from renewable sources and the country aspires towards total renewable energy by 2021.

Fa'a Samoa, or the Samoan Way, describes the communal way of life of Samoans. Faith, family and music are the basic pillars of Samoan culture. Most activities are done together and sometimes the extended family lives together in the oval or circular shaped traditional house (fale) with wooden posts holding up a domed roof. Traditional buildings also do not have walls. Family elders are greatly respected, and they hold the highest status.

The Ava Ceremony is an important ritual performed on different occasions. It includes speeches and the formal drinking of 'Ava, a beverage made of pepper root. ?Ava is considered non‐alcoholic but has a relaxing, euphoric effect.

Dancing has a special place in Samoan culture. Traditional Samoan dance has managed to avoid western impact.

The main sports played in Samoa are rugby union and rugby league, and it has done well in the rugby world cup. Samoa has participated in the Summer Olympic Games since 1984 and won silver medal in women's weightlifting at the 2008 Games.