Difference between revisions of "Samoa" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | '''Samoa''', is part of an archipelago in the South [[Pacific Ocean]] that was known as '''Navigators' Islands''' before the 20th century — a reference to Samoan seafaring skills | + | '''Samoa''', is part of an archipelago in the South [[Pacific Ocean]] that was known as '''Navigators' Islands''' before the 20th century — a reference to Samoan seafaring skills. There are two Samoas — the '''Independent State of Samoa''', known simply as Samoa, which is the topic of this article, and American Samoa, which is about 80km to the south east. Samoa is a deeply religious country with [[Christianity]] the main religion. |
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
| Line 126: | Line 126: | ||
== Culture == | == Culture == | ||
| − | The ''Fa'a Samoa'', or traditional Samoan way, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. | + | The ''Fa'a Samoa'', or traditional Samoan way, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. Fa‘a Samoa consists of: aiga (the family), tautala Samoa (the Samoan language), gafa (genealogies), matai (the chiefly system), lotu (the church), and fa‘alavelave (ceremonial and other family obligations). Associated are the values of alofa (love), tautua (service), fa‘aaloalo (respect), feagaiga (a covenant between sibilings and others) and usita‘i (discipline). The [[aiga]] or extended family, lives and works together. Elders in the family are greatly respected and hold the highest status. |
| − | + | They have a communal way of life with little privacy. The traditional [[fales]] (houses) have no walls. Blinds made of coconut leaves are used during the night or bad weather. Up to 20 people may sleep on the ground in the same fale. During the day the fale is used for chatting and relaxing. | |
| − | + | Sundays are a day of rest, and many families congregate to share a traditional Sunday [[umu]] (a meal cooked in a rock oven). In a traditional household, the older members of the family will sit and eat first, and as the meal continues the younger members and then children are invited to eat. The umu contains an abundance and variety of dishes ranging from fresh [[seaweed]] and [[crayfish]] to baked [[taro]] and rice. [[Coconut]] appears in many Samoan dishes, for example palusami, a parcel of [[corned beef]], [[breadfruit]], onions, taro leaves wrapped in breadfruit leaves and coconut cream and baked in the umu. This is eaten in its entirety including the leaves. | |
| − | + | Samoan handicrafts include the [[siapo]] (equivalent to the [[Fiji|Fijian]] [[tapa]]) which is made from beaten [[mulberry|mulberry bark]], with patterns or pictures of fish, turtles, [[hibiscus]] flowers painted on with a natural brown dye. The siapo may be used for clothing, for wrapping objects and even simply for decorative reasons. [[Kava]] bowls are sturdy, round wooden bowls made of varying sizes, and have many short legs around it. Kava, a ground natural extract from the [[black pepper|pepper plant]] root with medicinal and slightly anaesthetic properties, is made up with water in the bowl and drunk socially using coconut shells. Other handicrafts are fine mats, ornaments or jewellery and hair accessories using naturally occurring materials such as sea shells, coconut and [[coir]]. | |
| − | + | The traditional Samoan [[dance]] is the Siva. This is similar to the Hawaiian dance, with gentle movements of the hands and feet in time to music and which tells a story. | |
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| − | The traditional Samoan [[dance]] is the Siva. This is similar to the Hawaiian dance, with gentle movements of the hands and feet in time to music and which tells a story. | ||
Traditional Samoan medicine is often practised as a first-line before hospital medicine. This is a type of alternative medicine using plant leaves to massage the affected area. | Traditional Samoan medicine is often practised as a first-line before hospital medicine. This is a type of alternative medicine using plant leaves to massage the affected area. | ||
Revision as of 03:59, 30 April 2006
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| National motto: Fa'avaei le Atua Samoa (Samoa Is Founded on God) | |||||
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| Principal languages | Samoan, English | ||||
| Capital | Apia | ||||
| Head of state | ?? Chief Malietoa Tanumafili II | ||||
| Prime minister | Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi | ||||
| Area - Total - % water |
Ranked 165th 2,944 km² 0.3% | ||||
| Population - Total (2004 est.) - Density |
Ranked 174th 177,714 60/km² | ||||
| Independence | 1962 | ||||
| Currency | Tala | ||||
| Time zone | Universal Time -11 | ||||
| National anthem | The Banner of Freedom | ||||
| Internet TLD | .ws | ||||
| Country calling code | 685 | ||||
Samoa, is part of an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean that was known as Navigators' Islands before the 20th century — a reference to Samoan seafaring skills. There are two Samoas — the Independent State of Samoa, known simply as Samoa, which is the topic of this article, and American Samoa, which is about 80km to the south east. Samoa is a deeply religious country with Christianity the main religion.
Geography
Samoa is located east of the international dateline and south of the equator, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The total land area of the Samoas is 2934 square kilometres, consisting of the two large islands of Upolu and Savai'i, which account for 96 percent of the total land area, and eight small islets: Manono, Apolima, Nuutele, Nuulua, Namua, Fanuatapu, Nuusafee, and Nuulopa. While all of islands have volcanic origins, only Savaii has had recent eruptions and could be considered volcanically active. The last major eruption occurred in the 1700s and smaller eruptions in the early 20th century. The highest point in Samoa is Mauga Silisili at 1858 metres. The main island of Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa's population and its capital city is Apia. The climate is tropical with the average annual temperature of 26.5°C, and a rainy season from November to April.
History
The first Polynesians to arrive in the Samoan islands came island-hopping, over several generations, from Southeast Asia more than 4000 years ago. From there they migrated east toward the Society Islands, north towards Hawaii, and southwest towards New Zealand.
Samoa enjoys a rich history, preserved in folklore and myth, of ocean voyages, conquests of other islands, and war with the Kingdom of Tonga and Fiji. A temple found in the island of Manono has a system of stone cairns, which is believed to be a record of over 150 wars. Robert Louis Stevenson, the famed Scottish author who spent the later years of his life in Samoa said: "War is Samoa's favorite pastime."
Until about 1860, Samoa was ruled by tribal chiefs known as matai. Contact with Europeans began in the early 1700s and intensified with the arrival of British missionaries and traders in the 1830s. Then, Samoans were perceived as savage and warlike, as they clashed with the French, German, British, and American soldiers who valued Samoa as a refueling station for coal-fired shipping.
Halfway through the 19th century, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States all claimed parts of the kingdom of Samoa, and established trade posts.
King Malietoa Laupepa died in 1898 and was succeeded by Malietoa Tooa Mataafa. The US and British consuls supported Malietoa Tanu, Laupepa's son. US and British warships, including USS Philadelphia shelled Apia on March 15, 1899.
In the Samoa Tripartite Convention, a joint commission of three members, Bartlett Tripp for the United States, C. N. E. Eliot, C.B. for Great Britain, and Freiherr Speck von Sternberg for Germany, agreed to divide the islands. Germany received the western part, (later known as Western Samoa), containing Upolu and Savaii (the current Samoa) and other adjoining islands. These islands became known as German Samoa. The US accepted Tutuila and Manu'a, which comprise a territory of the US known as American Samoa. In exchange for Britain ceding claims in Samoa, Germany transferred their protectorates in the North Solomon Islands. The monarchy was disestablished.
From 1908, with the establishment of the Mau ("opinion") movement, Western Samoans began to assert their claim to independence.
Shortly after the outbreak of World War I, in August 1914, New Zealand sent an expeditionary force to seize and occupy German Samoa. Although Germany refused to officially surrender the islands, no resistance was offered and the occupation took place without any fighting.
New Zealand continued the occupation of Western Samoa throughout World War I. In 1919, under the Treaty of Versailles, Germany dropped its claims to the islands.
New Zealand administered Western Samoa first as a League of Nations Mandate and then as a United Nations trusteeship until the country received its independence on January 1, 1962 as Western Samoa. Samoa was the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century.
In July 1997 the constitution was amended to change the country's name from "Western Samoa" to "Samoa." Samoa had been known simply as Samoa in the United Nations since joining the organization in 1976. The neighboring U.S. territory of American Samoa protested the move, feeling that the change diminished its own Samoan identity. American Samoans still use the terms "Western Samoa" and "Western Samoans."
In 2002, New Zealand's prime minister Helen Clark formally apologised for two incidents during the period of New Zealand's administration: a failure to quarantine an influenza-carrying ship in 1919, leading to an epidemic which killed 22 percent of the Samoan population, and the shooting of leaders of the nonviolent Mau movement during a ceremonial procession in 1926.
Samoa's rugby union team has achieved some notable successes, particularly in the sevens version of the game.
Politics
The 1960 Constitution, which formally came into force with independence, is based on the British pattern of parliamentary democracy, modified to take account of Samoan customs. At that time, two of Samoa's paramount chiefs (Tama Aiga) were given lifetime appointments to hold the office of head of state jointly, while a third became its first prime minister. Malietoa Tanumafili II has held the post of head of state alone since the death of his colleague in 1963. His successor will be selected by the legislature for a five-year term. Although it was anticipated that future heads of state would be chosen from the high chiefs, this is not required by the Constitution. Therefore, Samoa is considered a republic rather than a monarchy.
The unicameral legislature (Fono) contains 49 members serving five-year terms. Forty-seven are elected from territorial districts by ethnic Samoans; the other two are chosen by non-Samoans on separate electoral rolls. Suffrage is universal but only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Samoan seats. There are more than 25,000 matais in the country, about five percent of whom are women. The prime minister is chosen by a majority in the Fono and is appointed by the chief of state to form a government. The prime minister's choices for the 12 cabinet positions are appointed by the chief of state, subject to the continuing confidence of the Fono.
Since 1982 the majority party in the Fono has been the Human Rights Protection Party. Its leader Tofilau Eti Alesana served as prime minister between 1982 and 1998, when he resigned due to poor health. He was replaced by his deputy, Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi. The most recent election was held on March 31, 2006. The Human Rights Protection Party won 29 seats, Samoa Democratic United Party won 12, while independents won eight. The next election must be held not later than March 2011.
The judicial system is based on English common law and local customs. The Supreme Court has highest jurisdiction. The chief of state appoints the chief justice, upon the recommendation of the prime minister.
Economy
The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms. Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force of about 90,000 people, and furnishes 90 percent of exports. Due to variations in altitude, a large range of tropical and subtropical crops can be cultivated, but land is not generally available to outside interests. Of the total land area of 2,934 km², about 24 percent of it is in permanent cultivation and another 21 percent is arable. About 4 percent belongs to the Western Samoan Trust Estates Corporation (WSTEC). Export commodities include fish, coconut oil and cream, copra (dried coconut meat), taro, cocoa (for chocolate), automotive parts, garments and beer, totalling US$94-million in 2004. Export partners in 2004 were Australia 65.7 percent, the United States 5.6 percent, and Indonesia 5.2 percent. Import commodities include machinery and equipment, industrial supplies and foodstuffs, totalling $US285-million in 2004. Import partners in 2004 were New Zealand 25 percent, Fiji 21.4 percent, Taiwan 9.1 percent, Australia 8.9 percent, Singapore 8.5 percent, Japan percent, and the United States 4.7 percent.
The decline of tuna fish stocks in the area is a problem. Tourism is expanding, accounting for 25 percent of GDP. About 88,000 tourists visited the islands in 2001. One factory employs 3000 people to make automobile electrical harnesses for an assembly plant in Australia. The Samoan Government has called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement of investment, and continued fiscal discipline, while at the same time protecting the environment.
Coffee grows well but production has been uneven. WSTEC is the biggest coffee producer. Rubber has been produced in Samoa for many years, but its export value has little impact on the economy. Sugar cane production was established by the Germans in the early 20th century but did not continue. Old train tracks for transporting cane can be seen at some plantations east of Apia. Pineapples grow well in Samoa, but have not been a big export item.
In the late 1960s, Potlatch Forests, Inc. (a U.S. company) upgraded the harbor and airport at Asau on the northern coast of Savaii and established Samoa Forest Products for harvesting tropical hardwoods. Potlatch invested about $US2.5-million in a state-of-the-art sawmill and another $US6-million over several years to develop power, water, and roads. But Potlatch departed, leaving Asau a ghost town.
Demographics
Samoa has a population of more than 175,000. Ethnic Samoans make up 92.6 percent of the population, Euronesians, who are persons of European and Polynesian blood, make up 7 percent, and Europeans 0.4 percent. The Samoan language is the traditional language of Samoa and American Samoa and is an official language in both territories. It is a member of the Austronesian family, and more specifically Samoic branch of the Polynesian sub-phylum.
The language is comprised of only fourteen letters — five vowels, A, E, I, O, U, and nine consonants, F, G, L, M, N, P, S, T, V. The letters H, K, and R only occur in words of foreign origin. The Samoan language contains many introduced words, which have been distorted by added vowels or substituted consonants, so native speakers can pronounce them.
It has separate words for inclusive we and exclusive we, and distinguishes singular, dual, and plural. A unique feature of the language is that when the inclusive pronoun occurs in the singular as ta, it indicates emotional involvement on the part of the speaker.
Samoa is a deeply religious country with an ancient Samoan belief in aitu (spirits). Christianity is the main religion, and the many churches around the islands are often full on Sundays. Thirty five percent are Congregationalist, a denomination originally called the London Missionary Society Church, 20 percent are Roman Catholic, 15 percent are Methodist, 13 percent Latter-Day Saints, 7 percent are Assembly of God, 4 percent are Seventh-day Adventist, while other Christian sects make up 6 percent. Members of the Bahá'ís make up about 2 percent of the population. In addition to Malietoa Tanumafili II being a Bahá'í, Samoa hosts one of only seven Bahá'í Houses of Worship in the world.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Samoa has a large sex imbalance, apparently caused by the large-scale emigration of women. The cause of this is not understood.
Culture
The Fa'a Samoa, or traditional Samoan way, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. Fa‘a Samoa consists of: aiga (the family), tautala Samoa (the Samoan language), gafa (genealogies), matai (the chiefly system), lotu (the church), and fa‘alavelave (ceremonial and other family obligations). Associated are the values of alofa (love), tautua (service), fa‘aaloalo (respect), feagaiga (a covenant between sibilings and others) and usita‘i (discipline). The aiga or extended family, lives and works together. Elders in the family are greatly respected and hold the highest status.
They have a communal way of life with little privacy. The traditional fales (houses) have no walls. Blinds made of coconut leaves are used during the night or bad weather. Up to 20 people may sleep on the ground in the same fale. During the day the fale is used for chatting and relaxing.
Sundays are a day of rest, and many families congregate to share a traditional Sunday umu (a meal cooked in a rock oven). In a traditional household, the older members of the family will sit and eat first, and as the meal continues the younger members and then children are invited to eat. The umu contains an abundance and variety of dishes ranging from fresh seaweed and crayfish to baked taro and rice. Coconut appears in many Samoan dishes, for example palusami, a parcel of corned beef, breadfruit, onions, taro leaves wrapped in breadfruit leaves and coconut cream and baked in the umu. This is eaten in its entirety including the leaves.
Samoan handicrafts include the siapo (equivalent to the Fijian tapa) which is made from beaten mulberry bark, with patterns or pictures of fish, turtles, hibiscus flowers painted on with a natural brown dye. The siapo may be used for clothing, for wrapping objects and even simply for decorative reasons. Kava bowls are sturdy, round wooden bowls made of varying sizes, and have many short legs around it. Kava, a ground natural extract from the pepper plant root with medicinal and slightly anaesthetic properties, is made up with water in the bowl and drunk socially using coconut shells. Other handicrafts are fine mats, ornaments or jewellery and hair accessories using naturally occurring materials such as sea shells, coconut and coir.
The traditional Samoan dance is the Siva. This is similar to the Hawaiian dance, with gentle movements of the hands and feet in time to music and which tells a story.
Traditional Samoan medicine is often practised as a first-line before hospital medicine. This is a type of alternative medicine using plant leaves to massage the affected area.
The traditional ladies clothing is the puletasi which is a matching skirt and tunic with Samoan designs. The lava lava is a sarong which may be worn by men or women. They are of different patterns and colours, but tend to be plain for men who may wear it as part of an official uniform. Some men have intricate and geometrical patterns tattooed onto their lower body and upper legs. The tattooing process is performed without any anaesthesia and is said to be painful.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Eustis, Nelson. 1979. Aggie Grey of Samoa. Hobby Investments, Adelaide, South Australia. 2nd printing, 1980. ISBN 0-9595609-0-4.
External links
- Map: district subdivision
- ChooHoo! - Online Samoan community featuring forums, chat, blogs, etc.
- Finding Samoa
- Jane's Samoa Home Page
- Samoan Based Contemporary Art
- Map server of Samoa
- Map of Samoa
- Official government Website
- Over 90 categorised profiles of relevant websites on Zeal
- Samoa Chat (news, forums, Samoan language)
- Samoa Tourism Authority
- Samoan Holiday
- Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago And Long Before by George Turner, an eText available from Project Gutenberg
- Informations and Links to Samoa
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