Samoa |
|
The Independent State of Samoa, the western part of the Samoan archipelago is situated between Hawaii and New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Together with American Samoa it forms the Samoan archipelago. It is a member of United Nations since 1976. Apia is the capital of Samoa. HISTORY:- The Polynesians first migrated into the island from Tonga around the 1000 BC. Samoa was explored by the Dutch and French traders in the 19th century. During 1830s, British missionaries and traders settled in the island. At the advent of the 20th century, the island was split between two sections under the Treaty of Berlin. The eastern group was ceded to the United States (present-day American Samoa) whist the western part (Western Samoa) was ceded to the British. But after the British gave up all claims to the island groups, it was claimed by the Germans. In 1914, New Zealand conquered Western Samoa and in 1946 the islands became a United Nations trust territory governed by New Zealand. The eruption of Mau movements against both Germany and New Zealand led to the independence of the islands in 1962. Western Samoa was the first Pacific Island nation to achieve its independence. Under 1997 amendments to the constitution, the country’s name was changed into Samoa. But American Samoans still use the terms like Western Samoa and Western Samoans to retain their identity undisturbed. GEOGRAPHY:- Samoa is composed of two main islands of Savaii and Upolu; and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets. Samoa is located at 13 35 S, 172 20 W in the Oceania. The total area of the country is 2,944 sq km in which only 10 sq km is covered with internal water sources. The coastline is 403 km long bordering the South Pacific Ocean. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean (0 m) and the highest point is Mauga Silisili (1,857 m). Samoa is mainly Mountainous with narrow coastal plains. The interior is formed of volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains. CLIMATE:- The climate of Samoa is mostly tropical with a rainy season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). GOVERNMENT:- Samoa has a parliamentary democracy. The constitution was adopted on 1st January 1962. The legal system is a blend of the English common law and the local customs and some judicial reviews of legislative acts. The three major branches of the government are: Executive branch comprises the O le Ao o le Malo (chief of state), the Prime minister (head of government), the Deputy Prime Minister, and the cabinet. The O le Ao o le Malo is elected by the Legislative Assembly on a 5-year term. The leader of the majority party is generally appointed the prime minister by the chief of state on the approval of the Legislative Assembly. The 12-member cabinet is appointed by the chief of state on the advice of the prime minister. Legislative branch comprises the unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats). Judicial branch comprises the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, the District Court, and the Land and Titles Court. O le Ao o le Malo Tufuga Efi ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:- Samoa is divided into 11 districts: A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, and Vaisigano. CULTURE:- Tattoos, the unique traditional trait of Samoan culture, are gender specific in Samoa like any Polynesian island. Siva is the traditional Samoan dance. Rugby Union and Samoan cricket are the most popular sports in Samoa. ECONOMY:- The economy of Samoa is mainly dependent upon agricultural exports, tourism, and capital flows from abroad. Agriculture alone provides more than 66% of the total employment and accounts for 90% of the total exports while tourism provides 25% of GDP. GDP/PPP $1.029 billion (2007 est.); per capita $2,100 (2005 est). Real growth rate: 6% (2007 est). Inflation: 6% (2007). Unemployment: NA. Arable land: 21%. Agriculture: Coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa. Labor force: 90,000 (2000 est.). Industries: food processing, building materials, auto parts. Natural resources: Hardwood forests, fish, hydropower. Budget: Debt - external: $177 million (2004) Exports: $131 million f.o.b. (2006): fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts, garments, beer. Imports: $324 million f.o.b. (2006): machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs. Major trading partners: Australia, U.S., Indonesia, New Zealand, Fiji, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan (2004). Monetary unit: Tala LANGUAGE:- Samoan (Polynesian) and English both are the official languages of Samoa. CITIES:- Apia is the capital and the largest city of Samoa. POPULATION:- The estimated population of Samoa is 217,083 with a growth rate of 1.322%. RACE:- RELIGION:- HEALTH:- UNICEF:- UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme fights against violence against children. UNICEF and its partners provide psychosocial support to social, environmental or political conflict-affected children. UNICEF’s Adolescent Development and Child Health Programme promotes awareness on HIV among the youth, trains the youth to enhance their skills. Teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and trafficking of children are the major issues with the country. UNICEF supplies vaccines at a low cost. UNICEF partners with civil registrars and health ministries to assist them in birth registration. TRANSPORTATION:-
Posted by subhasis on Monday Aug 11 reply Comments |
|
<< < 1 > >> |
|
|
||
