10 Amazing Facts About Samoa You Need To Know

Samoa is a small island country in the Oceania. The country operates a parliamentary democracy system of government. There are two official languages: Samoan (of Polynesian) and English. There are so many amazing facts about Samoa you haven’t heard of.

The religion of Samoa is mainly Christian. Some 98% of the population is in one denomination Christianity or the other. And some 92% Samoans are of the Samoan ethnicity.

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Here are 10 other amazing facts about Samoa which you would find truly amazing.

Capital: Apia

Currency: Samoan tālā

Population: 190,372 (2013) World Bank

Prime Minister: Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi

System of Government: Parliamentary Democracy

Official Languages: English, Samoan

Amazing Facts About Samoa

1. PRAYER CURFEW

Many villages in American Samoa have a prayer curfew in place at sundown. Prayer curfew refers to restrictions during the prayer period. This period normally lasts around half an hour. It is advised to be careful so as to avoid walking through villages at this time. Doing so would cause offense

2. VILLAGE RULES

The culture of American Samoa is governed by strict protocols and etiquette. Allowances are made for foreigners. Still, it is wise to avoid wearing revealing clothing. It is also advised that visitors comply with village rules which are enforced by the village matai (chiefs).

3. NO NUDE BATHING

For women, going topless is taboo in Samoa. And they should only wear swimwear at the beach. Shorts are allowed, as long as they are knee-length. For men, shirts must be worn when not at the beach. A lavalava (sarong) is nearly always acceptable attire. Over all, nude bathing is definitely taboo.

4. SHOES OFF

When entering a home on Samoa, it is best behaviour to first take off shoes. Sitting on the floor in in the house is common in Samoa. So, beginning from the highest ranking person in the house, a visitor walks to the each individual, look at them in the eye, and shake hands, saying “Malo” or “Talofa.”

5. LYING TO PLEASE

With Samoans, communication is exceedingly polite and formal. They would usually tell you what they think you want to hear rather than the truth. For instance, ask a Samoan whether it is okay to walk through the village during the prayer curfew. Wanting to please you, he would say yes. So it is better to ask if he would do it. Then he can be truthful.

6. BEATING ABOUT THE BUSH

In their desire not to give offense and rather be pleasing in their communication, Samoans can really beat about the bush! They tend to go round and round an issue instead of going straight to the point. However, in other matters of serious nature, Samoans can be very pointedly direct.

7. NO PUBLIC LOVE

Samoans are loving and very accommodating. But that is when it has to with platonic friendships and relationships. When it comes to intimate relationships, Samoans consider public display of affection socially inappropriate.

8. NO EYE CONTACT

Direct eye contact is rare during conversations. Make eye contact with the person you are talking to, and what you will notice is that the person looks away. It is generally taken as impolite to look at a person in the eye when talking. If ever made, eye contact is always fleeting.

9. GIVE CASH GIFTS

On the number nine facts about Samoa when visiting and staying with a family, they would feed you. Therefore, it is impolite to be choosy of the food you eat. Try all foods given to you and be polite. Furthermore, if you stay longer than a day, it is considered polite to offer money as gift.

10. SAMOAN TABOOS

Samoans have quite a number of social taboos. Here are three other things you must try your best to avoid when you visit Samoa:

Pointing the soles of your feet at someone
Standing when others are sitting
Spreading on the floor or couch when a guest or elder is around

Observe all these and you would love and be loved by Samoans.