The Samoans first religion was nothing like Christianity. It consisted of a complex polytheistic religion that incorporated both human and non-human gods. They did not have many outward signs of their religious belief so it was commonly seen that they simply had no religion.

As mentioned above, all the Samoan words for months are ‘Samoan-ized’ from the English words for months.

While 98 percent of Samoa’s population identify as Christian, there is a range of varying doctrine within the country from the evangelical Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, a large number of Roman Catholics, a strong recent increase in Mormons (15 percent of the population and rising), as well as the …

If you haven’t yet delved into the world of Samoan cuisine, here’s what you need to try.

• Oka I’a. You can’t visit Samoa without trying Oka – it’s the dish I came across the most, and easily one of the most popular and delicious.
• Coconut.
• Koko Samoa.
• Fruit.
• Palusami.
• Breadfruit.
• Umu.
• To’ona’i.

Bananas are grown on all islands in the territory of American Samoa. Production figures are from the main island of Tutuila and the islands of Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u. American Samoans grow bananas from the coastal strand to volcanic ridge-lines and on all but the steepest slopes (>50%).

19th century

The king succeeded to the Malietoa title in 1940, when his father died. He was made a joint head of state, with Tupua Tamasese Meaole, when Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in 1962. He became sole head of state a year later, when Mr. Tupua Tamasese died.

According to legend, Samoa is known as the “Cradle of Polynesia” because Savai’i island is said to be Hawaiki, the Polynesian homeland. Samoan culture is undoubtedly central to Polynesian life, and its styles of music, dance, and visual art have gained renown throughout the Pacific islands and the world.