Samoa / Place guide
Discover Samoa
Samoa is an independent Polynesian country mainly comprising Upolu and Savai'i. It occupies the western part of the Samoan island group. American Samoa farther east has a different administrative status, an essential distinction when identifying places and photographs.
Explore Samoa on the OrbiPlace map ↗
Explore Samoa
Two principal islands
Apia stands on Upolu. The capital's island is not a synonym for the whole country, and Savai'i has its own communities and landscape. Island identity matters alongside the national name.
From Western Samoa to Samoa
Independence from New Zealand came in 1962. The country used Western Samoa until 1997. This earlier label helps explain regional distinctions but is not the current name. Apia adds an urban perspective within the independent island state.
Background source: Samoa. Editorial text: OrbiPlace.
Start with the city overview, then zoom in to explore streets and landmarks. The location point does not define municipal boundaries.