At Apia, the Samoan capital

Western Samoa | Write a review | February 23, 2010

Apia is the capital city of Samoa, a small nation island located in the Polynesia region in South Pacific Ocean. Apia is also the largest city of Samoa and is situated on the central north coast of Upolu, the second largest island of Samoa. Apia is the only ‘city’ in Samoa and fall within Tuamasaga district. City of Apia has a population of about 37,000. The area of the city is 60 square kilometres.

About Samoa:

Independent State of Samoa is the western half of Samoan island chain in the South Pacific Ocean and was ruled by New Zealand until 1962. The two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and Savai’i. Apia, thw capital city is located in Upolu. Samoa has an area of 2,860 square kilometres and a population of 1,59,000. Nine of the volcanic islands of Samoa are forested while only four are inhabited.

Samoa was admitted to the United Nations in December 1976. The entire Samoan island group, including American Samoa, was called Navigators Islands by European explorers before the 20th century, owing to the Samoans’ seafaring skills. National currency is Tala.

History of Apia:

Apia was originally a small village from which it got its name. In fact, the erstwhile village exists even today within the ambit of the modern capital, which is a sprawling urban centre now. Apia as the modern capital was founded in 1850s and has been the national capital since 1959. Apia emerged an important centre of non-violent protests during the days of national Mau movement waging struggle for national independence. In 1929, the paramount chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III was killed by New Zealand constabulary during a Mau gathering.

Apia Geography:

Apia is located on a natural harbour at the mouth of Vaisigano River. Mount Vaea, the burial place of noted writer Robert Louis Stevenson, is located to the south of the narrow coastal plain on which Apia lies.

Apia Climate:

Since Samoa lies closer to the equator, it is more hot and humid throughout the year. November to April is the summer season which also experiences rain with winds varying from west to north. May to October is the winter season when southeast trade winds leave a cooling effect. Southern Upolu gets more rainfall than the north. December to March is the time when Samoa encounters hurricanes.

Apia Tourist attractions:

Apia Harbour

Mulinu’u, the old ceremonial capital, lies at the city’s western end
Parliament House (Maota Fono)
Catholic Cathedral
Robert Louis Stevenson’s burial place on Mt Vaea. The writer of some of the best literary works like The Treasure Island, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hide and others spent the last four years of his life here. Vailima, his house, stands a museum in his honour today.
Apia Samoa Temple

Museum of Samoa which offers complete information about the history and culture of Samoa and the Pacific.

Cappuccino Vineyard
Pololo Deep Marine Reserve in the Vaiala Beach. Palolo Deep Marine Reserve remains open from 800 am till 6 pm
Aggie Grey’s Fia Fia (features traditional Samoan dancing, singing, drumming, fire knife dance and also pageant show)
Clock tower stands at the city centre as a war memorial.

Reaching Apia:

By air:
Faleolo International Airport is located 40km west of Apia.

The small airstrip in Fagali’i, used earlier for domestic as well as international flights to Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, has now been closed.

By water:
Ferries to Tokelau and American Samoa depart the busy Apia Harbour.

Internal transport:
Bus and taxi services are available. People also own bicycle and motorcycle or simply walk.