Country Details
Samoa
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand
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Geography
Detailed information and insights
Location
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand
Geographic coordinates
13 35 S, 172 20 W
Map references
Oceania
Area
Total
2,831 sq km
Land
2,821 sq km
Water
10 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Land boundaries
Total
0 km
Coastline
403 km
Maritime claims
Territorial sea
12 nm
Contiguous zone
24 nm
Exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October)
Terrain
two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rugged mountains in interior
Elevation
Highest point
Mount Silisili 1,857 m
Lowest point
Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
hardwood forests, fish, hydropower
Land use
Agricultural land
17.6% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 3.9% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 11.4% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 2.3% (2023 est.)
Forest
57.8% (2023 est.)
Other
24.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Population distribution
about three quarters of the population lives on the island of Upolu
Natural hazards
occasional cyclones; active volcanism
volcanism: Savai'I Island (1,858 m) is historically active
volcanism: Savai'I Island (1,858 m) is historically active
Geography - note
occupies an almost central position within Polynesia