Samoa Independence Day

The country separated from New Zealand on 1 January 1962, though the holiday was transferred onto the first day of summer due to climate conditions. Samoa was the first country in the Pacific which gained independence.

The capital city of Apia is an only city and main port. There is a hospital, a library, an observatory, a cinema, three hotels, a few small businesses, as well as government agencies, offices of foreign companies operating in Samoa. The city has only one- and two-storey buildings.

Independence Day is celebrated in Samoa at the national level and it is one of the most important public holidays in calendar. The local population strictly honours traditions and maintains its long-standing foundations. People in this land are so open and friendly that the doors to their homes are like curtains made of palm leaves. They serve only to retain heat or protect from nasty weather.