• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of Samoa

Ethnicity

Over 90% of the people living in Samoa are ethnically Samoan. The Samoans are ethnic Polynesians, which are a group of people that are related to the Melanesians and Austronesians among others. Today the Samoans prefer to be called Samoan as opposed to Polynesians as there are close cultural associations with both terms. The Samoans' closest relatives are the Tongans, Tuvaluans, and other Polynesians.

About 7% of Samoa's population is "Euronesian," which is a term used in Samoa to mean anyone who is descended of both Europeans and Polynesians. The Euronesians in Samoa are generally a combination of Samoan and either German or British.

Language

Samoan is the most commonly spoken language in Samoa and is the only official language in the country. English is a widely spoken second language and is used in many industries, including the important tourist industry.

Samoan is an Austronesian language, more specifically a Polynesian language. Its closest linguistic relative is debatable, but all the Polynesian languages are closely related, including Tongan, Tuvaluan, Hawai'ian, and Maori among many others.

Religion

Nearly everyone in Samoa is Christian in some form. About 35% of the people are Congregational, about 20% are Catholic, 15% are Methodist, and 13% are Mormon. More than anything, this divide best represents the missionaries who have converted people in Samoa both today and in the past.

Continue reading on Safari the Globe to Learn the Catholic Church's doctrines, liturgy, symbolism, traditions, & hierarchy

This page was last updated: May, 2014