SAMOA

160 team members
Adopt-a-country school: Nukutere College
Accommodation: Nukutere College
Dining: Sinai Hall

Capital:    Apia
Land Area:     2935 sq km
Languages:     Samoan, English
Currency:     Tala

Characterised by beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, friendly smiles and warm welcomes Samoa is the heartland of Polynesia. It is a nation steeped in history, dedicated to ensuring its vibrant traditions remain alive for generations to come.
The islands of Samoa were formed almost 7 million years ago in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 15 degrees south of the equator and some 8 degrees east of the International Dateline.
Two main large islands, Upolu and Savaii, account for the majority of the total land area. Samoa is also home to eight other islets; Manono, Apolima, Nu’utele, Nu’ulua, Namua, Fanuatapu, Nu’usafe’e, and Nu’ulopa.
Despite decades of outside influence Samoa’s customs, from tapa cloth making to the original fire-knife dancing, along with its social, political system and language remain as fascinating and intact as ever.
The population of Samoa is about 169,000. The Faa Samoa (the Samoan way) continues to rule the everyday life of the people. Samoa’s strong traditions and cultural norms are important elements regulating the social, religious and political life.
Samoan culture is based on fa'amatai.  This is a system of government that has a chief, or matai, governing an entire 'aiga or aiga potopoto (extended family). Wealth and foods are distributed and re-distributed on a needs basis within the family.
The fact that everything is re-distributed back to the aiga potopotoi s an element in the Samoan Polynesian life that makes it very interesting to linguists, archaeologists and social anthropologists. 
The matai represents the family on the village council, metes out justice, and ensures customs are properly observed. In 1962, Samoa became the first country in the Pacific to gain independence.
The fono (Legislative Assembly) comprises of 49 members. Only traditional chiefs (matai) are eligible to be candidates.