Where is samoa located on the world map?

Introduction

Samoa is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is situated in the region known as Polynesia, and it consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, as well as several smaller islands. In this article, we will explore the exact location of Samoa on the world map and provide additional information about its geographical context.

Geographical Location

Samoa is located in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It is situated at coordinates 13.759° S latitude and 172.1046° W longitude. The country is part of the larger region of Polynesia, which encompasses numerous islands scattered across the Pacific.

Island Group

Samoa is part of the Samoan Archipelago, which includes the Independent State of Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa) and the territory of American Samoa. The archipelago is made up of ten islands, with Upolu and Savai’i being the largest and most populated. The capital city, Apia, is located on the island of Upolu.

Neighboring Countries and Territories

To the west of Samoa lies the territory of American Samoa, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States. The two regions share a close cultural and historical connection but have separate political systems. American Samoa is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Samoa.

To the south of Samoa is Tonga, another Polynesian kingdom consisting of several islands. Tonga is situated about 800 kilometers (497 miles) south of Samoa. Further south, one can find New Zealand, which is approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles) away from Samoa.

To the northeast of Samoa is Tokelau, a dependent territory of New Zealand. Tokelau is an atoll consisting of three small islands and is located approximately 500 kilometers (311 miles) away from Samoa.

Geographical Features

Samoa is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and volcanic landscapes. The islands are of volcanic origin, and both Upolu and Savai’i feature volcanic mountains. Mount Silisili, located on Savai’i, is the highest peak in Samoa, reaching an elevation of 1,858 meters (6,096 feet).

The country is also home to numerous rivers, waterfalls, and coastal lagoons. The iconic To Sua Ocean Trench, a natural swimming hole formed by a collapsed lava tube, is a popular tourist attraction on Upolu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Samoa is located in the South Pacific Ocean, specifically in the region of Polynesia. It is part of the Samoan Archipelago and consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i. Samoa shares its borders with American Samoa to the west and is located near Tonga, Tokelau, and New Zealand. The country’s geographical features, including volcanic mountains, rainforests, and beautiful coastlines, make it a unique and picturesque destination.