According to abbreviationfinder, Apia is the capital of Western Samoa, which is located on the island of Upolu, a territory surrounded by villages with a special charm and beautiful landscapes of mountains, valleys and beaches, which give it a calm and cozy aspect.
Places of interest include the Parliament of Samoa, the National Museum and the Apia Observatory, as well as beautiful parks such as the Apia Park and the Paolo Marine Park, which is located on the Beach Road. In Vailima the visitor will be able to see the place where Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of ” Treasure Island “, lived.
The most spectacular beaches are those of the Aleipata District. Other natural places of great beauty are the Tiavi Falls and the Fuipisia Falls, as well as the National Park or Le Pupu-pu’e, which has dense tropical vegetation. The traveler will be able to go to other islands that make up the State of Samoa.
History
In its beginnings, Apia was a small town, from which it took its name. The small town still exists within the modern capital, which has become a sprawling urban area with many towns. Like any other town in the country, the Apia village has its own customary leaders and greetings
The modern capital, Apia, was founded in the 1850s and has been the official capital of Samoa since 1959.
The port was the place where on March 15, 1889 there was a naval confrontation in which seven ships from Germany, the USA and Great Britain refused to leave the port, not to lose dignity as a typhoon approached. All the ships sank, except for the British cruiser Calliope, which barely managed to get out of port at 1 mile per hour and escape the storm. About 200 Americans and Germans died, and six ships were sunk or beyond repair.
During the country’s struggle for political independence in the 1900s, organized in the Mau national movement, the streets of Apia became the scene of non-violent protests and marches where many Samoans were detained. In what became known as “Black Saturday”, one such peaceful Mau mobilization in the city resulted in the death of Supreme Chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III by New Zealand Police on December 28, 1929.
Geography
Location
Apia is the capital of Samoa, and is located in the northern part of the island of Upulu, the second largest of the Samoa archipelago, which is also made up of the islands of Sabai’i, Monono and Apolima, plus five uninhabited islets. The city is located in a natural harbor at the mouth of the Vaisigano River.
Upolu Island is characterized because its territory is full of not very steep mountains. The capital Apia is surrounded by hills and valleys and is nestled in a narrow coastal plain with Mount Vaea. Two main mountain ranges run south on both sides of the Vaisigano River, with roads on each. The westernmost of these is Cross Island Road, one of the few north-south cutting roads through the center of the island off the south coast of Upolu.
Climate
The climate of Apia is tropical humid and the average annual temperature is 26º, with very little variation around this point. Between the months of December and March the rainy season takes place. The driest months are July and August.
Nature
The Tiavi Falls, over 100 meters high, and the Fuipisia Falls are spectacular. The O Le Pupu-pu’e National Park, with dense tropical vegetation, is between the Fito and Lepu’e mountains. Within the city, the Apia and Marino Paolo parks stand out
Population
Apia has an approximate population of 38,800 residents. See population of Samoa.
Economy
In Samoa in general and in Apia in particular, the main economic sectors are the export of cocoa, the extraction of copra, the timber industry and handicrafts.
Sightseeing
One of the main attractions of Apia are its beaches and the most spectacular are those of the Aleipata District. But in addition to its natural charms, the capital of Western Samoa has many tourist attractions. On Calle Beach, the visitor will find many places to have fun. The Samoa Parliament, the National Museum and the Apia Observatory are three of the most important tourist spots in the city. In addition, the visitor can take pleasant walks through any of its parks, although the most beautiful are the Apia Park and the Marino Paolo. And for lovers of literature, you can still visit the residence of famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson, author of ‘ Treasure Island ‘.
Social development
Culture and art
The traditional culture of the area is based on oral tradition. Samoa has been a source of inspiration for writers and film directors. The most important writer who lived in the capital was Robert Loius Stevenson, whose mansion is now a museum about his figure and work. The most notable building in Apia is the Parliament of Samoa, built in 1972. Next to the National Museum is the monument to Independence.
Crafts
You can buy local crafts at the city market. The list of products is extensive: from traditional costumes to fabrics, baskets and wood carvings, passing through bags and hats.
Important personalities
Writer Robert Louis Stevenson, author of the ‘Treasure Island’, lived in Apia and you can currently visit his residence. His body has been buried in Vaca, south of the city, since 1894.
