Geography Quiz Arcade

Capital of Samoa: Apia

The capital of Samoa is Apia. Samoa sits in Oceania, has a population of 222,382, and uses the WST. Official languages include Samoan, English.

Quick facts

  • Capital: Apia
  • Continent: Oceania
  • Population: ~222,382
  • Area: 2,842 km²
  • Population density: 78.2 people per km²
  • Official languages: Samoan, English
  • Currency: WST
  • ISO code: WS

How big is Samoa?

By population, Samoa ranks 178th in the world, holding roughly well under a hundredth of a percent of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 169th.

Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Samoa has 78.2 people per square kilometre, which is somewhat above the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.

Within Oceania, Samoa is the 7th most populous country of 14.

Countries of a similar size

The two countries closest to Samoa in population are São Tomé and Príncipe (227,380) and Saint Lucia (179,857).

By land area, its closest counterparts are Luxembourg (2,586 km²) and Mauritius (2,040 km²).

Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.

Language and currency

Samoan is listed as an official language of Samoa alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.

Samoa uses the WST, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.

Samoa in Oceania

The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Fiji.

If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Oceania is the block Samoa belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.

Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Samoa and a page on the flag of Samoa.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Samoa?

The capital of Samoa is Apia.

What is the population of Samoa?

About 222,382, making it the 178th most populous country in the world.

How big is Samoa?

2,842 square kilometres, ranking 169th by land area, at a density of 78.2 people per square kilometre.

What currency does Samoa use?

The WST, which no other country uses.

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