Samoa consists of nine islands. Savai’i, the largest island, has been described as ‘Polynesia at its truest’. Upolu is the second largest and most populous island. Apia, the capital, lies on the beautiful north coast of Upolu. Nearby at Vailima is the house built by the Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived there from 1889 until his death in 1894.

The most beautiful part of Samoa is the Aleipata district where waterfalls and white-sand beaches dominate the landscape. From Apia, a 65km (40-mile) drive leads to the Falefa Falls, Mafa Pass and Fuipisia Falls.

So why not give it a try and come and experience the fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), arguably the most vibrant living culture in Polynesia?

2,831 sq km (1,093 sq miles).

182,000 (UN estimate 2005).

64.3 per sq km.

Apia (Upolu Island). Population: 40,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from New Zealand in 1962.

Samoan is the national language. In business and commerce, English is customary.

Congregational Church, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, Assembly of God, Jehovah’s Witness and Bahai Faith.

GMT - 11.

Even more than their American Samoan neighbours, Samoans adhere to traditional moral and religious codes of behaviour. According to the government, the Samoan is the purest surviving Polynesian type, with a reputation for being upright and dignified in character.

Life in each village is still regulated by a council of chiefs with considerable financial and territorial power; this ‘extended family’ social system is intricately and unusually linked with the overall political system. Visitors should avoid walking through villages during evening prayer (usually between 1800 and 1900). Sunday is a day of peace and quiet, and visitors should behave quietly and travel slowly through villages. It is recommended for women to wear a lavalava (sarong); nude or topless bathing is prohibited.

When entering a fale, shoes should be removed, visitors should never stand when elders are seated, and when sitting down, the soles of feet should not be shown (the yogic cross-legged style is a good option). Permission should always be asked before taking photographs in a village. Visitors should not offer money to children, even when they ask.

240 volts AC, 50Hz (110 volts AC in some hotels). Three-pronged plugs are in use as in Australia and New Zealand.

Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sailele Malielegaoi since 1998.

Vacant following HH Malietoa Tanumafili II’s death in May 2007.