Samoa civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Samoa with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
The Head of State, the Legislative Assembly (Fono), the role of matai and the Constitution.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital city of Samoa?
Apia
Apia, on the island of Upolu, is the capital of Samoa.
What is the Samoan title of the Head of State?
O le Ao o le Malo
Under Article 16 of the Constitution, the Head of State of Samoa is known as O le Ao o le Malo.
For how many years is Samoa’s Head of State appointed?
Five years
The Legislative Assembly appoints the Head of State for a term of five years under Article 19 of the Constitution.
What is Samoa’s Legislative Assembly also commonly called?
The Fono
Samoa's single-chamber Legislative Assembly is commonly called the Fono.
Who may stand for election to the Samoan seats in the Legislative Assembly?
Only matai (chiefs)
Only holders of matai (chiefly) titles may stand for the Samoan seats in the Legislative Assembly.
History 5 questions
Western Samoa, the Mau movement, independence in 1962 and the 2011 date line change.
In which year did Samoa become independent?
1962
Samoa became independent on 1 January 1962, the first Pacific Island country to do so in the twentieth century.
Which country administered Samoa immediately before independence?
New Zealand
Samoa was administered by New Zealand until independence on 1 January 1962.
What was the country called when it gained independence in 1962?
Western Samoa
The country became independent as Western Samoa and later shortened its name to Samoa.
What was the name of the non-violent movement for Samoan self-rule in the 1920s and 1930s?
The Mau
The Mau was a non-violent movement for independence. On Black Saturday in December 1929 its leader Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III was killed in Apia.
Which calendar day did Samoa skip in December 2011 when it moved across the International Date Line?
Friday 30 December
Samoa moved from UTC-11 to UTC+13 at the end of 2011, skipping Friday 30 December to align with its trading partners.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
Upolu and Savai'i, Mount Silisili, the tālā, the anthem and the flag.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What is the largest island of Samoa?
Savai'i
Savai'i is the largest Samoan island, while Upolu has the capital and most of the population.
What is the highest mountain in Samoa?
Mount Silisili
Mount Silisili on Savai'i is the highest point in Samoa, at about 1,858 metres.
What is the currency of Samoa?
Tālā
The tālā (WST) is Samoa's currency, divided into 100 sene.
What is the English title of Samoa’s national anthem?
The Banner of Freedom
The national anthem, O le Fu'a o le Sa'olotoga o Samoa, translates as The Banner of Freedom.
Which constellation appears on the flag of Samoa?
The Southern Cross
The red flag has a blue panel showing five white stars arranged as the Southern Cross.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real Samoa Civics format.