Welcome to…

Samoa

Simply Samoa

Population

The number of people in Samoa has grown drastically in the past fifty years. The amount

of people total as of 2013 is 190,372. Out of this 55,165 people live in the American Samoas.

This is significantly different than the number of people who live in the United States. The

population of the United States is estimated at 316.1 million. However, Samoa is almost the

exact same size of New Hampshire.

Geographic Area

Samoa is 1,137 square feet in area. Out of these 250 miles is coastline. It is located in the

South Pacific Ocean. Samoa is about half way between

Hawaii and New Zealand, putting just east of the

international dateline.

Demographics

Samoa has a unique demographic. Over twenty-

seven percent of Samoa’s population is below poverty

level. This is primarily because 140,240 people live in

rural areas of Samoa. Despite that Samoa is still ranked the number one country in the world for

obesity. Ninety-four percent of its population is overweight. However, Samoa’s education

system is great. Ninety-eight percent of the population ages fifteen and above can read and write.

In addition to this ninety-seven percent of children go to primary school and sixty-four percent of

them continue to college. The life expectancy in Samoa is 74. Surprisingly, this is only five years

lower than the United States.

Government Structure

The government structure in Samoa is like that of the United State in the sense that both

countries have three branches of government: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. The

difference between that United States and Samoa is that Samoa has a Prime Minister instead of a

President. In the Legislative branch they also have

Cabinet and Parliament this is much like Canada. Samoa

is unique because it was the first Pacific nation to gain

independence on June 1, 1962.

Economic System

Samoa is ranked the eighty-fourth freest country of

2014. It ranked four places higher this year due to

significant improvements in investment freedom, trade freedom, and the control of government

spending. Since 1997 Samoa has improved by seventy-five points in the category of trade

freedom. Most of the island’s economic wealth comes from agriculture and fishing. This is great

for the economy; however, Samoa is extremely vulnerable to tropical storms. When a

devastating storm comes the entire country usually comes to a halt. These storms are not only

hard on the people they are also hard on the plants. Most of the economy relies on agriculture

that the country trades such as coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. One factory in the Foreign

Trade Zone employs 3,000 people. Aside from agriculture tourism makes up twenty-five percent

of GDP.

Exports

Samoa exports many different items. However, there are five items that soar above the

rest. The most exported item is insulated wire. This makes up thirty-six percent of all items that

leave Samoa. The second highest export is non-fillet frozen fish. These fish account for thirteen

percent of Samoa’s exports. The third is much like the second, but accounts for about half as

much. It is non-fillet fresh fish. This product makes up about seven percent of the exports, The

next major export, surprisingly, is cars. Cars make up a shocking six and a half percent of

Samoa’s exports. The final of the top five is delivery trucks. Delivery trucks make up less than

five percent of the country’s export. If the country is not under the mercy of a horrible storm then

these five products are what have boosted Samoa’s economy in the past fifteen years.

Imports

Just as Samoa had a top five main exports the country also has a top five imports. The list

starts with Refined Petroleum, an oil. This product makes up twenty-two percent of Samoa’s

imports. The next major import is poultry meat. The percent from first to second is a big jump.

Poultry meat only makes up about five percent of Samoa’s imports. After these two powerhouses

comes insulated wire, processed fish and wood. All three of these products make up less than

three percent of country’s imports each.

Chief Agricultural Products

In Samoa tropical agriculture occupies forty-three percent of the land. This employs

about sixty-five percent of the labor force in the country and makes up about fifty percent of

GDP. In addition to this the majority of Samoans grow crops at their home for their own

consumption. Not only do families grow food crops they also grow cash crops for export. This is

just as we do in America with crops such as cotton and tobacco. The major crops that Samoa

produces are coconut products such as oil, cream, and water. Other crops include cocoa, taro,

bananas, and taamu.

Foreign Exchange and Currency

According to the Central Bank of Samoa the exchange rate of the Tala is determined on

the basis of a trade-weighted basket of currencies. The currency basket is reviewed periodically

to reflect changes in trade and payment patterns between Samoa and its major trade partners.

Currently, Samoa’s exchange rate relies heavily on the trade with the United States, New

Zealand, and Australia. As of December 12, 2014 one Samoan Tala equals .41 U.S. Dollars. This

rate has gone up immensely since 2010.

Modes of Transportation

There are many modes of

transportation in Samoa. One of obvious

ways to get to Samoa is by plane. There is a limited selection of airlines in Samoa. Most all

commercial flights land in the Faleolo Airport. From the airport there are buses and taxis that

will take travelers to desired area, many times this will include a ferry ride.

Aside from flying to Samoa there are some things about driving in Samoa that a traveler

should know. As of September 7, 2009 Samoa drives on the left hand side of the road. The speed

limit through all villages is forty kilometers per hour and through all rural areas it is fifty

kilometers per hour. Divers in Samoa take extra precautions since people and livestock will cross

without any warning.

Another way to get around in Samoa is on a bus. Many travel sites say that any traveler

should ride a Samoan bus simply for the experience. A bus may not be very practical or

convenient because of the unplanned stops. In addition to this if the bus is full, which it often is,

then it is common for Samoans to ask to sit on each other’s’ laps.

Costs of Travel and Documentation Needed

As previously mentioned there are many ways to get around in Samoa. One of the

ways listed are taxis. A small trip around town will cost you about three Samoan Talas (SAT).

The next most common way of transportation is a bus which will cost a passenger according to

how long his or her trip is. There is not a set price. When traveling to Samoa you need several

important documents. The first document all travelers need is a passport. With this passport

travelers do not need a Visa. In addition to this anyone who wishes to drive a rental car in Samoa

must have a valid driver’s license.

Safety in Samoa

Research confirms that Samoa is it about the same “safe level” as the United States. It is

advised that travelers exercise normal safety precautions. It is also important that before one

travels to Samoa that he or she reviews some common laws because some punishments can be

harsh and these apply to everyone. If a traveler gets arrested the court processes in Samoa can be

lengthy. One specific area of customs that travelers should be aware of is Samoan dress.

Samoans dress and behave very conservatively. Though people will not get arrested for dressing

“inappropriately” it will offend many people.

Hotel Accommodations

Hotels in Samoa are slightly different from those in the United States. Many

travelers find that finding a hotel in Samoa is no simple task. This is because there are very few

hotels in Samoa. Most of what Samoa has is beach falas. A beach fala is a small hut that has no

air conditioning or walls. Most of them come with a traditional Samoan mattress and a mosquito

net. This is a way to truly get the whole Samoa experience. Many travelers say that anyone who

visits Samoa should try it for at least one night. However, there are a few hotels in the cities of

Samoa.

Communication Modes Available

Staying connected with family, work, and friends via the internet is simple in Samoa.

Most cafes and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. In addition to this prepaid SIM cards are available at

Faleolo International Airport if a traveler needs to make calls without paying the international

fees. Cell phone coverage in Samoa is only in densely populated areas or cities. There is no cell

phone coverage on the coast.

Holidays in Samoa

There are a few business conflicts when it comes to Samoa holidays. For the most part

Samoa shares the same holidays as the United States. Holidays such as Mother’s Day and

Father’s Day are the same in Samoa as they are here. However, there are a few holidays such as

Samoan Independence day on June first and White Sunday, the celebration of childhood, on

October 12 that Americans may have no idea about. This is important information that travelers

should make themselves aware of.

Etiquette in Samoa

There are some things in Samoa that are very similar to the United States. One of these

things is that the people value respect. There are also some very different aspects to the Samoan

culture. One of these aspects is that a visitor should never walk through a village during their

evening prayer,called sa. Another difference between the two countries is that any traveler

should dress modestly when in villages and avoid displays of affection in public. Another form

of etiquette in Samoa is to always bring a gift of food when coming to one’s home. Lastly, when

sitting on the ground Samoans never places his or her legs straight in front of them with their feet

showing for it is a sign of much disrespect.

General Cost of Meals

The amount that food costs in Samoa is very comparable to what food costs in the United

States. A combo meal at McDonalds costs 17.50 Samoan Tala which is the same as 7.19 U.S.

dollars. In addition a traveler can get a large lunch plate with fresh fish and salad for about five

U.S. dollars which is even less than the fast food. Another unique thing about eating in Samoa is

that many markets will hand out free fruit for visitors to try. This makes since because Samoans

are known for their hospitality.

Types of Food

One interesting thing about Samoans is that most all the food that they eat at home was

grown and raised by them. This goes for any food chicken, pork, fish, bananas, coconuts, etc.

Another tradition in Samoa that is different than the United States is that the people do most of

their cook outside. They do this using an Umu. This is a traditional way to prepare food and is

almost like the Samoan version of a barbar-que. An Umu is an above ground stone oven that is

headed by lava rocks. When cooking the food it can be put directly on the rocks only if it is

wrapped in banana leaves.

ENDNOTES

50 States. Rhode Island Facts and Trivia. n.d. Web. 15 December 2014.

Australian Government. Demographics of Samoa. 1 November 2013. Web. 15 December 2014.

Central Bank of Samoa. Exchange Rates. 18 December 2014. Web. 17 December 2014.

Collis, Helen. Daily Mail. 8 July 2013. Web. 16 December 2014.

Digicel Samoa. Coverage Map. n.d. Web. 17 December 2014.

Encyclopedia of the Nations. Samoa. n.d. Web. 15 December 2014.

—. Samoa Agriculture. n.d. Web. 17 December 2014.

Fodor's Travel. Samoa Travel Guide. n.d. Web. 17 December 2014.

Index Mundi. Samoa Demographics Profile 2014. 2014. Web. 16 December 2014.

—. Samoa Economy Profile 2014. 2014. Web. 17 December 2014.

Info Please. Map: Samoa. n.d. Web. 15 December 2014.

Maps of World. Samoa Education. n.d. Web. 16 December 2014.

Observatory of Economic Complexity. Samoa. 2014. Web. 17 December 2014.

Our Oyster. Budget Travel In Samoa. n.d. Web. 17 December 2014.

Rural Poverty Portal. Statistics. 2010. Web. 17 December 2014.

Samoa. Apia Markets. 2014. Web. 16 December 2014.

Samoa Bureau of Statistics . Our Guiding Star for a Better Samoa . n.d. Web. 16 December 2014.

Samoa. Getting Around. 2014. Web. 16 December 2014.

Samoa Government. Social Updates. 2014. Web. 17 December 2014.

—. The Government. 2014. Web. 17 December 2014.

Samoa Hotels. Transportation in Samoa. 2014. Web. 17 December 2014.

Shuraleff, Nicholas. How Many Samoans can you fit into a bus? 13 August 2011. Web. 17 December 2014.

The Heritage Foundation. Samoa. 2014. Web. 17 December 2014.

The Samoan Way. Food. n.d. Web. 16 December 2014.

The World Bank. Life Expectancy at Birth. 2014. Web. 16 December 2014.

—. Population . 2014. Web. 15 December 2014.

Travelocity. Rooms and Rates. n.d. Web. 17 December 2014.

U.S. Department of State. Country Information: Samoa. 2014. Web. 16 December 2014.

Unicef. Statistics of Samoa. 27 December 2013. Web. 16 December 2014.

United States Census Bureau. Population Estimates Terms and Definitions. 2014. Web. 15 December 2014.

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

I. What is FBLA

II. MembershipA. Number of members

III. Benefits

A. StudentsB. Teachers

IV. Social Media

A. List ways to get connected through social media with FBLA

V. One new idea

A. Personal: BAAB. Chapter: Community Service Project

VI. Keep calm and Join FBLA

Ten Recruitment Ideas

1. Prepare a bulletin board promoting FBLA

2. Have a monthly meeting that offers free breakfast

3. Use social media to promote

4. Offer small door prizes at meetings

5. Offer free T-shirts to new members

6. Hold social events such as the chocolate social

7. Have an officer speak to the business classes

8. Put a booth up at freshman orientation

9. Tweet or put up a flyer that lists the benefits of FBLA

10. Advertise the fun things such as the Predators’ night, State Leadership Conference,

National Leadership Conference, etc.

ITINERARY

Kayla Massey

August 6- 11, 2015

Thursday, August 6

10:30 a.m. Arrive at BNA International Airport

12:30 p.m. Board United Express flight at terminal B--Embraer RJ145-Flight 1307

2: 36 p.m. Arrive in Houston

3:45 p.m. Board United Express flight at terminal C Flight 7163

6:05 p.m. Arrive in San Francisco

7:00 p.m. Board United Express flight at terminal 3 Flight 253

9:40 p.m. Arrive in Honolulu

Friday, August 7

1:25 a.m. Board FIJI Airways flight at terminal M Flight 532 (Total trip time 29h 20m)

Saturday, August 8

6:25 a.m. Arrive in Apia, Samoa

6:40 a.m. Pick up rental car at the airport from National Car Rental Samoa ($40.12/day--unlimited mileage)

7:00 a.m. Arrive at Pasefika Inn

8:00 a.m. Eat breakfast at hotel (free)

9:30 a.m. Visit the Apia Markets

2:00 p.m. Depart to swim with the turtles ($5)

Sunday, August 9

8:00 a.m. Eat breakfast at the hotel

9:30 a.m. Depart for National University of Samoa

9:45 a.m. Arrive

10:00 a.m. Begin Presentation

12:00 p.m. Depart for Robert Louis Stevenson Museum ($15)

12:15 p.m. Arrive

3:30 p.m. Depart for dinner

7:00 p.m. Arrive at hotel

Monday, August 10

8:00 a.m. Eat breakfast at the hotel

8:30 a.m. Put luggage in the car and drive to the Museum of Samoa (free)

8:40 a.m. Arrive

10:00 a.m. Depart for airport

10:10 a.m. Arrive at airport and return car

11:25 a.m. Depart from Apia-- Board Fiji Airways Flight 254

1:30 p.m. Arrive in Nadi

9:40 p.m. Depart from Nadi-- Fiji Airways Flight 810

1:25 p.m. Arrive at LAX

11:30 p.m. Depart from LAX--American Airlines Flight 1360

Tuesday, August 11

5:30 a.m. Arrive in Nashville! (Total trip time 36h 5m)

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA- PHI BETA LAMBDA

Ministry of Education Agenda

August 9, 2015

1. Call to Order- Kayla Massey, Ambassador of FBLA

2. Roll Call

3. Reports

4. Unfinished Business

5. New Business

a) Introduction

b) Presentation

c) Question and Answer session

d) Exchange of Information

6. Adjournment

July 11, 2015

Mr. Magele MauiliuMinistry of Education Pago Pago As, 9679

Dear Mr. Mauiliu

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is hoping to go global! One of the countries it is looking to be a part of is Samoa.

FBLA is a wonderful organization that would offer many opportunities to students. This organization would be great for a variety of citizens because it is made of four divisions. High school students, middle level students, college students and professionals can all benefit from FBLA.

To get FBLA started in Samoa or to just learn more about what it has to offer we need to set up a simple meeting.

Please contact me about this at your earliest convenience. If I do not hear from you in two weeks I will contact you to confirm a meeting time.

Sincerely

Kayla MasseyAmbassador of Future Business Leader of America

km

TO: FBLA-PBL Headquarters

FROM: Kayla Massey

DATE: August 18, 2015

SUBJECT: Results of Meeting and Presentation in Samoa

While in Samoa, I had a great experience! The people I met with were enthusiastic about my presentation and about the organization.

The presentation was extremely effective. I have already received eight emails from people who wish to start a chapter in the high school where he or she works.

In the meeting I met more than a hundred interested members, advisors, and professionals. The majority of the people in attendance were high school students. All of them were very excited to hear all the opportunities that FBLA could offer them.

Traveling to Samoa was a success. Thank you for the great opportunity

km

Budget Samoa Trip 2015 Hotel and Flight 3131.02Rental car 205.6Swim with Turtles 5Museum 15Food 400Incidentals 250Total 4006.62 Excess 993.38

35%

2%0%

0%

4%

3%

44%

11%

Budget for Samoa Trip 2015

Hotel and FlightRental carSwim with TurtlesMuseum FoodIncidentals TotalExcess