Samoans
They call themselves tagata Sāmoa
Indigenous Polynesians of the Samoan Islands, united by language and tradition
The Samoans are the Indigenous Polynesian people of the Samoan Islands, which include the Independent State of Samoa and American Samoa. Numbering between 700,000 and 800,000, they are known for their strong extended family system, chiefly leadership, and as a central link in the history and spread of Polynesian culture.
Who are the Samoans?
Samoans are the Indigenous people of the Samoan Islands, a group of islands in central Polynesia. They share a common language, Samoan, and a strong sense of identity rooted in extended family (aiga) and chiefly (matai) systems. Despite being divided by modern political borders between Samoa and American Samoa, Samoans maintain a unified culture, social structure, and set of traditions. Their society is built around respect for elders, communal living, and a deep connection to their land and sea. Samoans see themselves as part of a wider Polynesian family, with close ties to other Pacific peoples.
Where do the Samoans live?
The Samoan Islands are located in the heart of Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is divided between the Independent State of Samoa and American Samoa, a territory of the United States. The islands are volcanic and lush, with tropical forests, fertile land for agriculture, and abundant coastal resources. Villages are typically clustered along the coast, with houses grouped in family compounds. The land is central to Samoan life, organized and managed by family chiefs, and supports both traditional and modern livelihoods.
What language do the Samoans speak?
Samoan is a Polynesian language spoken by nearly all Samoans, both in the islands and abroad. It is closely related to other Polynesian languages and is used in daily life, ceremonies, and oral traditions. English is also widely spoken, especially in American Samoa and among Samoan communities overseas. The language remains strong and is a key part of Samoan identity, with efforts to maintain its use among younger generations and in the diaspora.
How do the Samoans live?
Traditionally, Samoans make their living through farming, fishing, and crafts. Families grow crops like taro, bananas, and coconuts, and fish in the surrounding seas. Handicrafts, such as weaving mats and making tapa cloth, are important for both daily use and ceremonies. In recent times, many Samoans also work in towns or overseas, sending money back to support their families. Houses are often open-sided structures built from local materials, reflecting the communal and outdoor nature of Samoan life.
How is Samoans society organised?
Samoan society is organized around the aiga (extended family) and the matai (chiefly) system. Each family is led by a matai, who is chosen through a process involving family consensus and demonstration of wisdom, leadership, and service. The matai represents the family in village councils and oversees land and resources. Untitled men, called aumaga, form the labor core and are supervised by a manaia. Marriage and funerals are major communal events, involving the whole village and reinforcing family ties. Children are raised to contribute to family work from a young age.
What do the Samoans believe?
Most Samoans are Christian, a faith introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, but elements of traditional Samoan beliefs and mythology remain important. Ceremonies, such as the kava ritual and oratory speeches, play a key role in village life. Art forms include tattooing, weaving, and storytelling. Dress for special occasions often includes woven mats and tapa cloth. Music and dance are central to celebrations and express both joy and respect for ancestors.
The history of the Samoans
Samoans trace their origins to a special creation in Samoa, but archaeological evidence suggests settlement about 3,500 years ago by people from Maritime Southeast Asia. The islands became a center for Polynesian migration and culture, with close ties to Tonga, Fiji, and other Pacific islands. European contact began in the 18th century, followed by colonization by Germany, Britain, and the United States. The islands were divided, with the west becoming independent Samoa and the east remaining American Samoa. Christianity and colonial rule brought major changes, but Samoan culture and social systems have endured.
Samoans life today
Today, Samoans live both in their home islands and in large communities overseas, especially in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. The population is around 750,000. While many still farm and fish, wage work and migration are increasingly important. The matai system and extended family remain central, though modern pressures and emigration bring new challenges. Samoan language and culture are actively maintained, both at home and in the diaspora.
Questions people ask about the Samoans
Where do the Samoans live?
The Samoans live in Samoa, American Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and French Polynesia, in the Samoan Islands in central Polynesia.
How many Samoans people are there?
Our sources give the Samoans population as about 700,000–800,000 (infobox). Counts of peoples vary with who is counted and when.
What language do the Samoans speak?
The Samoans speak Samoan, which belongs to the Polynesian family of languages.
How do the Samoans make a living?
The Samoans are known for settled farming, fishing and the sea, craft and trade and towns and wage work. Like most peoples, they combine several ways of making a living, and these have changed over time.
Sources and further reading
This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Samoans themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.