Samoa Independence Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Thursday, June 1st. There are until the next observance.

On June 1, Samoa celebrates its independence. On January 1, 1962, the nation declared independence from New Zealand, becoming the first Pacific island republic to do so. The date was changed from January 1, 1962, to avoid the particular celebration falling on New Year’s Day. Samoa is a Polynesian island made up of two major islands. Its capital city is Apia; its official language is English; and its population is anticipated to be 198,410 as of 2020.

📆 When is Samoa Independence Day?

This year, Samoa Independence Day is on June 1st. It is the 1st Thursday in June; in 2024, it is on Saturday.

Countdown to Samoa Independence Day

Did you know: Apis is Samoa’s capital city as well as the country’s sole city.

You can also view all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about June 1, 2023.

📜 History of Samoa Independence Day

Western Samoa was controlled by New Zealand as a Class C mandate under the trusteeship of the League of Nations, later the United Nations, from the conclusion of World War I until 1962. The Department of External Affairs, a government body created particularly to manage Samoa and New Zealand’s Island Territories, was in charge of Samoa from 1919 to 1962. To manage New Zealand’s international relations, the Department of External Relations—later renamed the Department of Island Territories—was established in 1943. The Spanish Flu Pandemic and the Mau Movement, two important things that happened when New Zealand was in charge, were both caused by the people in charge at the time.

The flu pandemic of 1918, which killed an average of 22% of Samoa’s population and caused resentment among the native Samoans, was the first instance. This epidemic was brought on by a New Zealand ship that landed uninhibited on Samoan grounds. The Mau’s demonstration was at first peaceful, but it turned violent when the police got involved and shot two of their leaders in the second incident. That day, 50 individuals suffered injuries from gunshots and police batons, and at least 10 people died. In Samoa, that day is referred to as “Black Saturday.”

☑️ Samoa Independence Day facts

Birds that are endemic to the country
84% of Samoa’s land bird species are found nowhere else on the planet.

Tattooing is a part of their culture
Tattoos are a part of their culture, and they even have tattoos for each gender.

Samoans love to play kilikiti
Kilikiti is a type of cricket that European missionaries introduced to them.

Things to do on Samoa Independence Day

Throw a party
Samoa Independence Day is a celebration of independence. Participate by organizing a free-spirited party.

Learn the history
You would enjoy this great day more if you understood how Samoa gained independence. Enjoy the fascinating narrative of Samoa’s road to self-government.

Help your community
Samoa’s independence was only possible because certain individuals battled for it. There may be no need to struggle for freedom because Samoa is already free, but if you find a way to serve your community, do not hesitate to do it.

📅 Samoa Independence Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 June 1 Thursday
2024 June 1 Saturday
2025 June 1 Sunday
2026 June 1 Monday
2027 June 1 Tuesday

Discover all June holidays, including Federal and other Civic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Samoa Independence Day. So be sure to check back soon.