Description

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Context

The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude-6.6 earthquake in the South Pacific island nation of Samoa on Friday (July 25, 2025). There were no early reports of injuries or damage.

Samoa Key Features

Source: Britannica

Location	Polynesian island nation in the central South Pacific Ocean, halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii
Composition	Archipelago of nine islands, four inhabited
Area	2,842 sq. km
Largest Islands	Savai’i and Upolu (three-quarters of the population lives on Upolu)
Geological Origin	Volcanic activity
Topography	Mountainous with many lakes and rivers
Coastal Features	Coral reefs and shallow lagoons ring the islands
Capital City	Apia (on the island of Upolu)
Independence	Gained independence from New Zealand in 1962 (first Pacific island country to do so)
Political System	Parliamentary democracy

Language of Samoa

The official language of the country is Samoan.
The constitution requires that legislative activity be done in both Samoan and English.
The economy relies on fishing and agriculture, which are susceptible to storms and disease.

Source: The Hindu

Practice Questions

Q. The island country Samoa is located in which one of the following oceans?

[A] Atlantic Ocean

[B] Indian Ocean

[C] Arctic Ocean

[D] Pacific Ocean

Answer: D