# Upolu

> island in Samoa

**Wikidata**: [Q274569](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q274569)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upolu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/upolu

## Summary
Upolu is the largest and most populous island of Samoa, part of the sovereign state of the Independent State of Samoa. Located in Polynesia, it is one of six islands that make up the nation, with a population of approximately 143,418 people. The island serves as the political and cultural heart of Samoa, housing the capital, Apia, and playing a central role in the country's governance and traditions.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Largest island of Samoa, part of the Samoan Islands archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.
- **Population**: Approximately 143,418 residents (as of available data).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -13.916666666667, longitude -171.75.
- **Part of**: The sovereign state of Samoa, which gained independence in 1962.
- **Capital**: Apia is located on Upolu, serving as the administrative center of Samoa.
- **Geography**: Covers a significant portion of Samoa's total land area, contributing to the nation's cultural and economic identity.
- **Sitelink Count**: 60 (indicating widespread digital presence and recognition).
- **Wikidata Description**: "Island in Samoa" (official classification).
- **Aliases**: Upolu Island (alternative name).

## FAQs
**What is the significance of Upolu in Samoa?**
Upolu is the largest and most populous island of Samoa, housing the capital, Apia, and serving as the political and cultural hub of the nation. It is one of six islands that make up Samoa, and its strategic location has made it central to the country's governance and traditions.

**How does Upolu contribute to Samoa's economy and culture?**
Upolu is the economic and cultural heart of Samoa, hosting the capital city, Apia, which is a major port and commercial center. The island's fertile land supports agriculture, and its vibrant culture, including traditional practices like the "fa'amatai" system, influences social and political life across the nation.

**What are the key administrative divisions on Upolu?**
Upolu is divided into several administrative territorial entities, including A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gaga'ifomauga, Vaisigano, Satupa'itea, and Palauli. These divisions help organize governance and local administration on the island.

**How does Upolu's geography influence Samoa's international relations?**
Upolu's location in the Pacific Ocean, as part of the Samoan Islands archipelago, places Samoa in a strategic position for international relations. The island's proximity to major trading partners like Australia and New Zealand has influenced Samoa's infrastructure, including its shift to driving on the left side of the road.

## Why It Matters
Upolu is of significant importance to Samoa as the largest and most populous island, hosting the capital, Apia, and serving as the political and cultural center of the nation. Its strategic location in the Pacific Ocean has shaped Samoa's governance, economy, and cultural identity. The island's fertile land supports agriculture, and its vibrant traditions, such as the "fa'amatai" system, reflect Samoa's unique cultural heritage. Upolu's role in Samoa's international relations is also notable, as its proximity to major trading partners has influenced the country's infrastructure and economic policies. The island's significance is further underscored by its high site link count, indicating extensive global digital coverage and recognition.

## Notable For
- **Largest Island**: Upolu is the largest island of Samoa, contributing significantly to the nation's land area and population.
- **Capital Location**: The capital, Apia, is situated on Upolu, making it the administrative and economic center of Samoa.
- **Cultural Hub**: Upolu serves as the cultural heart of Samoa, hosting traditional practices and social institutions that shape the nation's identity.
- **Strategic Geography**: The island's location in the Pacific Ocean, as part of the Samoan Islands archipelago, places Samoa in a strategic position for international relations.
- **High Population Density**: With a population of approximately 143,418, Upolu is the most densely populated island in Samoa, reflecting its central role in the country's development.
- **Administrative Divisions**: Upolu is divided into several administrative territorial entities, which help organize governance and local administration on the island.
- **Economic Importance**: The island's fertile land supports agriculture, and its vibrant culture influences Samoa's economy and social life.

## Body

### Governance and Leadership
Upolu is the political and administrative center of Samoa, hosting the capital, Apia. The island is governed by the Legislative Assembly of Samoa, which is part of the nation's legislative body. The head of state, known as O le Ao o le Malo, is currently Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, and the head of government is the Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. These leaders oversee the governance of Upolu and the broader nation.

### Geography and Demographics
Upolu is located in Polynesia within Insular Oceania, with a total area contributing to Samoa's 2,842 square kilometers. Its geographic coordinates are centered approximately at -13.745 latitude and -172.2175 longitude. The island's highest point is Mount Silisili. The population of Upolu has grown from 108,645 in 1960 to approximately 143,418, reflecting its central role in Samoa's demographic growth.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Upolu is the economic hub of Samoa, with Apia serving as a major port and commercial center. The island uses the Samoan tālā as its currency, and its infrastructure includes a shift to driving on the left side of the road to align with major trading partners. The mains voltage is 230V at 50Hz, using the AS/NZS 3112 plug type. The Central Bank of Samoa oversees the island's economic policies and financial systems.

### International Relations
Upolu's location in the Pacific Ocean, as part of the Samoan Islands archipelago, places Samoa in a strategic position for international relations. The country maintains diplomatic relations with Australia, Taiwan, the United States, People's Republic of China, and Germany. Samoa is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, and various specialized agencies.

### Culture and Society
The official languages of Samoa are Samoan and English, reflecting the island's cultural diversity. The national anthem is "The Banner of Freedom," and the tourism slogan is "Beautiful Samoa." The culture of Upolu is uniquely Samoan, with a traditional social structure that includes the "fa'amatai" system of chiefs and orators. The marriageable age is 21 for males and 19 for females, and the Gini coefficient, a measure of inequality, was 38.7 in 2013.

### Identifiers and Codes
Upolu is identified by numerous international codes, including ISO 3166-1 codes WS (alpha-2), WSM (alpha-3), and 882 (numeric). Its telephone country code is +685, and its mobile country code is 549. The IOC country code is SAM, as is the Commonwealth sport country code. The top-level internet domain is .ws, and other identifiers include the UN/LOCODE WS, the FIPS 10-4 code WS, and the ITU letter code SMO.

### Administrative Divisions
Upolu contains several administrative territorial entities, including A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gaga'ifomauga, Vaisigano, Satupa'itea, and Palauli. These divisions help organize governance and local administration on the island, ensuring effective management of its resources and communities.

### History and Miscellaneous
Upolu has a rich history as part of the sovereign state of Samoa, which gained independence in 1962. The island has a high site link count across Wikimedia projects, indicating extensive global digital coverage and recognition. It has various aliases in multiple languages, including Western Samoa, Estado Independiente de Samoa, and West-Samoa, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.

## References

1. Source
2. [Source](https://www.timeanddate.com/time/zone/@4034956)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames
5. [Source](https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=244030)
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File