What is the capital of Samoa?
Apia lies on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa's second-largest island, within the political district of Tuamasaga.
Apia is the capital and seat of government of Samoa, a role it has held since 1959. Samoa itself has an estimated population of 219,306 (2025).
Apia is also the largest city in Samoa, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Apia at a glance
| City population | 35,974 (2021 census, Apia Urban Area) |
|---|---|
| Country | 🇼🇸 Samoa |
| Founded | 1850s |
| Capital since | 1959 |
| Largest city in Samoa | Apia |
| Time zone | UTC+13:00 (WST) |
| Currency | Samoan tālā (WST) |
About Apia
Apia was founded in 1850s.
Apia has been the capital of Samoa since 1959.
The Apia Urban Area stretches from Letogo village in the east to the industrialised Vaitele area in the west.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Apia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Samoa?
Is Apia the largest city in Samoa?
What is the population of Apia?
Where is Apia located?
When did Apia become the capital of Samoa?
What time zone is Apia in?
What currency is used in Apia?
See the full profile of Samoa on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.