Upolu

Upolu is the second-largest island of Samoa and the nation's most populous island, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It contains Apia, the capital and largest city, and serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Samoa. The island is elongated along the northwest–southeast axis and features a rugged interior of hills and rainforests surrounded by a coastal plain with a variety of beaches and lagoons.

Population and people: Upolu accounts for the majority of Samoa's residents, with Samoan and English spoken across the island. The culture is organized around the matai chiefly system and fa'a Samoa traditions.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy is dominated by services, government, and tourism, with agriculture (coconuts, taro, and tropical fruits) continuing as a significant secondary sector. Apia hosts the main port and commercial facilities; Faleolo International Airport on the western coast provides international air links. The island is connected by a road network and regular ferry services to and from neighboring islands.

History: Upolu has a long Samoan history and was part of German Samoa in the colonial era, then administered by New Zealand after World War I, and became part of the independent state of Samoa in 1962.

Notable places: In addition to Apia, Upolu is home to cultural sites such as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Vailima, and to beaches and natural attractions that attract visitors year-round.