Talofa lava!

Language seen as key to staying in touch with Samoan culture

Samoa ready for huge event to mark 50 years independence

Thousands head to Samoa's parliament for independence celebrations

Samoan flag raised in front of thousands

Samoa prisoners granted amnesty as part of independence celebrations

Sport: Youthful Samoan team claim underdogs tag

Samoa's gradual change highlighted in independence celebrations

Samoans march in parades to mark 50 years of independence

Sport: Tahiti defeats Samoa in OFC match

Samoa's head of state grants amnesty to 35 prisoners

Floats and sports features in day two of Samoa independence celebrations

Samoa's PM acknowledges special relationship between NZ and Samoa