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Family

In Samoa the aiga (extended family) is all important. Every village is composed of several aiga. The larger the aiga the more important it is and more power it can wield in village affairs. This leads to, what is a usually, healthy competition between aiga.

Samoan families are usually large; it is not unusual for there to be 12 or more children. Traditionally members of the family would work land that was allocated to them by the matai, but now it is increasingly common for families to encourage their children to work in Apia so they can earn a wage.

There are now more Samoans living outside of Samoa than in the islands themselves. Most of these send money back to the family on a regular basis.

Last Modified: 23/11/97