Western Samoa: Coming of Age

The happy-go-lucky Polynesians on the lush tropical islands of Western Samoa give their children imaginative names—Falesiva (Dance Hall), Vaalele (Flying Boat), Okisenep (Oxygen). Last week many proud new parents celebrated the greatest event in Western Samoa's history by christening their infants Tutoatas—Independence.

A tiny (1,130 sq. mi.), four-island group with a population of only 113,500. Western Samoa * is the first independent Polynesian state, the world's newest nation, and one of the few to achieve independence amid total serenity. Into the capital of Apia (pop. 26,000) for the five-day freedom celebrations poured...