After repeated efforts by the Samoan independence movement, the New Zealand Western Samoa Act 1961 of 24 November 1961 granted Samoa independence effective 1 January 1962, upon which the Trusteeship Agreement terminated. Samoa also signed a friendship treaty with New Zealand. Samoa, the first small-island country in the Pacific to become independent, joined the Commonwealth of Nations on 28 August 1970. While independence was achieved at the beginning of January, Samoa annually celebrates 1 June as its independence day. COUNT 5
QSN1 What act gave Samoa independence? ANS1 New Zealand Western Samoa Act 1961 QSN2 What exact date did Samoan independence go into effect? ANS2 1 January 1962 QSN3 What's the name of the agreement that ended with the start of Samoa's independence from New Zealand? ANS3 Trusteeship Agreement QSN4 Where was Samoa in the order of small-island countries in their region declaring independence? ANS4 first QSN5 On what date do Samoans celebrate their independence from New Zealand? ANS5 1 June