Samoa sits in the central South Pacific, a small island nation defined more by ocean lanes than by long stretches of land. Its nearest neighbors are other island territories and countries whose relationships with Samoa are shaped by culture, travel and maritime boundaries.
There are 5 countries that border samoa, ranging from American Samoa to Wallis and Futuna. For each, you’ll find below the Flag (emoji), Border type, and Closest distance (km).
Does Samoa share any land borders with other countries?
No — Samoa is an island nation with no land borders; the “borders” listed are maritime or proximity-based (territorial seas, EEZs, or nearest-point distances) to nearby countries and territories such as American Samoa and Wallis and Futuna.
How is “Closest distance (km)” defined in the list?
“Closest distance (km)” is the shortest surface distance between the nearest points of land or baseline (measured as a great‑circle distance) and is used to indicate proximity; official maritime boundaries or treaties can alter legal adjacency.
Countries that Border Samoa
| Name | Flag (emoji) | Border type | Closest distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Samoa | 🇦🇸 | Territorial sea and EEZ delimitation | 160 km |
| Tokelau | 🇹🇰 | Overlapping EEZ / delimitation | 540 km |
| Wallis and Futuna | 🇼🇫 | Overlapping EEZ / delimitation | 430 km |
| Niue | 🇳🇺 | Overlapping EEZ / delimitation | 640 km |
| Tonga | 🇹🇴 | Overlapping EEZ / possible delimitation | 480 km |
Descriptions
American Samoa
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States; its main islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu‑Olosega) lie east of Samoa. A formally delimited maritime boundary separates Samoa and American Samoa’s territorial sea and exclusive economic zones.
Tokelau
Tokelau is a New Zealand territory made up of three atolls (Atafu, Nukunonu, Fakaofo). It lies north of Samoa; their EEZs come close and have been the subject of maritime delimitation or coordination between Samoa and New Zealand authorities.
Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity composed of Wallis (Uvea), Futuna and Alofi. Its islands lie west of Samoa; France’s and Samoa’s EEZs meet and are subject to maritime delimitation arrangements.
Niue
Niue is a self‑governing state in free association with New Zealand. Located southeast of Samoa, Niue’s single island and its EEZ approach Samoa’s waters; maritime limits are determined by bilateral delimitation principles and regional practice.
Tonga
Tonga is a sovereign kingdom south of Samoa; its northern island groups (Vava’u, Ha’apai) are the closest points. Tonga’s and Samoa’s EEZs come within range, prompting delimitation discussions and practical median‑line arrangements.
