Crossword Genius

This country has a moat around it! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

samoa

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'this country' is the definition.
(I know that Samoa is a country)

'has a moat around it' is the wordplay.
'SAMOA' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for samoa that I've seen before include "island territory" , "Polynesian isle" , "South Pacific island nation" , "South-west Pacific nation" , "Group of volcanic islands in the S Pacific" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.