Samoa Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Samoa, State of Polynesia in the Southwest Pacific, 2,600 km northeast of New Zealand; 2,831 km², 196,000 residents (2019).Samoa includes the two larger islands of Savai’i (1,708 km² ) and Upolu (1,118 km²), the two smaller islands of Manono and Apolima as well as some uninhabited small islands. The capital is Apia on Upolu (35,800 residents, 2012).

Country facts

Malo Sa’oloto Tuto’atsi o Samoa / Independent State of Samoa
Country abbreviation: WS
Area: 2 831 km²
Population (2019): 196,000 residents
Capital: Apia
Main languages: Samoan, English
State: Monarchy
Head of State: Va’aletoa Sualauvi II
Head of Government: Tuila’epa Sailele Malielegaoi
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 4,392
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 4,190
Currency unit: 1 number = 100 late
Currency code: WST
Country number (telephony): 685
Internet Domain Name: ws
Time difference compared to Sweden: +12
National Day: June 1 (Celebration of Independence Day, 1962)
Independence Day: January 1, 1962

Nature

Land use: forest (47%), agricultural land (43%), other (10%)
Highest mountain: Mauga Silisili (1,858 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 69 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2.2%; birthrate 27 ‰, death count 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (38%), 15-64 (57%), 65- (5%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 74 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 14 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 200,000 residents
HDI (2017): 0.713 (place 104 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 19%
Most populous city (2012): Apia (35,800 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (10%), industry (24%), service (66%)
Export (2017): US $ 28 million
Main export products: fish, coconuts, taro
Main exporting countries: Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa
Imports (2017): US $ 89 million
Main import products: machinery, food
Main trading partners: New Zealand, Singapore, USA
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography of Samoa

Location and Size

Samoa is an island nation located in the central South Pacific, approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, along with several smaller islands. Samoa is part of the region known as Polynesia and is situated about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) northeast of New Zealand. The total land area of Samoa is approximately 2,842 square kilometers (1,097 square miles), with Upolu being the smaller yet more densely populated island, and Savai’i being the largest but sparsely inhabited.

The islands are spread across the ocean and surrounded by rich coral reefs, which provide natural barriers against the ocean’s waves and support diverse marine life. The capital city, Apia, is located on Upolu, making it the center of the country’s government and economy.

Topography and Natural Features

Samoa is characterized by volcanic origins, with steep, lush mountains, crater lakes, and expansive coastal plains. The country’s topography includes rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, making it a haven for ecotourism. Savai’i, the largest island, features the Mount Silisili, the highest peak in Samoa, standing at 1,858 meters (6,096 feet). The island is home to volcanic craters and volcanic beaches, which attract visitors keen on exploring its natural beauty.

Upolu’s landscape is similarly dominated by mountainous terrain, but it is also home to the majority of Samoa’s population and more developed infrastructure. The island’s coastline is dotted with white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs that are popular among tourists. Both Upolu and Savai’i have fertile soil, which supports the cultivation of crops such as coconuts, taro, and bananas.

Samoa’s diverse natural features include dense tropical rainforests, extensive coral reefs, mangroves, and caves. Its natural environment supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, with native bird species, such as the Samoan starling, and numerous endemic plants. Samoa’s volcanic activity, which remains evident in its landscape, has also created geothermal springs used for bathing and medicinal purposes.

Climate of Samoa

Tropical Climate

Samoa has a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) to 30°C (86°F), with little seasonal variation. The country’s proximity to the equator means that Samoa experiences consistent sunshine and warm conditions, making it a year-round destination for tourists seeking warm-weather experiences.

Rainfall and Seasons

Samoa’s climate is split into two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from November to April, coinciding with the cyclone season in the Pacific. During this period, the country experiences heavy rainfall and the possibility of tropical storms and cyclones, particularly in the months of January to March. Despite the heavy rainfall, the islands maintain high temperatures and humidity levels during this season, contributing to the lushness of the rainforests and vegetation.

The dry season, from May to October, is marked by cooler temperatures and lower humidity, with less frequent rainfall. During this period, the climate is more pleasant for outdoor activities, making it a popular time for visitors. However, due to Samoa’s tropical climate, brief rain showers can occur at any time of the year, especially in the highlands or coastal regions.

People of Samoa

Population and Demographics

Samoa has a population of approximately 200,000 people. The country’s population is predominantly of Samoan descent, with a small percentage of people from other Pacific Islands and foreign countries, such as New Zealand and the United States. The Samoan people are part of the larger Polynesian group, and their culture is deeply rooted in communal living and family traditions. The Samoan population is youthful, with a median age of around 22 years, which reflects the country’s relatively high birth rate.

Most of the population lives in rural villages, where they continue traditional ways of life, especially in the islands’ less-developed regions. However, Apia, the capital city, is the primary urban center, and it serves as the cultural, political, and economic hub of the nation.

Language and Religion

The official languages of Samoa are Samoan and English. Samoan is the most widely spoken language, used in daily life, cultural practices, and ceremonies. It is an Austronesian language, with a rich oral tradition that includes storytelling, poetry, and music. English is the second official language and is primarily used in government, education, and business.

Religion plays a central role in the lives of most Samoans. The vast majority of the population adheres to Christianity, with the largest denomination being the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa. Other Christian denominations are present, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Religion is woven into the fabric of Samoan culture, with church services playing a significant role in community gatherings, celebrations, and national holidays.

Health and Education

Samoa’s healthcare system has made strides in recent decades, particularly with the construction of modern hospitals and healthcare facilities in Apia and other parts of the country. However, like many small island nations, access to healthcare can be limited in rural areas, where transportation and infrastructure challenges exist. Samoa faces significant health challenges, including non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which have become more prevalent as lifestyles have modernized.

Samoa offers free primary and secondary education to its citizens, and the literacy rate is high, with the majority of the population being literate. Education in Samoa is largely based on the British system, and while the country has a public university, the National University of Samoa, many students also pursue higher education abroad, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.

Economy of Samoa

Key Industries

The economy of Samoa is small and open, with key industries including agriculture, tourism, and services. Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of the Samoan economy, with the cultivation of crops such as coconuts, taro, bananas, and cocoa being central to the island’s agricultural output. While the banana industry has seen a decline in recent years due to global competition and challenges related to disease and pests, coconut production remains a significant source of income for the country, and coconut-based products such as oil, copra, and soap are major exports.

Tourism is another important sector in Samoa’s economy. The country’s pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage attract visitors from around the world. Samoa is particularly popular among travelers seeking an authentic Polynesian experience, with its vibrant villages, traditional ceremonies, and natural beauty. The government has worked to develop sustainable tourism, focusing on eco-tourism and cultural tourism to preserve the island’s natural and cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities.

The service sector has grown steadily, with financial services, retail, and public services contributing to the economy. Remittances from Samoans living abroad, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, are also an important source of income for the country, supporting both families and the broader economy.

Economic Challenges

Despite its natural resources and growing tourism sector, Samoa faces several economic challenges. The country has a small domestic market, which limits the scale of its industries, and it relies heavily on imports for many goods. This dependency on foreign goods has led to a persistent trade imbalance, and the government has made efforts to promote local industries and reduce reliance on imported goods.

Samoa is also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels and extreme weather events such as cyclones and storms. The government has taken steps to address these issues, with a focus on climate change adaptation and disaster resilience, but the country remains at risk due to its low-lying geography and vulnerability to natural disasters.

Another challenge is the limited infrastructure in rural areas, which affects access to basic services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. The government has worked to improve infrastructure, but the cost of development in remote areas remains high, and the country’s small size limits its ability to invest in large-scale projects.

Government of Samoa

Political System

Samoa is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The country’s head of state is the O le Ao o le Malo, a largely ceremonial role that is elected by the legislative assembly for a five-year term. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the legislative assembly and holds executive power. The government operates within the framework of a parliamentary system, and the legislature, called the Legislative Assembly, is composed of 51 members who are elected by the people for five-year terms.

Samoa’s political system is based on a combination of traditional Polynesian leadership structures and modern democratic institutions. The traditional chiefly system, known as the fa’amatai, continues to play a significant role in Samoa’s politics, with village chiefs (matai) holding authority over their respective communities. These chiefs are also represented in the legislative assembly, as they have the right to vote in elections and influence political decisions.

Legal System

Samoa’s legal system is based on English common law, with influences from traditional Samoan customary law. The country has a Supreme Court that serves as the highest judicial authority, and the legal system is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The government has made efforts to modernize its legal framework, particularly in areas such as human rights, business regulations, and environmental protection.

Samoa’s legal system also incorporates elements of the fa’amatai system, which guides traditional dispute resolution and community decision-making. While the formal legal system is used for criminal and civil cases, many local disputes are resolved through traditional means, emphasizing consensus-building and restorative justice.

Culture of Samoa

Arts and Music

Samoa has a rich cultural heritage that is expressed through its music, dance, and visual arts. Traditional Samoan music includes drumming, choral singing, and the playing of native instruments such as the ‘ulili (bamboo flute) and the pate (drum). Samoan dances, such as the siva and fa’ataupati, are integral to cultural ceremonies, storytelling, and celebrations. These performances are often accompanied by chants and songs that recount the history and legends of the Samoan people.

In addition to music and dance, Samoan visual arts, such as carving, weaving, and tattooing, are important cultural traditions. Samoan tattoos, known as “tatau,” have deep spiritual and cultural significance and are considered a rite of passage. Tattoos are often passed down through generations, with certain designs and symbols representing specific social roles and cultural affiliations.

Festivals and Traditions

Samoa’s cultural calendar is filled with traditional festivals and celebrations. One of the most important is the annual Teuila Festival, held in September, which showcases Samoan culture through music, dance, and traditional crafts. This festival is an opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience the island’s rich heritage and learn about Samoan customs, including the art of tattooing, cooking, and weaving.

Samoa also celebrates a number of religious festivals, including Christmas and Easter, with church services and community events playing a central role in these occasions. These religious holidays are observed alongside traditional Samoan festivals, highlighting the fusion of Christianity and indigenous Samoan culture.

Cuisine

Samoan cuisine reflects the island’s agricultural and maritime resources, with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown ingredients. Staples of the diet include coconut, taro, breadfruit, bananas, and fish. One of the most iconic dishes in Samoa is “umu,” a traditional Polynesian feast where food is cooked in an underground oven. The umu typically includes meat such as pork, chicken, or fish, along with root vegetables like taro and sweet potatoes, all wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with hot stones.

Samoan cuisine is also influenced by the country’s colonial past, with European ingredients such as flour, sugar, and rice becoming common in daily meals. Coconut milk is a key ingredient in many dishes, giving the food a rich, creamy texture. Meals are often shared in communal settings, reflecting the strong emphasis on family and community in Samoan culture.

History of Samoa

Early History and Polynesian Settlement

Samoa’s history dates back thousands of years, with the islands being first settled by Polynesian navigators. The early Samoans developed a complex social structure based on the fa’amatai system, with chiefs (matai) overseeing local villages and holding authority over communal land. These early settlers established their distinctive culture, with oral traditions, arts, and social practices passed down through generations.

European Contact and Colonial Era

The first European contact with Samoa occurred in the 18th century, with British explorer John Hawkesworth arriving in 1768. Over the following decades, European influence grew, with missionaries arriving in the early 19th century to convert the population to Christianity. The arrival of Europeans also marked the beginning of the decline of the traditional Samoan way of life, with increased trading, the spread of diseases, and the introduction of colonial rule.

In the late 19th century, Samoa became a contested colony between Germany, the United States, and Great Britain. In 1899, following the Samoan Civil War and international negotiations, the islands were divided into two territories: American Samoa, which became a U.S. territory, and Western Samoa, which was placed under German control.

Independence and Modern Development

Western Samoa (now Samoa) gained independence from New Zealand on January 1, 1962, becoming the first Pacific island nation to achieve independence in the 20th century. Samoa’s independence was marked by the establishment of a parliamentary democracy, with a head of state, a prime minister, and a government formed from the country’s traditional chiefly system.

Since independence, Samoa has faced challenges such as economic development, political stability, and the preservation of its cultural heritage. The country has made significant strides in education, infrastructure, and tourism, and it continues to navigate the balance between maintaining its cultural traditions and embracing modernization.

Samoa’s history is characterized by resilience and a strong sense of identity, with the country continuing to celebrate its Polynesian roots while participating actively in global affairs. Today, Samoa is regarded as a model of stability and cultural preservation in the Pacific region.