Samoa Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated April 25, 2020

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

The islands of Samoa are of volcanic origin and are built up of lava and rough but consist of the lower, coastal parts of coral reefs. Crater lakes occur and receive their water from the abundant rainfall, which also gives rise to fast-flowing streams with numerous waterfalls. The islands are located in the tropical climate belt. Typhoons are common, mainly in December – March.

The country is a parliamentary democracy with a head of state and a single-chamber assembly elected for five years. The executive power rests with the head of state, and government power is exercised by a cabinet with a prime minister and twelve ministers. The country became independent in 1962.

Agriculture, mainly cultivation and processing of coconuts, has largely determined the development of business. Often tropical storms have destroyed harvests and infrastructure and led to a sharp decline in exports. Fluctuating prices in the world market for copra and cocoa have also created problems. The country is heavily dependent on international aid.