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.
Samoa Map
