Country Profile: Samoa

Samoa, an independent state located in the South Pacific Ocean, is composed of two main islands, Savaii and Upolu, along with several smaller islets. The country has a population of approximately 210,000, predominantly Samoan, with a vibrant culture and a strong emphasis on family-led governance through the fa’amatai system. Economically, Samoa is recognized as a lower middle-income nation, largely driven by its agriculture and fishing industries, as well as remittances from its diaspora. The government operates as a parliamentary republic, blending traditional customs with modern political structures.

Geography

Samoa is situated approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, consisting of two main islands and a rugged interior characterized by volcanic mountains and narrow coastal plains. The islands experience a tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October.

2,831 sq km: Total area of Samoa.
403 km: Length of coastline.
1,857 m: Elevation of Mount Silisili, the highest point.
57.8%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2023 est.).

People and Society

Samoa has an estimated population of 210,223 in 2025, with a diverse cultural heritage primarily made up of Samoan ethnic groups. The official languages are Samoan and English, and a significant majority of the population identifies as Christian. The country is characterized by a young population, with a median age of 27.8 years.

26.9%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years.
75.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
98%: Literacy rate (2019 est.).
21.9%: Population living below the poverty line (2018 est.).

Economy

Samoa's economy is classified as lower middle-income and is heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing, with significant contributions from remittances. The country has a growing offshore financial sector and has focused on increasing tourism through events like the Pacific Games.

$1.503 billion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
9.4%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
4.6%: Unemployment rate for 2024.
26.4%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).

Government

Samoa is governed as a parliamentary republic, with a legal system that integrates elements of English common law and traditional customs. The country celebrates its independence from New Zealand-administered trusteeship, having established a constitution in 1962, and features a unicameral Legislative Assembly with 51 members.

Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II: Chief of State since July 2017.
LA'AULIALEMALIETOA La'auli Leuatea Schmidt: Prime Minister since September 2025.
51: Total seats in the Legislative Assembly.
9.8%: Percentage of women in the Legislative Assembly.

Military and Security

Samoa does not maintain regular military forces; however, it has a police service that includes a maritime unit. The country has established informal defense ties with New Zealand and has agreements with the U.S. Coast Guard for maritime law enforcement.

No regular military forces: Security is provided by Samoa Police Service.
"Shiprider" agreement: Enables collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard for maritime patrols.

Energy

Samoa has a high rate of electrification, with nearly all urban areas having access to electricity. The energy mix includes a combination of fossil fuels, hydroelectric power, and solar energy, with a focus on sustainable practices.

98.3%: Electrification of the total population (2022 est.).
54,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
141.846 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).

Environment

Samoa faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion and deforestation, but is proactive in international environmental agreements. The islands have a rich biodiversity and make efforts to protect their natural resources.

57.6%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
335,000 metric tonnes: Total carbon dioxide emissions (2023 est.).
17.5%: Urbanization rate of the population (2023).

Transportation

Samoa's transport infrastructure includes several airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The majority of transportation is facilitated through road networks and air travel.

4: Number of airports projected for 2025.
13: Vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
1: Primary port located in Apia.

Communications

Samoa has made strides in telecommunications, with increasing internet penetration and mobile subscriptions. The country has a mix of state-owned and private media outlets broadcasting locally and from neighboring regions.

58%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023 est.).
134,000: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
5,000: Total fixed-line subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	210,223	Estimated for 2025
Area	2,831 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.503 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	75.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	98%	Estimated for 2019
Total Fertility Rate	2.29 children/woman	Estimated for 2025
Urban Population	17.5%	Of total population (2023)
Electric Access	98.3%	Total population (2022 est.)
CO2 Emissions	335,000 metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023