Country Profile: Samoa
Samoa, an independent state located in the South Pacific Ocean, encompasses two main islands, Savaii and Upolu, along with several smaller islets. The country has a population of approximately 208,853 as of 2024, with a rich cultural history influenced by early Austronesians and Christian missionaries. Its economy is classified as a lower middle-income, heavily reliant on fishing, agriculture, and significant remittances. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Samoa's political landscape is shaped by the traditional fa’amatai system, which emphasizes familial leadership roles.
Geography
Samoa is situated in Oceania, approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, comprising two main islands and various smaller isles. The tropical climate features a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The landscape includes volcanic mountains and narrow coastal plains, with the highest point being Mount Silisili at 1,857 meters.
- 2,831 sq km total area
- 403 km of coastline
- 17.8% of land used for agriculture (2022)
- 57.8% forest cover (2022)
- 0 km of land boundaries
People and Society
Samoa's population is predominantly Samoan (96%), with a median age of 27.4 years. The society is characterized by strong familial ties, with about three-quarters residing on Upolu island. The literacy rate is high at 98%, and the population growth rate stands at 0.65% as of 2024.
- 208,853 total population (2024 est.)
- 54.9% of the population is Protestant
- 18.8% are Roman Catholic (2016 est.)
- 75.7 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 18.8 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024 est.)
Economy
Samoa operates as a lower middle-income economy, leveraging its fishing and agriculture sectors while increasingly developing its offshore financial services. The GDP per capita is projected at $6,900 for 2024, with much of the economy supported by remittances, which account for about 26.4% of GDP.
- $1.503 billion real GDP (2024 est.)
- 4.6% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- 72.5% services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
- $369.73 million in exports (2024 est.)
- $575.749 million in imports (2024 est.)
Government
Samoa is a parliamentary republic with a complex system of governance incorporating traditional leadership roles. The capital, Apia, serves as the political and economic center. The current Prime Minister is Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who has been in office since May 2021. The country recognizes a mixed legal system based on English common law and customary law.
- 51 seats in the Legislative Assembly
- 21 years is the voting age
- Independence Day celebrated on June 1, marking independence from New Zealand in 1962
- Tuimaleali'ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II is the Chief of State (since July 2017)
Military and Security
Samoa maintains no regular military forces, relying on the Samoa Police Service, which includes maritime units. The country has agreements with New Zealand and the US for defense cooperation and maritime security.
- No regular military forces
- Samoa Police Service includes a maritime unit
- Defense ties with New Zealand through the 1962 Treaty of Friendship
Energy
Samoa's energy sector primarily relies on fossil fuels, with over half of its electricity generation capacity derived from these sources. The country is progressing towards greener alternatives, including solar and hydroelectric power.
- 98.3% electrification rate (2022 est.)
- 141.846 million kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
- 54,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges in Samoa include soil erosion, deforestation, and invasive species. The country actively participates in several international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainability.
- 57.8% of land forested (2022 est.)
- Biodiversity, Climate Change agreements ratified
- 27,399 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2011 est.)
Transportation
Samoa has a limited transportation infrastructure, with four airports and a small merchant marine fleet primarily engaged in cargo transport. The main port is located in Apia.
- 4 airports projected for 2025
- 13 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
- 1 port in total, located in Apia
Communications
The communication landscape in Samoa is characterized by a mix of fixed and mobile telephony, with a significant portion of the population using mobile phones. Internet access is also growing, with around 58% of the populace being internet users as of 2023.
- 134,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
- 58% internet user rate (2023 est.)
- 5,000 fixed line subscriptions (2022 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 208,853 | 2024 est. |
| Area | 2,831 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.503 billion | 2024 est. |
| GDP per capita | $6,900 | 2024 est. |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 2024 est. |
| Birth rate | 18.8 births/1,000 | 2024 est. |
| Life expectancy | 75.7 years | 2024 est. |
| Electric access | 98.3% | 2022 est. |
| Literacy rate | 98% | 2019 est. |
| Environmental agreements | Multiple | Party to key global agreements |
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