Country Profile: Samoa

Samoa is an independent island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, situated about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The country comprises two main islands, Savaii and Upolu, and has a population of approximately 210,223. Samoa's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and an emerging offshore financial sector, benefiting from significant remittances. The government operates as a parliamentary republic, following a mixed legal system that includes both English common law and local customary law.

Geography

Samoa is a tropical island nation with a landscape characterized by rugged mountains and narrow coastal plains. The country's total land area is approximately 2,831 square kilometers, with the highest point being Mount Silisili at 1,857 meters. The climate features a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Samoa is susceptible to natural hazards like cyclones and volcanic activity.

2,831 sq km: Total area of Samoa.
403 km: Total coastline.
57.8%: Percentage of land classified as forest (2023).
17.6%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
3.9%: Percentage of arable land (2023).

People and Society

The population of Samoa is approximately 210,223 as of 2025, with a majority identifying as Samoan. The official languages are Samoan and English, reflecting a blend of indigenous culture and colonial influence. The society is predominantly Protestant, with significant Catholic and other Christian communities. About 17.5% of the population resides in urban areas, primarily in the capital, Apia.

210,223: Estimated total population (2025).
96%: Percentage of the population identifying as Samoan (2011).
75%: Approximate percentage of the population living on Upolu.
98%: Literacy rate among the total population (2019).
75.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

Samoa's economy is classified as a lower middle-income economy, heavily reliant on fishing and agriculture, supplemented by remittances from overseas. The GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) is estimated at $1.503 billion for 2024, with a real GDP growth rate of 9.4% anticipated. Services dominate the economic landscape, contributing 72.5% to the GDP composition. Samoa is also developing as an offshore financial hub.

$1.503 billion: Estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024.
11%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
26.4%: Share of remittances in GDP (2024).
4.6%: Unemployment rate (2024).
$371.764 million: Estimated government revenue (2023).

Government

Samoa is a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature known as the Legislative Assembly, consisting of 51 seats. The country has a mixed legal system that incorporates both customary and English common laws. Samoa gained independence from New Zealand on January 1, 1962, and has since maintained a stable political environment with regular elections.

51: Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly.
21 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II: Current head of state since July 21, 2017.
LA'AULIALEMALIETOA La'auli Leuatea Schmidt: Prime Minister since September 16, 2025.

Military and Security

Samoa does not maintain regular military forces but has a police service that includes maritime units. The country has established informal defense relationships with New Zealand and a "shiprider" agreement with the United States, allowing collaboration on maritime law enforcement within Samoa's exclusive economic zone.

No regular military forces: Samoa relies on police for security (2025).
New Zealand: Provides informal defense assistance to Samoa.

Energy

Electricity access in Samoa is high, with 98.3% of the population having access as of 2022. The country's energy generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, along with contributions from solar and hydroelectric sources. Samoa consumes around 141.846 million kWh of electricity annually.

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

Environment

Samoa faces environmental challenges, including soil erosion, deforestation, and invasive species. It has ratified various international environmental agreements focused on biodiversity and climate change, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

335,000 metric tonnes: Estimated CO2 emissions (2023).
57.6%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).

Transportation

Samoa has a limited transportation infrastructure, with a total of four airports and a small merchant marine fleet primarily engaged in general cargo. The main port is located in Apia, facilitating the import and export of goods.

4: Number of airports (2025).
13: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

Telecommunications in Samoa include both fixed and mobile services, with a growing number of internet users. The country has state-owned and privately operated broadcasters, providing various media services.

58%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023).
134,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	210,223	Estimated total for 2025
Area	2,831 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.503 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	75.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Electrification Rate	98.3%	Access to electricity (2022)
Literacy Rate	98%	Estimated for 2019
Remittances as % of GDP	26.4%	Estimated for 2024
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	335,000 metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023
Total Energy Consumption	141.846 million kWh	Consumption for 2023