Country Profile: Samoa
Samoa is a parliamentary republic located in the South Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The nation is made up of two main islands, Savaii and Upolu, with a population of approximately 210,223 people. The economy is classified as a lower middle-income economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, fishing, and remittances from abroad. Governance in Samoa is influenced by traditional chieftaincy, with the fa’amatai system playing a vital role in its political structure.
Geography
Samoa comprises a group of islands characterized by a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The two primary islands, Savaii and Upolu, are accompanied by multiple smaller islands and uninhabited islets. The terrain features narrow coastal plains leading to rugged, volcanic mountains.
- Total area: 2,831 sq km
- Highest point: Mount Silisili at 1,857 m
- Coastline: 403 km
- Population: Approximately 210,223 (2025 est.)
- Natural resources: hardwood forests, fish, and hydropower
People and Society
The population of Samoa is predominantly Samoan, with a rich cultural heritage that includes a variety of languages and religions. The median age is 27.8 years, indicating a relatively young population, with about three-quarters living on the island of Upolu. The literacy rate is high, at 98%, reflecting the country’s emphasis on education.
- Population: 210,223 (2025 est.)
- Ethnic groups: 96% Samoan, 2% Samoan/New Zealander
- Languages: Samoan (91.1% prevalence), English (0.5% prevalence)
- Major urban area: Apiā, population 36,000 (2018)
- Life expectancy at birth: 75.7 years (2024 est.)
Economy
Samoa's economy is primarily based on fishing and agriculture, bolstered by remittances and tourism. With ongoing infrastructure development and a growing offshore financial sector, the country has seen positive GDP growth rates recently. Agricultural products include coconuts, bananas, and tropical fruits, which are key to the local economy.
- Real GDP (PPP): $1.503 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP growth rate: 9.4% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% (2024 est.)
- Percentage of GDP from remittances: 26.4% (2024 est.)
- Labor force: 57,200 (2024 est.)
Government
Samoa is governed as a parliamentary republic, with a legal system that combines English common law and customary law. The Legislative Assembly holds a crucial role in the governance structure, and citizens are able to vote at the age of 21. The current Prime Minister is LA'AULIALEMALIETOA La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, who took office in September 2025.
- Capital: Apia
- Government type: Parliamentary republic
- Latest constitution amendment: 1 January 1962
- Suffrage: Universal at 21 years of age
- Number of seats in legislature: 51
Military and Security
Samoa does not maintain regular military forces but has a police service that includes a maritime unit. The country has established defense ties with New Zealand and collaborates with the United States through a "shiprider" agreement, allowing joint maritime law enforcement efforts.
- Regular military forces: None
- Defense pact: With New Zealand
- Maritime unit: Samoa Police Service
- International collaboration: Includes the US Coast Guard
Energy
Access to electricity is widespread, with around 98.3% of the population having access as of 2022. Electricity generation relies mainly on fossil fuels, along with renewable sources like hydroelectricity and solar energy.
- Installed electricity capacity: 54,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 141.846 million kWh (2023 est.)
- Rural electrification: 97.9%
- Total energy consumption per capita: 23.476 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
Samoa faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion, deforestation, and overfishing. The country is actively participating in international environmental agreements to combat these issues, showing commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
- Forest cover: 57.8% of land area (2023 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 335,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Municipal solid waste: 27,400 tons generated annually (2024 est.)
- Recycling rate for solid waste: 57.6% (2022 est.)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes a network of civil aircraft and ports, with the key port located in Apia. The country's merchant marine fleet consists of various types of vessels for cargo and oil transport.
- Airports: 4 (2025)
- Merchant marine fleet: 13 vessels (2023)
- Total ports: 1, with facilities for oil transport
Communications
Samoa has improved its communication infrastructure significantly, with a growing number of internet users and mobile subscriptions. Broad media presence includes privately owned and state-run television and radio stations.
- Internet usage: 58% of the population (2023 est.)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 134,000 (2022 est.)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 5,000 (2022 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 210,223 | 2025 est. |
| Area | 2,831 sq km | |
| GDP | $1.503 billion | Real GDP (PPP) 2024 est. |
| Unemployment | 4.6% | 2024 est. |
| Energy consumption | 23.476 million Btu/person | Total energy consumption per capita 2023 |
| Life expectancy | 75.7 years | 2024 est. |
| Literacy rate | 98% | 2019 est. |
| Birth rate | 18.53 births/1,000 population | 2025 est. |
| CO2 emissions | 335,000 metric tonnes | 2023 est. |
| Remittances as GDP percentage | 26.4% | 2024 est. |
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