Samoa
Independent State of Samoa
Australia and Oceania Apia
Population
210.2K
Area
2,831 km²
GDP
$1.07B
GDP Per Capita
$6,900
Pop. Density
74/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
TSamoan tālā(WST)
Calling Code
+685
Timezone
UTC+13:00
Languages
English, Samoan
Driving Side
left
Demonym
Samoan
Background
The first Austronesian settlers arrived in Samoa around 1000 B.C., and early Samoans traded and intermarried with Fijian and Tongan nobility. The fa’amatai system of titles and nobility developed, which dominates Samoan politics to this day; all but two seats in the legislature are reserved for matai, or heads of families. A Dutch explorer was the first European to spot the islands in 1722. Christian missionaries arrived in the 1830s and were followed by an influx of American and European settlers and influence. By the 1880s, Germany, the UK, and the US had trading posts and claimed parts of the kingdom. In 1886, an eight-year civil war broke out, with rival matai factions fighting over royal succession and the three foreign powers providing support to the factions. Germany, the UK, and the US all sent warships to Apia in 1889 and came close to conflict, but a cyclone damaged or destroyed the ships of all three navies.
At the end of the civil war in 1894, Malietoa LAUPEPA was installed as king, but upon his death in 1898, a second civil war over succession broke out. When the war ended in 1899, the Western powers abolished the monarchy, giving the western Samoan islands to Germany and the eastern Samoan islands to the US. The UK abandoned claims in Samoa and received former German territory in the Solomon Islands.
New Zealand occupied Samoa during World War I but was accused of negligence and opposed by many Samoans, particularly an organized political movement called the Mau (“Strongly Held View”) that advocated for independence. During the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic, about 20% of the population died. In 1929, New Zealand police shot into a crowd of peaceful Mau protestors, killing 11, in an event known as Black Sunday. In 1962, Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish its independence as Western Samoa but dropped the “Western” from its name in 1997. The Human Rights Protection Party dominated politics from 1982 until Prime Minister FIAME Naomi Mata'afa's Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party gained a majority in elections in 2021.
At the end of the civil war in 1894, Malietoa LAUPEPA was installed as king, but upon his death in 1898, a second civil war over succession broke out. When the war ended in 1899, the Western powers abolished the monarchy, giving the western Samoan islands to Germany and the eastern Samoan islands to the US. The UK abandoned claims in Samoa and received former German territory in the Solomon Islands.
New Zealand occupied Samoa during World War I but was accused of negligence and opposed by many Samoans, particularly an organized political movement called the Mau (“Strongly Held View”) that advocated for independence. During the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic, about 20% of the population died. In 1929, New Zealand police shot into a crowd of peaceful Mau protestors, killing 11, in an event known as Black Sunday. In 1962, Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish its independence as Western Samoa but dropped the “Western” from its name in 1997. The Human Rights Protection Party dominated politics from 1982 until Prime Minister FIAME Naomi Mata'afa's Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party gained a majority in elections in 2021.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑135.2% since 2006$500M (2006)$1B (2024)
Population
↑16.1% since 2006187,709 (2006)218,019 (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 71.7 years2006: 71.6 years2023: 71.7 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography17
Location
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand
Geographic coordinates
13 35 S, 172 20 W
Map references
Oceania
Area
total : 2,831 sq km
land: 2,821 sq km
water: 10 sq km
land: 2,821 sq km
water: 10 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
403 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October)
Terrain
two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rugged mountains in interior
Elevation
highest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
hardwood forests, fish, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land
17.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 3.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 11.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 2.3% (2023 est.)
forest
57.8% (2023 est.)
other
24.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Population distribution
about three quarters of the population lives on the island of Upolu
Natural hazards
occasional cyclones; active volcanism
volcanism: Savai'I Island (1,858 m) is historically active
volcanism: Savai'I Island (1,858 m) is historically active
Geography - note
occupies an almost central position within Polynesia
People & Society33
Population
total: 210,223 (2025 est.)
male: 106,542
female: 103,681
male: 106,542
female: 103,681
Nationality
noun: Samoan(s)
adjective: Samoan
adjective: Samoan
Ethnic groups
Samoan 96%, Samoan/New Zealander 2%, other 1.9% (2011 est.)
Languages
Samoan (Polynesian) (official) 91.1%, Samoan/English 6.7%, English (official) 0.5%, other 0.2%, unspecified 1.6% (2006 est.)
Religions
Protestant 54.9% (Congregationalist 29%, Methodist 12.4%, Assembly of God 6.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, other Protestant 2.3%), Roman Catholic 18.8%, Church of Jesus Christ 16.9%, Worship Centre 2.8%, other Christian 3.6%, other 2.9% (includes Baha'i, Muslim), none 0.2% (2016 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 26.9% (male 28,952/female 27,173)
15-64 years: 65.9% (male 70,225/female 67,427)
65 years and over: 7.2% (2024 est.) (male 6,743/female 8,333)
15-64 years: 65.9% (male 70,225/female 67,427)
65 years and over: 7.2% (2024 est.) (male 6,743/female 8,333)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 51.6 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 40.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.8 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 40.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.8 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 27.8 years (2025 est.)
male: 27 years
female: 27.8 years
male: 27 years
female: 27.8 years
Population growth rate
0.66% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
18.53 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.41 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-6.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
about three quarters of the population lives on the island of Upolu
Urbanization
urban population: 17.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
36,000 APIA (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
101 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 17.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 20.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.6 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 20.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 13.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 75.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 72.8 years
female: 78.7 years
male: 72.8 years
female: 78.7 years
Total fertility rate
2.29 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.12 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.56 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
47.3% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 20.5% (2025 est.)
male: 28.6% (2025 est.)
female: 12.3% (2025 est.)
male: 28.6% (2025 est.)
female: 12.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.4% (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
62% (2020 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.9% (2020)
women married by age 18: 7.4% (2020)
men married by age 18: 2% (2020)
women married by age 18: 7.4% (2020)
men married by age 18: 2% (2020)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 5.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 11.7% national budget (2025 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 11.7% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy
total population: 98% (2019 est.)
male: 98.3% (2019 est.)
female: 97.7% (2019 est.)
male: 98.3% (2019 est.)
female: 97.7% (2019 est.)
Government22
Country name
conventional long form
Independent State of Samoa
conventional short form
Samoa
local long form
Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa
local short form
Samoa
former
Western Samoa
etymology
the name's meaning and origin are unclear; some assert that it can mean "place of the moa bird" of Polynesian mythology, or it could be a local chieftain's name
Government type
parliamentary republic
Capital
name: Apia
geographic coordinates: 13 49 S, 171 46 W
time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 13 49 S, 171 46 W
time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions
11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts involving fundamental citizen rights
Constitution
history: several previous (pre-independence); latest 1 January 1962
amendment process: proposed as an act by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the third reading, provided at least 90 days have elapsed since the second reading, and assent of the chief of state; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles on customary land or constitutional amendment procedures also requires at least two-thirds majority approval in a referendum
amendment process: proposed as an act by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the third reading, provided at least 90 days have elapsed since the second reading, and assent of the chief of state; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles on customary land or constitutional amendment procedures also requires at least two-thirds majority approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Samoa
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Samoa
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi II (since 21 July 2017)
head of government
Prime Minister LA'AULIALEMALIETOA La'auli Leuatea Schmidt (since 16 September 2025)
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the chief of state on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process
chief of state indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a 5-year term (2-term limit); following legislative elections, the chief of state usually appoints the leader of the majority party as prime minister, with the approval of the Legislative Assembly
most recent election date
23 August 2022
election results
TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi II (independent) unanimously reelected by the Legislative Assembly
expected date of next election
2026
Legislative branch
legislature name
Legislative Assembly (Fono)
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
51 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
8/29/2025
parties elected and seats per party
Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) (32); Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) (22), Sāmoa Uniting Party (SUP) (3), Independents (4)
percentage of women in chamber
9.8%
expected date of next election
August 2030
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and 2 Supreme Court judges and meets once or twice a year); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and several judges)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the chief of state on the advice of the prime minister; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a 3-member body chaired by the chief justice and includes the attorney general and an appointee of the Minister of Justice; judges normally serve until retirement at age 68
subordinate courts: District Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land and Titles Courts; village chief councils
judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the chief of state on the advice of the prime minister; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a 3-member body chaired by the chief justice and includes the attorney general and an appointee of the Minister of Justice; judges normally serve until retirement at age 68
subordinate courts: District Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land and Titles Courts; village chief councils
Political parties
Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi or FAST
Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP
Sāmoa Uniting Party (SUP)
Tautua Samoa Party or TSP
Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP
Sāmoa Uniting Party (SUP)
Tautua Samoa Party or TSP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Pa’olelei LUTERU (since 7 July 2021); note - also Permanent Representative to the UN
chancery
685 Third Avenue, 44th Street, 11th Floor, Suite 1102, New York, NY 10017
telephone
[1] (212) 599-6196
FAX
[1] (212) 599-0797
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Pago Pago (American Samoa)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
the US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Samoa
embassy
5th Floor, Accident Corporation Building, Matafele Apia
mailing address
4400 Apia Place, Washington DC 20521-4400
telephone
[685] 21-436
FAX
[685] 22-030
email address and website
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday
Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962)
Flag
description: red with a blue rectangle in the upper-left quadrant; on the rectangle are five five-pointed white stars that represent the Southern Cross constellation
meaning: red stands for courage, blue for freedom, and white for purity
meaning: red stands for courage, blue for freedom, and white for purity
National symbol(s)
Southern Cross constellation (five five-pointed stars)
National color(s)
red, white, blue
National anthem(s)
title: "O le Fu'a o le Sa'olotoga o Samoa" (The Banner of Freedom)
lyrics/music: Sauni Liga KURESA
history: adopted 1962; also known as "Samoa Tula'i" (Samoa Arise)
lyrics/music: Sauni Liga KURESA
history: adopted 1962; also known as "Samoa Tula'i" (Samoa Arise)
Economy29
Economic overview
ower middle-income Pacific island economy; enormous fishing and agriculture industries; significant remittances; growing offshore financial hub; recently hosted Pacific Games to drive tourism and infrastructure growth
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $1.503 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.374 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.258 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.374 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.258 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 9.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 9.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: -5.3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 9.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: -5.3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $6,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $5,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $5,800 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.068 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 2.2% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 7.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 7.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 11% (2024 est.)
industry: 10.9% (2024 est.)
services: 72.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 10.9% (2024 est.)
services: 72.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
80.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption
18.2% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
30.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
2.3% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
29.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-53.8% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
coconuts, bananas, taro, tropical fruits, pineapples, mangoes/guavas, papayas, root vegetables, milk, avocados (2023)
Industries
food processing, building materials, auto parts
Industrial production growth rate
4.2% (2024 est.)
Labor force
57,200 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 4.6% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 5.1% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 5.1% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 11.9% (2024 est.)
male: 7.4% (2024 est.)
female: 20.9% (2024 est.)
male: 7.4% (2024 est.)
female: 20.9% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
21.9% (2018 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 26.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 28.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 33.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 28.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 33.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $371.764 million (2023 est.)
expenditures: $326.052 million (2023 est.)
expenditures: $326.052 million (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 52.6% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
26.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $64.616 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $40.177 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$74.039 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $40.177 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$74.039 million (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $369.73 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $346.187 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $175.377 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $346.187 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $175.377 million (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
India 26%, NZ 14%, USA 12%, American Samoa 10%, Australia 9% (2023)
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, integrated circuits, coconut oil, fish, insulated wire (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $575.749 million (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $560.776 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $512.021 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $560.776 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $512.021 million (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
NZ 20%, Singapore 19%, China 17%, Australia 10%, Fiji 9% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, poultry, cars, plastic products, milk (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $507.74 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $447.09 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $321.163 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $447.09 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $321.163 million (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $269.974 million (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
tala (SAT) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
2.754 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
2.738 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
2.689 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
2.556 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
2.665 (2020 est.)
Energy5
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 98.3% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 97.9%
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 97.9%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 54,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 141.846 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 17.284 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 141.846 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 17.284 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 59.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 15.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 18.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 6.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 15.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 18.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 6.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 23.476 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 5,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 134,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned TV station privatized in 2008; 4 privately owned TV stations; about a half-dozen privately owned radio stations and one state-owned; TV and radio broadcasts of several stations from American Samoa are available (2019)
Internet country code
.ws
Internet users
percent of population: 58% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 2,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Transportation4
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
5W
Airports
4 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 13 (2023)
by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 1, other 9
by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 1, other 9
Ports
total ports
1 (2024)
large
0
medium
0
small
0
very small
1
ports with oil terminals
1
key ports
Apia
Military & Security2
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; Samoa Police Service (includes a maritime unit) (2025)
Military - note
informal defense ties exist with New Zealand, which pledged to afford assistance to Samoa in the conduct of its international relations under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship; New Zealand naval vessels patrol Samoan waters
Samoa has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Somoa's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
Samoa has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Somoa's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)