Discover Fascinating Samoa Facts
Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Samoa.
Samoa
Background
๐๏ธ Samoa's Journey to Independence!
Did you know that New Zealand took control of Western Samoa when World War I started in 1914? ๐๏ธ They didn't just keep it for a short time! New Zealand managed the islands for a long time, all the way until 1962. Thatโs when Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to regain its independence in the 20th century! ๐ In 1997, the islands simplified their name, dropping the 'Western' part to just become Samoa. ๐บ๏ธ
In the late 2000s, Samoa started to make friends and connections with Australia and New Zealand, growing even closer as nations! ๐ค
Year Samoa Gained Independence
1962
Year Name Changed to Samoa
1997
Exports - commodities
Did you know ๐ฅฅ that Samoa exports some pretty interesting commodities? Here are a few of the key products that Samoan traders deal in:
- Coconut Oil: A yummy product made from coconuts that people use for cooking, cosmetics, and more!
- Integrated Circuits: These tiny parts are super important for our technology and are found in everything from computers to smartphones.
- Insulated Wire: Great for carrying electricity safely!
- Citrus: Delicious fruits like oranges and lemons that are perfect for juice and snacking.
- Power Equipment: Tools and devices used to generate, distribute, and provide electrical power. โก
These exports reflect the vibrant trade of Samoa and showcase the diversity of its natural resources and industries! ๐
Exports - partners
๐ Samoa has some interesting trading partners that contribute to its exports! Hereโs how the pie slices up in 2022:
- India leads the pack with 23% of Samoa's total exports! ๐ฎ๐ณ
- Close behind is the United States, taking up 19% of the export shares! ๐บ๐ธ
- New Zealand follows with 12%, making it an important partner! ๐ณ๐ฟ
- Hungary and Poland round out the list with 8% and 6% respectively! ๐ญ๐บ๐ต๐ฑ
This rainbow of partners shows how diverse Samoa's trade is! ๐
Top Export Partner
India - 23%
Second Top Export Partner
US - 19%
Overall Trade Diversity
5 main partners
Samoa's Export Partners in 2022
Capital
๐ The capital of Samoa is Apia! ๐๏ธ Apia is not just a name; it's the heart of Samoa and a place filled with culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. From bustling markets to stunning beaches, Apia has so much to offer to both the locals and visitors alike. ๐๐
Imports - commodities
๐ผ๐ธ Samoa's Imports - Commodities ๐
Samoa imports a variety of essential commodities to support its economy and fulfill the needs of its people. Here are the key imports for the year 2022:
- Refined Petroleum: A crucial energy source for Samoa, refined petroleum is vital for transportation and electricity.
- Coated Flat-Rolled Iron: Important for construction and manufacturing, this material supports infrastructure development.
- Fish: With a rich maritime culture, fish is a staple part of the Samoan diet and economy.
- Poultry: An essential protein source, poultry is widely consumed across the islands.
- Ships: Vital for trade and transportation, ships allow Samoa to connect with the world.
These imports show the diversity of goods that flow into Samoa and their importance to everyday life. ๐๐ผ
Climate
๐ด Samoa enjoys a delightful tropical climate! ๐ It experiences two main seasons throughout the year:
- Rainy Season: This occurs from November to April, bringing lush greenery and plenty of rainfall. ๐ง๏ธ
- Dry Season: From May to October, Samoa enjoys sunnier days and a more comfortable atmosphere. โ๏ธ
This perfect mix of seasons makes Samoa a beautiful destination for those who enjoy nature and warm weather!
Executive branch
Samoa has some important leaders! ๐ผ๐ธ The chief of state is TUIMALEALI'IFANO Vaโaletoa Sualauvi II who has been serving since 21 July 2017. The head of government is Prime Minister FIAME Naomi Mataโafa, who took office on 24 May 2021. Can you imagine the responsibility they have to lead their country? ๐๐
Current Chief of State
TUIMALEALI'IFANO Vaโaletoa Sualauvi II since 21 July 2017
Current Head of Government
Prime Minister FIAME Naomi Mataโafa since 24 May 2021
Legislative branch
๐๏ธ Samoa has a unicameral Legislative Assembly made up of 53 seats. Each seat represents the voice of the people in the island nation, making it an important part of Samoa's governance. With all members working together, they create laws that shape the future of Samoa. How cool is that? ๐
Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly
53
Natural resources
Samoa is blessed with a variety of natural resources! ๐ฟ Here are the key resources found in this beautiful island nation:
- Hardwood Forests: Samoa's lush forests are home to many valuable tree species that provide timber for construction and crafts.
- Fish: The surrounding oceans are vibrant and full of life, offering a rich catch of fish that supports both local diets and fishing industries.
- Hydropower: Samoa harnesses the power of flowing water to produce clean, renewable energy! โก
These resources not only support the environment but are crucial for the economy and culture of the Samoan people.
Key Natural Resources in Samoa
hardwood forests, fish, hydropower
Economic overview
๐ด Welcome to Samoa, a beautiful Pacific island known for its vibrant economy! As a lower middle-income nation, Samoa thrives on its enormous fishing and agriculture industries. ๐๐พ These sectors play a significant role in the livelihoods of many Samoans. Additionally, the country benefits from significant remittances, with many overseas Samoans sending money back home to support their families. ๐ธ
In recent years, Samoa has been transforming into a growing offshore financial hub, attracting investments and business. Moreover, the nation recently hosted the Pacific Games, boosting its tourism and infrastructure development. ๐ ๐ This excitement brings new opportunities for growth and exploration in this amazing paradise! ๐๐
Economic Income Level
Lower middle-income
Key Industries
Fishing and Agriculture
Development Initiative
Pacific Games
Growth Area
Offshore Financial Hub
Government type
๐ Samoa's Government Type
Samoa has a parliamentary republic government, meaning that the country is run by elected officials who make decisions for the public. In this fun setup, the Prime Minister leads the country, and thereโs a parliament that helps create laws. This type of government lets citizens have a say in choosing their leaders! ๐ณ๏ธ
Ethnic groups
๐ In Samoa, the population is primarily made up of Samoans, accounting for an impressive 96% of the total populace! ๐ผ๐ธ But that's not allโthere are also 2% who identify as Samoan/New Zealander. Plus, a small portion, 1.9%, represent other ethnic groups. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง These numbers give us a colorful glimpse into the rich tapestry of Samoan culture! ๐จ
Percentage of Samoans
96%
Percentage of Samoan/New Zealanders
2%
Percentage of Other Ethnic Groups
1.9%
Ethnic Composition of Samoa
Religions
๐ Religions in Samoa
Samoa is a vibrant country with a rich tapestry of religions that reflect its cultural heritage. Let's dive into the fascinating world of faiths in this beautiful Pacific island nation!
โ๏ธ Protestant Dominance
A whopping 54.9% of the population identifies as Protestant!๐ This diverse group includes different branches:
- Congregationalist: 29%
- Methodist: 12.4%
- Assembly of God: 6.8%
- Seventh Day Adventist: 4.4%
- Other Protestant: 2.3%
๐ Other Major Faiths:
Next up, we have:
- Roman Catholic: 18.8%
- Church of Jesus Christ: 16.9%
- Worship Centre: 2.8%
- Other Christian: 3.6%
- Other (including Baha'i and Muslim): 2.9%
- None: 0.2% (2016 estimate)
Isn't it interesting how these various beliefs coexist? Let's visualize this data!
Total Protestant Population
54.9%
Roman Catholic Population
18.8%
Church of Jesus Christ Population
16.9%
Worship Centre Population
2.8%
Other Christian Population
3.6%
Other Religions Population (includes Baha'i, Muslim)
2.9%
Population with No Religion
0.2%
Religious Breakdown in Samoa
Languages
๐ธ๐ฒ In Samoa, the people speak a variety of languages! The most popular is Samoan, which is the official language, spoken by a whopping 91.1% of the population! ๐โจ Samoan/English comes next at 6.7%, showing that many people enjoy speaking both languages. English, also an official language, is spoken by about 0.5%. There's a tiny slice for other languages at 0.2%, and there's 1.6% of people with unspecified languages. Let's take a closer look at how these languages stack up against each other! ๐๐
Samoan (official) speakers
91.1%
Samoan/English speakers
6.7%
English speakers
0.5%
Other languages speakers
0.2%
Unspecified languages speakers
1.6%
Languages Spoken in Samoa
Imports - partners
Samoa relies on several countries for its imports, with China being the biggest partner at 25% of total imports! ๐ Following close behind is Singapore with 16%, and New Zealand (NZ) at 14%. ๐ Meanwhile, South Korea and the United States each make up 7% of Samoa's imports. ๐ฆ Check out this colorful pie chart to visualize these important trading partners!
Total percentage accounted for
100%
Biggest import partner
China
Smallest import partners
South Korea, United States
Samoa's Import Partners (2022)
Population
๐ Samoans live on the beautiful islands of Samoa, and as of now, there are 208,853 people calling this paradise home! ๐๏ธ Isn't that amazing? Let's dive into the numbers behind this vibrant culture and community!
Total Population
208,853
Area
๐ Samoa is a beautiful island nation with diverse landscapes! Let's dive into the measurements of its land and water areas:
- Total Area: 2,831 sq km ๐บ๏ธ
- Land Area: 2,821 sq km ๐ณ
- Water Area: 10 sq km ๐ง
Samoa is mainly made up of land, making it perfect for exploration and adventure! But don't forget the little water territories - they add a splash of beauty to the island! ๐๏ธ
Total Area of Samoa
2831 sq km
Land Area of Samoa
2821 sq km
Water Area of Samoa
10 sq km
Samoa Area Breakdown
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
๐ Let's take a look at Samoa's Real GDP, which reflects the economic strength of the country based on purchasing power parity! ๐ Here are the estimated values for the last three years:
- 2021: $1.329 billion
- 2022: $1.258 billion
- 2023: $1.359 billion
As you can see, there's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride! ๐ข After a dip in 2022, the GDP has climbed back up in 2023. Let's visualize this:
Real GDP in 2023
$1.359 billion
Real GDP in 2022
$1.258 billion
Real GDP in 2021
$1.329 billion
Samoa's Real GDP Over the Years
Real GDP per capita
Let's take a dive into the world of Samoa's economy! ๐๐ด The Real GDP per capita is a measurement that tells us how much money each person in Samoa would have if we divided all the wealth equally. Here are the most recent figures:
- In 2023, the Real GDP per capita is $6,000.
- It was slightly lower in 2022 at $5,700.
- Back in 2021, it was a bit higher, reaching $6,100.
This gives us a neat peek into how Samoa's economy has been doing over the last few years! ๐๐ฐ
Highest GDP per capita (2021)
6100
Lowest GDP per capita (2022)
5700
Estimated GDP per capita increase from 2022 to 2023
300
Real GDP per capita in Samoa (2021-2023)
Imports
๐ Samoa has been growing its imports over the years! Let's take a look at how much the country imported in the last few years:
- 2021: $430.011 million
- 2022: $512.002 million
- 2023: $560.488 million
As we can see, Samoa's imports have increased each year, showing a strong demand for goods from other places! ๐
Total increase in Imports from 2021 to 2023
$130.477 million
Year-over-year increase from 2022 to 2023
$48.486 million
Samoa's Imports Over the Years
Exports
๐ Samoa's export world is bustling! In 2023, Samoa's exports were estimated at a whopping $347.19 million! That's a significant increase from $162.803 million in 2022, and $97.774 million in 2021. ๐ Isn't it amazing to see how much the values have grown over just a few years? Let's dive into the numbers and visualize this exciting growth!
Exports in 2023
$347.19 million
Exports in 2022
$162.803 million
Exports in 2021
$97.774 million
Samoa's Export Growth (2021-2023)
Population growth rate
๐ Samoa is seeing a population growth rate of 0.65% in 2024! This means that the number of people living in Samoa is slowly increasing each year. A growing population can lead to many exciting opportunities and challenges! ๐
Population Growth Rate (2024 Estimate)
0.65%