General background: New Zealand occupied the
German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak
of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the
islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until
1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation
to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The
country dropped the "Western" from its name
in 1997.
Area comparative: Slightly
smaller than Rhode Island.
Climate:
Tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season
(May to October)
Terrain: Narrow coastal
plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior.
Population: 178,631 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7%
(persons of European and Polynesian blood), Europeans
0.4%
Religions: Christian 99.7% (about one-half
of population associated with the Seventh-Day Adventists,
London Missionary Society, Roman Catholic, Methodist,
Latter-Day Saints).
Language: Samoan (Polynesian), English
Government type: Constitutional monarchy under
native chief
Capital: Apia
Legal system: Based on English common law
and local customs; judicial review of legislative
acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Economic overview: The economy of Samoa has
traditionally been dependent on development aid, family
remittances from overseas, and agricultural exports.
The country is vulnerable to devastating storms. Agriculture
employs two-thirds of the labour force, and furnishes
90% of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil,
and copra. The manufacturing sector mainly processes
agricultural products. The decline of fish stocks
in the area is a continuing problem. Tourism is an
expanding sector, accounting for 16% of GDP; about
85,000 tourists visited the islands in 2000. The Samoan
Government has called for deregulation of the financial
sector, encouragement of investment, and continued
fiscal discipline. Observers point to the flexibility
of the labour market as a basic strength for future
economic advances. Foreign reserves are in a relatively
healthy state, the external debt is stable, and inflation
is low.
Communication/Telephone system: Adequate
Places of interest: The islands are so idyllic
they're almost a cartoon version of a writer's hideaway
- palm-fringed beaches, booming white surf, and lush
rainforests wreathed in a background mist of clouds.
Travel tips:
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