Country
Countries A-Z
Samoa
Independent State of Samoa
Sa ‘oloto Tuto ‘atasi o Samoa
Note: There is considerable confusion regarding Samoan proper names, the initial component being generally accorded benchmark status and, with some exceptions, utilized herein as such.
Political Status: Independent state since January 1, 1962; member of the Commonwealth since 1970; under mixed political system approximating a constitutional monarchy.
Area: 1,097 sq. mi. (2,842 sq. km.).
Population: 179,186 (2006C); 191,000 (2008E). The 2006 figure is provisional.
Major Urban Center (2005E): APIA (40,700).
Official Languages: English, Samoan.
Monetary Unit: Tala (official rate December 1, 2009: 2.49 tala = $1US).
Head of State: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Taisi Tupuola Tufuga Efi; elected by the Legislative Assembly and installed on June 20, 2007, succeeding Susuga MALIETOA Tanumafili II, who had died on May 12.
Prime Minister: TUILA’EPA Sa’ilele Malielegaoi (Human Rights ...