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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: Gained independence (as Western Samoa) on January 1, 1962; member of the Commonwealth since 1970; current name adopted in 1977; under mixed political system approximating a constitutional monarchy.
Area: 1,097 sq. mi. (2,842 sq. km).
Population: 186,679 (2012E—UN); 194,320 (2012E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Center (2005E): APIA (40,700).
Official Languages: English, Samoan.
Monetary Unit: Tala (market rate November 5, 2012: 2.27 tala = $1US).
Head of State: Tui Atua TUPUA Tamasese Taisi Efi; elected by the Legislative Assembly and installed on June 20, 2007, succeeding Susuga MALIETOA Tanumafili II, who had died on May 12; reelected July 20, ...