Samoa, which comprises two large islands and seven smaller isles, is situated in the centre of the Southern Pacific Ocean, approximately equidistant between Honolulu and Sydney and immediately east of the International Date Line. The Islands have a total land area of approximately 2727 square kilometres. Inland, the Islands are mountainous with dense tropical vegetation. The coastal areas are more undulating and have been cultivated for agriculture. There are many beautiful white, sandy beaches which are protected by the coral reefs surrounding the Islands. The island of Upola is the most developed island. The administrative and commercial center is situated in its capital, Apia. 

Population

The population of the Islands is approximately 209,000. Ninety per cent of Samoa are indigenous Polynesians. The balance of the population is part Samoan and part Chinese or European extraction.

Political Structure

Samoa has been a fully independent nation since 1962 and its Constitution provides for a Parliamentary Government which combines the traditional Samoan social structure and democratic voting system. There is a forty-seven member Legislative Assembly which consists of forty-five Matai title-holders (the heads of each extended family) who are elected by their peers and two non-Samoan residents who are registered on the Universal Voters' Roll. 

Parliamentary elections are held every three years. 

The first Superior Court of Samoa possesses and exercises all the jurisdiction, power and authority necessary to administer the laws of Samoa. 

The Court of Appeal of Samoa hears appeals on any judgment, decree or order of the Supreme Court in either its civil or criminal jurisdiction.

Infrastructure and Economy

Samoa's modern International airport can accommodate 747-type aircraft. It is serviced by Air New Zealand, Polynesian Airlines (the national carrier which is managed by Ansett Airlines of Australia), Air Pacific and Hawaiian Airlines. These services provide direct access to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Cook Islands and Hawaii.

The country has good facilities and is well serviced by Pacific region shipping services. 

Western Samoa has an excellent International telecommunications system with telex, facsimile and International direct dial facilities via satellite. The number of satellite transmission circuits was doubled in 1988 and the country's exchange is being further expanded to provide greater access to the International network.

Agriculture employs 50 per cent of the workforce and contributes more than 50 per cent to GDP and 90 per cent of exports. Tourism has now become the most important growth industry. 

Language

The Samoan Polynesian language is dominant but English is widely spoken and is taught in all schools. Samoa has a literacy rate of 97 per cent.

Currency

Samoa Dollar (Tala). U.S.$1 equals approximately W.S.$2.5.

Exchange Control

There are no foreign exchange controls.

Type of Law

Based largely on English Common Law and local customs.