Moving to Samoa: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

203,774

Population - note

note: prior estimates used official net migration data by sex, but a highly unusual pattern for 1993 lead to a significant imbalance in the sex ratios (more men and fewer women) and a seeming reduction in the female population

the revised total was calculated using a 1993 number that was an average of the 1992 and 1994 migration figures

Population Growth Rate

0.59%

Urban Population

19.900000

Population in Major Urban Areas

APIA (capital) 37,000

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Age Structure

32.040000

Median Age

22.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

22

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

5.33

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

3.03

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

28.7%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

28.7%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

23.6

Mother's mean age at first birth

23.6

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-10.46

Ethnic Groups

Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%

Language Note

Samoan is probably the oldest Polynesian language, and it is the official language of both Independent Samoa and American Samoa. English is the second official language. Samoans are proud of their language.

Nationality Noun

Samoan(s)

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Literacy - total population

99.7%

Literacy - male

99.6%

Literacy - female

99.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.8%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

12.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

72.940000

Infant Mortality Rate

20.950000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

20.950000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

100

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.48

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

7%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

54.1%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

97.400000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

93.300000

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Economic Overview

• Agriculture: Agriculture is a significant sector of the Samoan economy, employing a large portion of the population and contributing to both domestic consumption and exports. The main agricultural products include coconuts, bananas, taro, cocoa, and coffee. Subsistence farming is common in rural areas, while commercial agriculture focuses on export crops.
• Tourism: Tourism plays a crucial role in Samoa's economy, generating foreign exchange earnings and providing employment opportunities. The country's pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant Polynesian culture attract tourists worldwide. Tourist activities include beach resorts, ecotourism, cultural tours, and water sports.
• Remittances: Remittances from Samoans living abroad, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, are a significant source of income for many households in Samoa. Remittances contribute to poverty reduction, household consumption, and education, healthcare, and housing investments.
• Fisheries: Samoa's rich marine resources support a small but important fisheries sector. Fishing and aquaculture activities contribute to food security, employment, and export earnings. The government is working to manage fisheries resources and sustainably enhance value-added processing and exports.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector in Samoa is relatively small and focuses on agro-processing, including producing coconut oil, cocoa products, and canned tuna. The government promotes value-added processing and supports initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and market access for manufactured goods. Infrastructure
• Development: Samoa has invested in infrastructure development projects, including transportation, telecommunications, and energy, to support economic growth and development. Infrastructure improvements enhance connectivity, reduce costs, and attract investment in key sectors of the economy. Financial
• Services: Samoa's financial services sector includes banking, insurance, and offshore finance. The country's stable regulatory environment and favorable tax policies attract foreign investment and promote financial sector development. The government is committed to strengthening financial regulation and supervision to maintain stability and integrity in the economic system.
• Challenges: Despite its natural resources and potential for economic growth, Samoa faces several challenges, including vulnerability to natural disasters, climate change, limited market access, and high dependence on imports. The government is working to address these challenges through policy reforms, diversification strategies, and international cooperation.

Industries

food processing, building materials, auto parts

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$5,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.6%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$1,250,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$5,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.6%

GDP - official exchange rate

$867,000,000 (USD)

GDP by Sector- agriculture

10.9%

GDP by Sector- Industry

28.3%

GDP by Sector- services

60.8%

Industrial Growth Rate

2.8%

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Inflation Rate

6%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

tala (SAT)

Currency Name and Code

Tala (WST)

Fiscal Year

June 1 - May 31

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

10.2%

Labor Force

66,270

Major Industries

food processing, building materials, auto parts

Agriculture Products

coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

65%

Annual Budget

$171,300,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-6.1%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

30.6%

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Full Country Name

Independent State of Samoa

Country Name

Samoa

Local - Long

Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa

Local - Short

Samoa

Former Name

Western Samoa

Etymology- history of name

• the meaning of Samoa is disputed
• some modern explanations are that the "sa" connotes "sacred" and "moa" indicates "center," so the name can mean "Holy Center"
• alternatively, some assertions state that it can mean "place of the sacred moa bird" of Polynesian mythology
• the name, however, may go back to Proto-Polynesian (PPn) times (before 1000 B.C.)
• a plausible PPn reconstruction has the first syllable as "sa'a" meaning "tribe or people" and "moa" meaning "deep sea or ocean" to convey the meaning "people of the deep sea"

Independence

1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

National Holiday

Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January 1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship, but it is observed in June

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Government Type

parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: several previous (preindependence); latest 1 January 1962
• amendments: proposed as an act by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the third reading - provided at least 90 days have elapsed since the second reading, and assent of the chief of state; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles on customary land or constitutional amendment procedures also requires at least two-thirds majority approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2020

Legal System:

mixed legal system of English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi II (since 21 July 2017)
• head of government: Prime Minister FIAME Naomi Mata’afa (since 24 May 2021)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the chief of state on the advice of the prime minister
• elections/appointments: chief of state indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a 5-year term (2-term limit); election last held on 23 August 2022 (next to be held in 2026); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the chief of state, approved by the Legislative Assembly
• election results: TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi II (independent) unanimously reelected by the Legislative Assembly

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (53 seats for 2021-2026 term); members from 51 single-seat constituencies directly elected by simple majority vote, with a minimum 10% representation of women in the Assembly required; members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: election last held on 9 April 2021 (next election to be held in 2026)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - HRPP 55%, FAST 37%, TSP 3%, independents 5%; seats by party – 35 FAST, 18 HRPP, 1 independent;
• Composition: men 47, women 7, percent of women 14.9%
• Note: on 29 November 2021, the Election Commissioner added two women seats to parliament, bringing the HRPP’s total from 20 to 22 seats

Judicial Branch:

• office: chief justice appointed by the head of state upon the advice of the prime minister; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a 3-member body chaired by the chief justice and includes the attorney general and an appointee of the Minister of Justice; judges normally appointed until retirement at age 68
• subordinate courts: District Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land and Titles Courts; village fono or village chief councils

Regions or States:

11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi or FAST [FIAME Naomi Mata'afa]
• Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP [TUILA'EPA Sailele Malielegaoi]
• Tautua Samoa Party or TSP [Afualo Wood Uti SALELE]

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Samoa dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

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Capital Name

Apia

Capital - geographic coordinate

13 49 S, 171 46 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• ADB
• AOSIS
• FAO
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IPU
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• OPCW
• PIF
• Sparteca
• SPC
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: the US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Samoa
• Embassy: 5th Floor, Accident Corporation Building, Matafele Apia
• Mailing Address: 4400 Apia Place, Washington DC 20521-4400
• Telephone: [685] 21-436
• FAX: [685] 22-030
• Email: ApiaConsular@state.gov
• Website: https://ws.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Pa’olelei LUTERU (since 7 July 2021)
• Chancery: 685 Third Avenue, 44th Street, 11th Floor, Suite 1102, New York, NY 10017
• Telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196
• FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797
• Email: samoa@samoanymission.ws
• Website: https://www.un.int/samoa/samoa/embassy-independent-state-samoa-united-states-america
• Consulate(s) General: Pago Pago (American Samoa)

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Geographic Location

Oceania

Geographic Coordinates

13 35 S, 172 20 W

Total Area

1,093 Square Miles 2,831 Square Kilometers

Land Area

1,089 Square Miles 2,821 Square Kilometers

Water Area

4 Square Miles 10 Square Kilometers

Coastline

250 Miles 403 Kilometers

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Terrain

two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets

narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

Highest Point

1,857 Meters

Highest Point Location

Mauga Silisili (Savaii) 1,857 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

Time Zone

UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

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Climate

Samoa's proximity to the Equator results in hot and humid conditions throughout most of the year.

There are two distinct seasons, the dry season (winter) between May and October and the wet season (summer) between November and April.

The average annual temperature is 26.5 °C in coastal areas, with a decrease in temperature as the land rises inland.

Southeasterly trade winds make April to October the more pleasant months.

Samoa lies in the cyclone belt and is periodically buffeted and bruised by cyclones, the majority of which occur between November and April.

Terrain

two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets

narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Total Area

1,093 Square Miles 2,831 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$131,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$324,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts, garments, beer

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

Top Export Partners

Australia 61%, Hong Kong 10.4%, US 9.1%

Top Import Partners

New Zealand 23.7%, Fiji 20.9%, Australia 16.4%, Japan 13.6%, US 4.5%

Export Partners

Australia 61%, Hong Kong 10.4%, US 9.1%

Import Partners

New Zealand 23.7%, Fiji 20.9%, Australia 16.4%, Japan 13.6%, US 4.5%

Country Description

The Independent State of Samoa consists of two large islands, Upolu and Savaii, two smaller inhabited islands of Manono and Apolima, and several uninhabited islets.

Samoa is located approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific.

The main island of Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa's population and Samoa’s capital city of Apia.

The country has a stable parliamentary democracy with a developing economy.

The Samoa Tourism Authority provides a wide range of information for travelers.

Safety & Security

Recent disputes between villages and the central government have led to protests, road blocks, and shootings between the police and villagers.

To date, no bystanders or tourists have been injured in such incidents, but travelers should be alert to avoid inadvertently encountering such confrontations.

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Crime

Although Samoa has a low level of crime, you should remain aware of your surroundings, lock your doors at night, and not leave your belongings unattended.

Incidents of petty theft and robberies are common.

Some incidents have involved residential break-ins.

While rare, violent assaults, including sexual assaults, have occurred in Samoa.

No specific groups have been targeted, and there have been no reported racially motivated or hate crimes against U.S. citizens.

Police in Apia generally respond quickly to incidents.

However, since there is a very limited police presence elsewhere in Samoa (where order is maintained primarily by local village authorities), police response outside of Apia is not as quick or reliable as it is in Apia.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Samoa, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods in a foreign country.

Likewise, engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Samoa, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Languages Samoan is probably the oldest Polynesian language, and it is the official language of both Independent Samoa and American Samoa.

English is the second official language.

Samoans are proud of their language.

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Medical Facilities

Health care facilities in Samoa are adequate for routine medical treatment but are limited in range and availability.

Complex illnesses and life-threatening emergencies, as well as related laboratory work, generally need to be treated elsewhere.

Serious medical conditions and treatments that require hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.

You should have emergency evacuation insurance before you travel abroad.

The national hospital is located in Apia, and there are several small district hospitals on Savai'i and in outlying areas of Upolu.

Dental facilities do not meet U.S. standards, but good dental treatment and some emergency medical care is available at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Pharmacies may not carry prescription or over-the-counter medicines, or the medicines may be of a different quality than those available in the United States.

There are no hyperbaric chambers on any of the islands for the treatment of scuba diving-related injuries.

Serious cases of decompression sickness are evacuated to the nearest treatment center in Suva, Fiji, or Auckland, New Zealand.

Traffic Safety

While in Samoa, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

This information for Samoa is provided as a general reference, and it may not be the case in all locations or circumstances.

Urban roads in Apia and the main roads circumnavigating and crossing the island are all generally kept in fair condition though bumps and potholes are common.

Side streets tend to be gravel or dirt and their condition varies considerably, particularly during the rainy season when ruts and bumps develop.

Roads outside Apia are often narrow, winding, relatively steep, with narrow or no shoulders, and poorly lighted.

Pedestrians as well as vehicles and livestock regularly travel these roads.

Due to poor and deteriorating road conditions, night driving on unlit rural roads can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible.

Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams.

You should exercise extreme caution when fording these streams, which can become swollen and dangerous with little warning.

Vehicles should never enter a stream if the roadbed is not visible or if the water’s depth is more than the vehicle’s clearance.

Taxis are widely available and used by Samoans and visitors alike.

However, some are unlicensed, so you should use care in choosing a taxi and driver.

Buses are slow, crowded, uncomfortable, undependable, and rarely used by visitors.

You can use rental cars, but be aware that limited roadside assistance is available.

Most major roads are tar-sealed, but secondary roads are predominantly dirt and gravel and may be rough and/or overgrown with vegetation.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel on these roads.

You should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced, and traffic violations occur routinely.

In September 2009, Samoa switched from driving on the right side of the road (as in the United States) to driving on the left side (as in the United Kingdom).

Some vehicles in Samoa remain left-hand drive, including rental vehicles and public transportation.

Drivers should familiarize themselves with operating requirements and local traffic laws before operating a vehicle in Samoa.

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Airports - total

4

Airports with Paved Runways

1

Roadways- total

1,452 Miles 2,337 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

206 Miles 332 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Apia, Asau, Mulifanua, Salelologa

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Telephones

31,900

Cell Phones

86,000

Internet Users

8,000

Internet Country Code

.ws

Internet Hosts

17,044

Broadcast Media

• state-owned TV station privatized in 2008
• 4 privately-owned television broadcast stations
• about a half dozen privately owned radio stations and one state-owned radio station
• TV and radio broadcasts of several stations from American Samoa are available

Telephone System

• assessment: adequate
• domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 100 telephones per 100 persons
• international: country code - 685; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

101,400,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

109,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,070

Anthem History

• name: "O le Fu'a o le Sa'olotoga o Samoa" (The Banner of Freedom)
• lyrics/music: Sauni Liga KURESA
• note: adopted 1962; also known as "Samoa Tula'i" (Samoa Arise)

Anthem Lyrics

Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea; Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou palelea; Vaai i na fetu o loo ua agiagia ai; Le faailoga lea o Iesu na maliu ai mo Samoa Oi!

Samoa e, uu mau lau pule ia faavavau.

'Aua e te fefe, o le Atua lo ta fa'a vae O lota Sa'o lotoga, Samoa, tu'la'i, ia agiagia lau Fu'a lou pale lea.

Anthem Lyrics English

Samoa, arise and raise your banner that is your crown!

Oh! see and behold the stars on the waving banner!

They are a sign that Samoa is able to lead.

Oh!

Samoa, hold fast Your freedom for ever!

Do not be afraid; as you are founded on God; Our treasured precious liberty.

Samoa, arise and wave Your banner that is your crown!