A state in the central part of the Samoa archipelago in the Pacific Ocean (Oceania). The largest islands are Savai'i and Upolu. Total area — 2,800 km². Capital - Apia. Administrative division — 14 districts. Population — 200,000 (2004), mainly Samoans (Polynesians). Official languages — Samoan and English. Religion: 50% of believers are Protestants, 45% are Catholics. Currency unit - tala (Samoan dollar) = 100 sene.
It has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR on July 2, 1976).
National holiday - June 1 - Independence Day (1962).
Samoa is a member of the Commonwealth. According to the 1962 constitution, the lifelong head of state is the chief Malietoa Tanumafili II (after his death, the head of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly for a term of 5 years). Legislative power belongs to the Legislative Assembly, consisting of 49 deputies elected for 5 years. Executive power is exercised by the government (Prime Minister - T. Malielegaoi).
The islands of Samoa were first visited by Europeans in 1722 by the Dutch navigator J. Roggeveen. Later, they were explored by French expeditions led by L. Bougainville (1768) and J. La Pérouse (1787). In 1889, a joint protectorate of three powers - Germany, the USA, and Great Britain - was established over the archipelago. In 1899, after Great Britain renounced its claims to the islands of Samoa (in exchange for concessions from Germany in other areas), they were divided, resulting in the western part of the archipelago going to Germany and the eastern part to the USA. In August 1914, Western Samoa was occupied by New Zealand, which received a mandate from the League of Nations to administer this territory in 1920. In December 1946, Western Samoa became a trust territory of the UN under the administration of New Zealand. During a plebiscite in May 1961, the overwhelming majority of the population voted for granting the country independence. In October 1961, the trusteeship was terminated. On November 1, 1962, Western Samoa declared independence and the constitution of the country was adopted (due to climatic conditions, the celebration of the national holiday - Independence Day - was moved to June 1). Since July 1997, Western Samoa has been called the Independent State of Samoa.
Samoa is a member of the UN (since 1976). According to the 1962 agreement, New Zealand primarily conducts Samoa's foreign relations through its diplomatic representatives.
The basis of the economy is monoculture agriculture (over 60% of the entire working population is employed in it), which is based on the cultivation of coconuts (used for producing copra and coconut oil) and cocoa beans.
Animal husbandry is focused on meeting domestic needs. Cattle, poultry, and pigs are raised. Industry is poorly developed. There are several small enterprises processing agricultural products, producing clothing, footwear, food products, souvenirs, tobacco products, matches, etc. The timber processing industry is developing. The country receives over 50,000 tourists annually.
GDP - 334 million USD (2004).
Main export goods: coconut cream, taro, coconut oil, copra, coffee, cocoa, fruits, beer, juices, cigarettes, timber. Food products, industrial and chemical goods, and fuel and lubricants dominate imports. Main trading partners: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Fiji, European countries.
An international airport "Faleolo" is located 34 km from Apia.
Weekly publications include "Samoa Times," "Samoa Observer," and others. There are television and radio broadcasting services in Samoa.
