SAMOA
Compiled from the November 2004 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.
Official Name:
Independent State of Samoa
PROFILE
Geography
Area: 2,934 sq. km. (1,133 sq. mi.) in two main islands plus seven smaller ones.
Cities: Capital (pop. 34,000)—Apia.
Terrain: Mountainous with narrow coastal plain.
Climate: Tropical.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective—Samoan.
Population: (July 2004 est.) 177,714. Age structure—28.3% under 15; 6.3% over 65.
Growth rate: -0.25% (mainly due to emigration).
Ethnic groups: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesian (mixed European and Polynesian) 7%, European 0.4%.
Religions: Christian 99.7%.
Languages: Samoan, English.
Education: Literacy—99.7%.
Health: Life expectancy—male 67.64 yrs.; female 73.33 yrs. Infant mortality rate—29.72/1,000.
Work force: Agriculture—64%; services—30%.
Government
Type: Mix of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.
Independence: (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship) January 1, 1962.
Constitution: January 1, 1962.
Branches: Executive—head of state (incumbent serves for life; successors will be elected), prime minister (head of government), cabinet. Legislative—unicameral parliament (Fono). Judicial—Supreme Court and supporting hierarchy.
Political parties: Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Samoan National Development Party (SNDP), Samoan United Independents Party.
Economy
GDP: $284.3. million.
GDP per capita: (nominal) __BODY__,600.>
GDP composition by sector: Services 59%, industry 28%, agriculture 14%.
Industry: Types—tourism, coconuts, small scale manufacturing, fishing.
Trade: Exports—$15.9 million: coconut products, fish, (processing of automotive components). Export markets—New Zealand, Australia, U.S. (includes American Samoa). Imports—$30.3 million: food and beverages, industrial supplies. Import sources—New Zealand, Australia, U.S. ($4.73 million), Fiji.
External debt: $151.5 million (90% is owed to multilateral lenders).
Currency: tala (or Samoan dollar).
GEOGRAPHY AND PEOPLE
Samoa consists of the two large islands of Upolu and Savai'i and seven small islets located about 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 its capital city of Apia. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from November to April.
The Fa'a Samoa, or traditional Samoan way, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. Despite centuries of European influence, Samoa maintains its historical customs, social systems, and language, which is believed to be the oldest form of Polynesian speech still in existence. Only the Maoris of New Zealand outnumber the Samoans among Polynesian groups.
HISTORY
Migrants from Southeast Asia arrived in the Samoan islands more than 2,000 years ago and from there settled the rest of Polynesia further to the east. Contact with Europeans began in the early 1700s but did not intensify until the arrival of English missionaries and traders in the 1830s. At the turn of the 20th century, the Samoan islands were split into two sections. The eastern islands became territories of the United States in 1904 and today are known as American Samoa. The western islands became known as Western Samoa (now just Samoa), passing from German control to New Zealand in 1914. New Zealand administered Western Samoa under the auspices of the League of Nations and then as a UN trusteeship until independence in 1962. Western Samoa was the first Pacific Island country to gain its independence.
In July 1997 the Constitution was amended to change the country's name from Western Samoa to Samoa. Samoa had been known simply as Samoa in the United Nations since joining the organization in 1976. The neighboring U.S. territory of American Samoa protested the move, feeling that the change diminished its own Samoan identity. American Samoans still use the terms Western Samoa and Western Samoans.
GOVERNMENT
The 1960 Constitution, which formally came into force with independence, is based on the British pattern of parliamentary democracy, modified to take account of Samoan customs. Samoa's two high chiefs at the time of independence were given lifetime appointments to jointly hold the office of head of state. Malietoa Tanumafili II has held this post alone since the death of his colleague in 1963. His eventual successor will be selected by the legislature for a 5-year term.
The unicameral legislature (Fono) contains 49 members serving 5-year terms. Forty-seven are elected from territorial districts by ethnic Samoans districts; the other two are chosen by non-Samoans on separate electoral rolls. Universal suffrage was extended in 1990, but only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Samoan seats. There are more than 25,000 matais in the country, about 5% of whom are women. The prime minister is chosen by a majority in the Fono and is appointed by the chief of state to form a government. The prime minister's choices for the 12 cabinet positions are appointed by the chief of state, subject to the continuing confidence of the Fono.
The judicial system is based on English common law and local customs. The Supreme Court is the court of highest jurisdiction. Its chief justice is appointed by the chief of state upon the recommendation of the prime minister.
Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 9/29/04
Head of State: Malietoa, Tanumafili II
Prime Minister: Tuila'epa, Sailele Malielegaoi
Deputy Prime Minister: Misa, Telefoni Retzlaff
Min. of Agriculture: Tuisugaletaua, Sofara Aveau
Min. of Commerce, Industry, & Labor: Hans, Joachim
Min. of Communication & Information Technology: Palusalue, Faapo
Min. of Education, Sports, & Culture: Fiame, Naomi Mata'afa
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Tuila'epa, Sailele Malielegaoi
Min. of Health: Mulitalo, Siafausa Vui
Min. of Justice & Courts Admin.:
Min. of Natural Resources & Environment: Tagaloa, Sale Tagaloa
Min. of Police: Ulu, Vaomalo Kini
Min. of Revenue: Gaina, Tino
Min. of Women, Community, & Social Development: Tuala, Ainiu Iusitino
Min. of Works, Transport, & Infrastructure: Faumuina, Liuga
Attorney General: Heather, Brenda
Governor, Central Bank: Scanlan, Papali'i Tommy
Ambassador to the US: Elisaia, Aliioaiga Feturi
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Elisaia, Aliioaiga Feturi
Samoa maintains its diplomatic representation in the United States at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017; tel: 212-599-6196.
POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Since 1982 the majority party in the Fono has been the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). HRPP leader Tofilau Eti Alesana served as prime minister for nearly all of the period between 1982 and 1998, when he resigned due to health reasons. Tofilau Eti was replaced by his deputy, Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Parliamentary elections were held in March 2001. The Human Rights Protection Party, led by Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, won 30 of the 49 seats in the current Fono. The Samoa National Development Party, led by Le Mamea Ropati, is the main opposition. Other political parties are the Samoan Progressive Conservative Party, the Samoa All Peoples Party, and the Samoa Liberal Party.
ECONOMY
The Samoan economy is dependent on agricultural exports, tourism, and capital flows from abroad. The effects of three natural disasters in the early 1990s were overcome by the middle of the decade, but economic growth cooled again with the regional economic downturn. Long-run development depends upon upgrading the tourist infrastructure, attracting foreign investment, and further diversification of the economy.
Two major cyclones hit Samoa at the beginning of the 1990s. Cyclone Ofa left an estimated 10,000 islanders homeless in February 1990; Cyclone Val caused 13 deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage in December 1991. As a result, GDP declined by nearly 50% from 1989 to 1991. These experiences and Samoa's position as a low-lying island state punctuate its concern about global climate change.
Further economic problems occurred in 1994 with an outbreak of taro leaf blight and the near collapse of the national airline Polynesian Airlines. Taro, a root crop, traditionally was Samoa's largest export, generating more than half of all export revenue in 1993. But a fungal blight decimated the plants, and in each year since 1994 taro exports have accounted for less than 1% of export revenue. Polynesian Airlines reached a financial crisis in 1994, which disrupted the tourist industry and eventually required a government bailout.
The government responded to these shocks with a major program of road building and post-cyclone infrastructure repair. Economic reforms were stepped up, including the liberalization of exchange controls. GDP growth rebounded to over 6% in both 1995 and 1996 before slowing again at the end of the decade.
The service sector accounts for more than half of GDP and employs approximately 30% of the labor force. Tourism is the largest-single activity, more than doubling in visitor numbers and revenue over the last decade. More than 85,000 visitors came to Samoa in 1999, contributing over $12 million to the local economy. One-third came from American Samoa, 28% from New Zealand, and 11% from the United States. Arrivals increased in 2000, as visitors to the South Pacific avoided the political strife in Fiji by traveling to Samoa instead.
The primary sector (agriculture, forestry, and fishing) employs nearly two-thirds of the labor force and produces 17% of GDP. Important products include coconuts and fish.
Industry accounts for over one-quarter of GDP while employing less than 6% of the work force. The largest industrial venture is Yazaki Samoa, a Japanese-owned company processing automotive components for export to Australia under a concessional market-access arrangement. The Yazaki plant employs more than 2,000 workers and makes up over 20% of the manufacturing sector's total output. Net receipts amount to between __BODY__.5 million and $3.03 million annually, although shipments from Yazaki are counted as services (export processing) and therefore do not officially appear as merchandise exports.
New Zealand is Samoa's principal trading partner, typically providing between 35% and 40% of imports and purchasing 45%-50% of exports. Australia, American Samoa, the U.S., and Fiji also are important trading partners. Samoa's principal exports are coconut products and fish. Its main imports are food and beverages, industrial supplies, and fuels.
The collapse of taro exports in 1994 has had the unintended effect of modestly diversifying Samoa's export products and markets. Prior to the taro leaf blight, Samoa's exports consisted of taro (__BODY__.1 million), coconut cream ($540,000), and "other" ($350,000). Ninety percent of exports went to the Pacific region, and only 1% went to Europe. Forced to look for alternatives to taro, Samoa's exporters have dramatically increased the production of copra, coconut oil, and fish. These three products, which combined to produce export revenue of less than $100,000 in 1993, now account for over $3.8 million. There also has been a relative shift from Pacific markets to European ones, which now receive nearly 15% of Samoa's exports. Samoa's exports are still concentrated in coconut products ($2.36 million worth of copra, copra meal, coconut oil, and coconut cream) and fish (__BODY__.51 million) but are at least somewhat more diverse than before.
Samoa annually receives important financial assistance from abroad. The more than 100,000 Samoans who live overseas provide two sources of revenue. Their direct remittances have amounted to $12.1 million per year recently, and they account for more than half of all tourist visits. In addition to the expatriate community, Samoa also receives roughly $7.57 million annually in official development assistance from sources led by Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These three sources of revenue—tourism, private transfers, and official transfers—allow Samoa to cover its persistently large trade deficit.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Samoan Government is generally conservative and pro-Western, with a strong interest in regional political and economic issues. At independence in 1962, Samoa signed a Treaty of Friendship with New Zealand. This treaty confirms the special relationship between the two countries and provides a framework for their interaction. Under the terms of the treaty, Samoa can request that New Zealand act as a channel of communication to governments and international organizations outside the immediate area of the Pacific islands. Samoa also can request defense assistance, which New Zealand is required to consider (Samoa does not maintain a formal military). Overall Samoa has strong links with New Zealand, where many Samoans now live and many others were educated.
The Samoan Government was an outspoken critic of the French decision to resume nuclear weapons testing in the South Pacific in 1995. An indefinite ban was placed on visits to Samoa by French warships and aircraft. Largescale street demonstrations were held in Apia. The French tests concluded in early 1996.
Samoa participated in a first round of negotiations with its Pacific Island neighbors for a regional trade agreement in August 2000.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
APIA (E) Address: U.S. Embassy, 5th Floor, ACB House, Matafele, Apia, Samoa; APO/FPO: American Embassy, PSC 467 BOX 1, APO AP 96531-1034; Phone: (685) 21-631; Fax: (685) 22-030; Workweek: Monday to Friday, 0800 - 1630
AMB: Charles J. Swindells (Resident in Welllington)
DCM/CHG: Timothy W. Harley
MGT: Ronna Pazdral (Wellington)
CA: Richard Adams (Auckland)
DAO: Rick Martinez (Wellington)
FMO: Vacant (Wellington)
GSO: Frederick Olivo (Wellington)
ICASS Chair: Non-ICASS Post
ISSO: See DCM/Charge
PAO: Roy Glover (Wellington)
RSO: William B. Leverett (Wellington)
State ICASS: Non-ICASS Post
Last Updated: 2/4/2005
TRAVEL
Consular Information Sheet
November 19, 2004
Country Description: Samoa consists of the two large islands of Upolu and Savai'i and seven small islets. The country has a stable parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Tourist facilities are accessible by bus, taxi, and car and are within walking distance of access roads. Infrastructure is adequate in Apia, the capital, but it is limited in other areas. The Samoan Tourism Authority, which has a wide range of information of interest to travelers, can be contacted at http://www.visitsamoa.ws.
Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport and an onward/return ticket are required for travel to Samoa. Visas are not required for a stay of up to 30 days. All visitors are required to pay a departure tax upon leaving the country. Further information about entry requirements may be obtained from the Samoa Mission to the United Nations at 800-2nd Avenue, Suite 400J, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 599-6196 and 7, fax (212) 599-0797. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Samoa and other countries.
Safety and Security: In Apia and in many villages, stray dogs wander the streets. Visitors should not approach or feed them; they can become aggressive in the presence of food and/or if they feel threatened.
Although no major accidents have occurred on the ferry service linking Upolu and Savai'i, vessels are sometimes overloaded. One of the ferries, a multi-deck automobile ferry, sometimes transports passengers on its automobile deck. Americans who choose to use this ferry are encouraged not to remain in the automobile deck during the crossing and to ride only in the passenger compartment in order to avoid possible injury from shifting vehicles.
"Blowholes" (lava tubes open to the sea where wave action produces often spectacular geysers) are popular tourist attractions in Samoa. The footing around the mouths of most blowholes is very slippery. To avoid being swept in, visitors should not approach too closely and should never stand between the opening of the blowhole and the sea.
Snorkeling in ocean lagoons, a popular activity for many visitors, can be dangerous. Tide changes can produce powerful currents in these lagoons. Visitors are encouraged to consult local residents about hazards and conditions at a particular location before venturing into the water.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.
Up-to-date information of safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
Crime: Overall, Samoa is considered a low threat environment. Nevertheless, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, lock their doors at night, and not leave their belongings unattended. Although violent crimes involving foreign visitors are rare, incidents of petty theft/robberies of personal effects are fairly common.
Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney, if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/brochure_victim_assistance.html.
Medical Facilities and Health Information: Health care facilities in Samoa are adequate for routine medical treatment, but are limited in range and availability. The national hospital and a small private hospital are located in Apia, and there are several small district hospitals on Savai'i and in outlying areas of Upolu. Serious medical conditions and treatments that require hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation.
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Samoa is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
No roadside assistance is available. Most major roads are tar-sealed, but secondary roads are predominantly dirt and gravel and may be overgrown with vegetation. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for travel on these roads. Travelers should be aware that vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced and traffic violations occur routinely. Night driving on unlit rural roads can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. Roads in Samoa often traverse small streams. Drivers are urged to 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 exceeds the vehicle's clearance.
Visit the website of the country's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.visitsamoa.ws.
For specific information concerning Samoa driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Samoa Tourism Authority at P.O. Box 2272, Apia, Samoa; telephone (685) 63500, fax (685) 20886, email samoa@samoa.ws.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Samoa as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Samoa's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA International website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.
Special Circumstances: Some overseas treatment centers, known as Behavior Modification Facilities, operate in Samoa. Though these facilities may be operated and staffed by U.S. citizens, the Samoan government is solely responsible for compliance with local safety, health, sanitation and educational laws and regulations, including all licensing requirements of the staff in country. These standards, if any, may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the U.S. Parents should be aware that U.S. citizens 14 years of age and older have a right to apply for a passport and to request repatriation assistance from the U.S. government, both without parental consent. Any U.S. citizen enrollee has the right to contact a representative from the U.S. Embassy. For further information, consult the Department of State's Fact "Sheet on Behavior Modification Facilities," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. Parents may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Apia or the country officer in the Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs at 202-647-5226.
Samoa is located in an area of high seismic activity. Although the probability of a major earthquake occurring during an individual trip is remote, earthquakes do occur. Major cyclones have occurred in the past and are always a concern. Strong winds are very common, especially during the rainy season from November to April. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) web site http://www.fema.gov.
Samoa customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Samoa of items such as firearms, fruits, pets and drugs. It is advisable to contact the Samoan Mission to the United Nations at 800-2nd Avenue, Suite 400J, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 599-6196 for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than those in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Samoa's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Samoa are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html.
Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Samoa are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Samoa. Americans without Internet access may register directly at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Samoa and obtain updated information on travel and security within Samoa. The U.S. Embassy is located in the Accident Compensation Board (ACB) Building, Fifth Floor, Apia. The Embassy is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Embassy's mailing address is U.S. Embassy, P.O. Box 3430, Apia, Samoa 0815. The telephone numbers are (685) 21436/21631/22696. The fax number is (685) 22030. An Embassy officer can be reached after hours in an emergency involving the welfare of an American citizen at (685) 777-1776. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of an emergency.
