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Asia and Oceania

Samoa
Last reviewed: 22 December 2011

Country information

Samoa today
Economy
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Map of Western Samoa

Area: 2,831 sq km (1,093 sq miles)
Population: 182,000 (2010 IMF est.)
Capital city: Apia
People: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesian 7% and European 0.4%
Languages: Samoan, English
Religions: 98.9% Christian (35% Presbyterian, 20% Roman Catholic, 15% Methodist, 13% Mormon)

The Samoan population is approximately 77% rural, 23% urban. It is a young population with about 40% under 15 years of age and 18% aged 15-24. There has been a net annual loss of population through migration in recent years. Emigration occurs mainly to New Zealand for education or work opportunities and to American Samoa.