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Geography

Samoa is at the heart of Polynesia in the South Pacific. . The country’s main islands are Upolu, where the capital, Apia, is located, and Savai’i. Of the eight much smaller islands, only Manono and Apolima are inhabited. The country gained its independence in 1962 and is now one of the smallest independent states in the world. It has a total land area of 2,857 km².

Samoa’s climate is equatorial, with relatively little seasonal variation in temperature but distinct rainy and dry seasons. The islands rise steeply from the ocean floor, and settlements are confined to the narrow coastal lowlands. Much of the land is rugged and mountainous, with volcanic cones reaching a maximum altitude of 1,800 m on Savai’i. Highland areas are covered by tropical rainforest. The islands are almost completely surrounded by coral reef.

Samoa is home to the world’s second-largest Polynesian group after the Maori people. Its population of 185,000 is growing at an annual rate of about 1 per cent.

Agriculture

Agriculture and fishing are Samoa’s most important economic sectors, employing about two-thirds of the country’s labour force and providing 90 per cent of the country’s exports. Agricultural land is fertile but shallow and yields a limited range of products for export. Low-lying land is generally planted with coconut and cacao, or grazed by livestock. The country’s main agricultural products are fish, coconut, bananas, taro, yams, coffee and cocoa. Timber from the hardwood forests is another important resource.

Economy

Samoa is one of the most stable countries in the Pacific region in political and economic terms. The Samoan economy is dominated by fishing and agriculture. The country is heavily import dependant has virtually no minerals, limited cultivable land, a modest fishing zone and a small domestic market.

In recent years attempts to diversify the economy and develop tourism have begun to meet with success, and the economy has shown a consistent rate of growth. Tourism now accounts for 25 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The light manufacturing industry is expanding and attracts foreign investments. Remittances from migrant workers are traditionally a key contribution to household incomes.

The main export commodities are fish, coconut oil and cream, taro, auto parts, garments and beer. Export partners are Australia, American Samoa and Taiwan.

Source: IFAD