People and Society of Samoa

Nationality

Samoan(s)

Ethnic Groups

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

Population

218,764

Population in Major Urban Areas

APIA (capital) 37,000

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.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Samoa stands at approximately 74 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 77 years, while male life expectancy is approximately 71 years. These figures reflect meaningful improvements over recent decades, driven by advances in healthcare access, vaccination programs, and public health infrastructure across the island nation. Samoa's life expectancy compares reasonably well with other Pacific Island nations, though it remains somewhat below the averages seen in high-income countries. The country has benefited from ongoing support from international health organizations and regional partners, which have helped strengthen maternal and child health services, reduce infant mortality, and improve disease prevention efforts. Non-communicable diseases represent a significant and growing health challenge in Samoa and have a notable impact on longevity. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are highly prevalent in the population, partly linked to dietary shifts toward processed foods and reduced physical activity across recent generations. These chronic conditions contribute to premature mortality and place a considerable burden on the national health system. Infectious diseases, including those that can affect young children, have historically influenced life expectancy figures as well. Samoa experienced a severe measles outbreak in 2019, which caused a sharp spike in child mortality before an accelerated vaccination campaign brought the situation under control. The event highlighted critical gaps in immunization coverage and reinforced the importance of sustained public health vigilance in maintaining population health outcomes. Despite these challenges, the overall trend in Samoan life expectancy has been upward over the past several decades. Improved access to clean water and sanitation, better nutritional awareness, and expanded healthcare services in both urban Apia and more rural communities have all contributed to longer lifespans. Continued investment in preventive health measures, early intervention programs, and chronic disease management will be key factors in shaping how life expectancy evolves in Samoa in the years ahead.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Christian99.7%

Samoan (Polynesian), English

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.

• English
• Samoan

Crime Information

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.