Samoa: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Samoa 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Samoa: na
  • Happiness Score Samoa:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Samoa. WS.

    Samoa is a country in the South Pacific known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich Polynesian culture.

  • Samoa is a parliamentary democracy with a unique social structure based on the traditional village fono system.
  • Notable cultural aspects include traditional Samoan dance and music, as well as intricate tattooing traditions.
  • Economically, Samoa relies heavily on agriculture, particularly coconut products and fish, as well as tourism.
  • Samoa – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The Samoan archipelago is believed to have been settled around 1000 BCE by Austronesian voyagers from Southeast Asia. The ancient Samoan civilization developed a rich culture based on oral traditions, intricate social structures, and skilled navigation techniques.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    Samoa was traditionally divided into several autonomous chiefdoms, with each village having its own chief (matai) and council of elders. These chiefdoms occasionally formed loose alliances or confederations but remained largely independent until European contact.

    Colonial Period:

    European interest in Samoa grew in the 19th century, leading to a period of cultural and political turmoil. Germany, Britain, and the United States vied for control of the islands until the Tripartite Convention of 1899 divided Samoa, with the United States claiming the eastern islands (now American Samoa) and Germany taking control of the western islands (now the independent state of Samoa).

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Western Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in 1962 and adopted the name Samoa in 1997. The country has maintained a stable parliamentary democracy since independence, with a strong traditional social structure and a commitment to preserving its unique cultural heritage.

    Current Political Situation:

    Samoa is a unitary parliamentary democracy with a prime minister as the head of government and a ceremonial head of state. The ruling Human Rights Protection Party has been in power since 1982, with Fiame Naomi Mataafa serving as the current prime minister.

    International Relations:

    Samoa maintains close ties with regional powers like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, as well as international organizations like the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations. The country has generally avoided major conflicts and plays an active role in promoting Pacific regionalism and environmental conservation.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Samoa’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The country has made significant strides in human development, with a high life expectancy and improved access to education and healthcare. However, challenges remain in areas such as income inequality and environmental sustainability.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Samoa’s unique cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its traditional village-based society, with an emphasis on community, respect for elders, and the preservation of ancient customs and practices. The Samoan language, traditional dances, and intricate tattooing traditions are integral parts of the country’s cultural identity.

    Samoa faces challenges related to climate change, economic diversification, and preserving its cultural heritage in the face of globalization. However, the country’s strong sense of community, resilience, and commitment to sustainable development provide opportunities for continued progress and prosperity.

Main facts

Location

Samoa is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It is situated in the Polynesian region of Oceania and consists of two main islands, Savai’i and Upolu, and several smaller islets. Samoa lies approximately 4,200 kilometers (2,600 miles) southwest of Hawaii and 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) northeast of New Zealand.

Map References

Samoa is located in the region of Polynesia, within the South Pacific Ocean.

Area – Comparative

Samoa has a total land area of approximately 2,842 square kilometers (1,097 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the state of Rhode Island in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Samoa is an independent island country and has no land borders with any other countries.

Coastline

Samoa has a total coastline of approximately 403 kilometers (250 miles). Its coastal areas feature tropical beaches, coral reefs, and rocky cliffs.

Maritime Claims

Samoa claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.

Climate

Samoa has a tropical maritime climate, with a hot and humid weather pattern year-round. The average temperature ranges from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is abundant, with a wet season from November to April and a drier period from May to October.

Terrain

The landscape of Samoa is characterized by volcanic formations and narrow coastal plains. The interior regions of the main islands are rugged and mountainous, with central volcanic mountain ranges and fertile valleys.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Samoa is Mount Silisili, located on the island of Savai’i, which reaches an elevation of 1,858 meters (6,096 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at sea level.

Natural Resources

Samoa’s natural resources include hardwood forests, fish, and hydropower potential.

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Samoa include the Apolima Strait, which separates the islands of Upolu and Savai’i, and the Aana Ridge, a submarine ridge located within the Samoan Archipelago.

Natural Hazards

Samoa is susceptible to natural hazards such as cyclones, tsunamis, and volcanic activity due to its location in the South Pacific and its volcanic geology.

Geography – Notes

Samoa is an important part of the Polynesian culture and is known for its pristine natural environment, including lush rainforests, waterfalls, and coral reefs. The islands are also home to several national parks and marine reserves, which help preserve the country’s biodiversity and natural heritage.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 60.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 246. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 12.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -13.759029-172.104629.
  • Capital: The capital of Samoa is  Apia
  • Major Cities:
    CityPopulation
    Apia37,391
    Asau6,551
    Faleaseela2,680
    Fasitoouta3,210
    Gataivai2,144
  • Population: 202,506
  • Area(Km2): 2831
  • Population Density( P/Km²):70. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:685
  • Official Language(s):Samoa is: Samoan (87.6%) and English (12.3%)
  • Currency: WST

Main Economic Indicators

Samoa has a small economy driven primarily by subsistence agriculture, tourism, light manufacturing, and foreign aid. Its key economic challenges include geographic isolation, limited resources, and a high vulnerability to natural disasters and economic shocks. Notable economic policies focus on promoting tourism and increasing exports of agricultural products.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate: 7.7% (2022 est.), -3.7% (2021 est.) – Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor’s: B/Stable (2019)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 8.7%
Industry: 30.1%
Services: 61.2% (2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Coconuts, bananas, taro, fish, cocoa beans
Industrial Products: Food and beverage, tourism, construction, light manufacturing

Labor Force

Total labor force: 47,800 (2016 est.) – Comparative ranking not available

Current Account Balance

Current account balance: -$37 million (2017 est.) – Comparative ranking not available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $33.6 million (2017 est.)
Key Partners: American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand
Main Commodities: Fish, coconut oil, nonu fruits, beer
Imports: $308.5 million (2017 est.)
Key Partners: New Zealand, Singapore, China, Fiji
Main Commodities: Machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign exchange reserves: $161.2 million (31 December 2017 est.)
Gold reserves: Not available

  • GDP (Current US$):$850,655,017. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 25.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 19.30%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.91. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.78. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 8.36%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Samoan(s)
Adjective: Samoan

Ethnic Groups

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

Religions

Protestant Christian 57.4%, Roman Catholic 19.4%, Mormon 15.2%, Worship Centre 1.7%, other Christian 5.1%, other 0.7%, none 0.5%

Age Structure

0-14 years: 28.43% (male 37,910/female 36,405)
15-64 years: 64.58% (male 86,275/female 82,674)
65 years and over: 6.99% (male 7,749/female 10,585) (2020 est.)

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 54.3 (2020 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 44 (2020 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 10.3 (2020 est.)

Median Age

Total: 28.3 years
Male: 27.9 years
Female: 28.8 years (2020 est.)

Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 47.3% of the adult population (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 2.9 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
Tobacco use: 25.4% of adults aged 15 and over (2015)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 73.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.0%.. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:24.38. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:5. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 3.88. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 30.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 35,588. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):11.50%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Samoa has a relatively small military force consisting primarily of the Samoa Police Force and a modest military unit known as the Samoa Police Operational Force. The Samoa Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order, border security, and addressing domestic threats.

Military Expenditures

Samoa’s military spending as a percentage of GDP has been relatively low, ranging from approximately 0.3% to 0.4% over the last five years. Globally, Samoa’s military expenditures rank among the lowest, reflecting its focus on maintaining a minimal defense force.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel in Samoa is estimated to be around 300 individuals. The Samoa Police Force, responsible for law enforcement and security, has a strength of approximately 600 officers.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Samoa’s military equipment inventory is relatively modest, consisting primarily of small arms and light vehicles for transportation and patrol purposes. The country does not possess any heavy military hardware or advanced weapon systems.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Samoa is voluntary, with no mandatory conscription. The minimum age for voluntary enlistment in the Samoa Police Force is 18 years old.

Military Deployments

Samoa does not currently have any overseas military deployments or contribute personnel to international peacekeeping missions, given the limited size and capabilities of its security forces.

Strategic Military Notes

Samoa’s defense strategy is primarily focused on maintaining internal security, border protection, and responding to natural disasters or emergencies within its territory. The country’s military and security forces play a minimal role in regional or global security frameworks, with their primary responsibility being the safety and well-being of Samoa’s citizens.

  • Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.34
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 43.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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