In 2004, estimates put Samoa’s population at 182 700, with around 39% composed of young people aged less than 15 years and only 4% of people aged 65 years and over. The country is divided into four major statistical regions: Apia Urban Area (AUA), North West Upolu (NWU), Rest of Upolu (including Manono and Apolima Islands) and Savaii.  AUA represents the urban area, while the other three regions make up the rural population.



Gender issues, such as the promotion and protection of women's rights, gender equity and women and HIV/AIDS are of high importance in Samoan society.  The level of women’s participation in the paid labour force is relatively high, and their access to education and achievement in the formal educational system is virtually equal to men.  Women occupy a number of senior positions in the public sector.  The church plays a key role in influencing public opinion and in education through the provision of schools at all levels.

The UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) ranks Samoa 75th out of 177 countries.  Based on the HDI, Samoa has one of the higher levels of social development rankings in the Pacific, showing higher overall educational and health standards than other Pacific islands.

• Home » 
• Countries and areas » 
• Samoa