years (1997 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.82 children born/woman (1997 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Western Samoan(s)
adjective: Western Samoan
Ethnic groups: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and
Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%
Religions: Christian 99.7% (about one-half of population associated
with the London Missionary Society; includes Congregational, Roman
Catholic, Methodist, Latter-Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist)
Languages: Samoan (Polynesian), English
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population : 97%
male: 97%
female: 97% (1971 est.)
@Western Samoa:Government
Country name:
conventional long form: Independent State of Western Samoa
conventional short form: Western Samoa
Data code: WS
Government type: constitutional monarchy under native chief
National capital: Apia
Administrative divisions: 11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua,
Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea,
Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano
Independence: 1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN
trusteeship)
National holiday: National Day, 1 June (1962)
Constitution: 1 January 1962
Legal system: based on English common law and local customs; judicial
review of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the
citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state : Chief Susuga MALIETOA Tanumafili II (cochief of state
from 1 January 1962 until becoming sole chief of state 5 April 1963)
head of government: Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana (since 7 April
1988); Deputy Prime Minister TUILA'EPA Sailele Malielegaoi (since NA
1992)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the chief of state with the prime
minister's advice
elections : upon the death of Chief Susuga MALIETOA Tanumafili II, a
new chief of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly to
serve a five-year term; prime minister appointed by the chief of state
with the approval of the Legislative Assembly
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats;
members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 26 April 1996 (next to be held 26 April 2001)
election results : percent of vote by party - HRPP 45.17%, SNDP 27.1%,
independents 23.7%; seats by party - HRPP 25, SNDP 13, independents 11
Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeal
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