Religion in Samoa

Population

In 2019, the country’s natural population increase was estimated at 2.2 percent per year. However, actual population growth was −0.2 percent, since emigration to primarily New Zealand, American Samoa and the United States was extensive.

About 115,000 of the population live on Upolu, and the settlements are almost exclusively along the coast. The only city in Samoa is Apia, with 35,800 residents (2012).

According to Countryaah data, about 88 percent of residents are Polynesians; 10 percent are of European-Polynesian descent (“Euronesian”) and the remainder are mixed.

People in Samoa

Language

According to thesciencetutor, Samoan and English are official languages. The majority of the population speak Samoan.

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Religion

Christianity is an integral part of Samoan society and its rich culture. The churches comprise 100% of the population with the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa being the largest with 43%. In the 1830s it was introduced by legendary sailor John Williams and missionaries from Tahiti, while Methodism, comprising 17% (1999), came through tongues. In addition to some smaller churches, there are 21% Roman Catholics and 10% Mormons. The Samoa Council of Churches plays an important role in the joint work.

Samoa Religion

SAMOA. – The western Samoa, already entrusted to the trusteeship of New Zealand, achieved independence, first of all the small colonies of Oceania, on January 10, 1962.

According to the constitution promulgated at the time of the proclamation of independence, the Head of State – elected for life – exercises the executive power, while the legislative power belongs to the Legislative Assembly, composed of 47 members elected for 3 years, 2 of which are elected by Europeans. Upon the death of the current Head of State, his successor will be elected for 5 years by the Legislative Assembly.

The territory of the Samoa extends for 2842 km 2 and includes the two major islands of the archipelago of the same name, Savaii (1715 km 2) and Upolu (1127 km 2), and some islets close to them.

At the November 1976 census the population of the Samoa was 151,515, of which over 100,000 on the island of Upolu and over 40,000 on the island of Savaii. Compared to 1960, it reveals an increase of over 40%, attributable above all to effective medical assistance, which has lowered the infant mortality rate. 20% of the population has been classified as urban, but in fact the only center of some importance is Apia (11,840 residents in 1960, 32,616 in 1974), which is located on the northern coast of Upolu and was built as the capital of the state.