Samoa
Independent State of Samoa
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Polynesia, Samoa has a population of approximately 205.6k—one of the less populous countries in the world. The country extends across 2,842 km², translating to a density of 72 people per km². Its capital is Apia, and official languages include English and Samoan, while the Samoan tālā serves as the national currency.
Population
205,557
Area
2,842 km²
Density
72/km²
World Rank
#189
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 25.4 per thousand against deaths at 6.2 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. A youthful age structure is evident: 38.5% of the population is under 15, while only 5.9% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Apia
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Polynesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Samoan
- Currencies
- Samoan tālā (T)
- Calling Code
- +685
- Top-Level Domain
- .ws
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+13:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 205,557
- Land Area
- 2,842 km²
- Population Density
- 72 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +1,809 people
- Daily Growth
- +5 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- -13.58°, -172.33°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $5.4k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 5%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 38.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
71.7 years
GDP per Capita
$5,393
Birth Rate
25.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
17.5%
Fertility Rate
3.83 births/woman
Infant Mortality
12.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.0%
Literacy Rate
98.0%
Internet Users
58.1%
Under 15
38.5%
Over 65
5.9%
Health Spending
6.8% GDP
Gini Index
38.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
79K
15-64 years
114K
65+ years
12K
Urbanization
Only 17.5% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Apia serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 2815.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
35,972
17.5%
169,585
82.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 71.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 12.8 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 98% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Samoa is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Samoa participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 205,557 |
| 2030 | 212,840 |
| 2035 | 222,202 |
| 2040 | 231,872 |
| 2045 | 241,868 |
| 2050 | 252,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Samoa?
The population of Samoa is approximately 205,557 as of 2026, making it #189 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Samoa?
The capital of Samoa is Apia.
What languages are spoken in Samoa?
The main languages spoken in Samoa are English, Samoan.
How big is Samoa?
Samoa covers an area of 2,842 km² with a population density of 72 people per km².
Is Samoa growing or shrinking?
Samoa is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 1,809 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Samoa?
The average life expectancy in Samoa is 71.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Samoa?
The GDP per capita of Samoa is $5,393.