Samoa is a Polynesian country northeast of Fiji. Samoa consists of four inhabited and a number of smaller, uninhabited islands. The capital and economic hub Apia is located on Upolu, the most populous of the islands. Upolu and Savai'i, the other main island, account for 99 per cent of Samoa's 205,557 population (2021). In 1962, Samoa became the first Pacific island country to achieve independence.
Samoa's economy was heavily impacted by COVID-19. Despite this, Samoa is demonstrating strength, resilience and leadership in its recovery. Tourism is rebounding strongly following the reopening of international borders in August 2022, with visitors to Samoa in 2023 reaching 113.9 per cent of 2018-19 levels.
Samoa and Australia established diplomatic relations on 31 March 1971. Australia and Samoa are close partners with a longstanding relationship that is underpinned by mutual respect and trust. The partnership’s foundation and future direction are set out in The Australia-Samoa Bilateral Partnership Arrangement [Ole Fala Folasia I Lo Ta Va – The Map that Guides Us], launched by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Fiamē in March 2023. The Map commits to strengthening cooperation through strategic alignment in diplomatic, development and economic engagement across five priority areas, with cooperation to be guided by shared principles.
Australia is a significant export destination and source of imports for Samoa. Major exports to Samoa include ships, boats, medical equipment and medicines, meat and dairy products.
Australian High Commission, Apia
Beach Road
Apia
Phone: +685 23 411
Email: apia.admin@dfat.gov.au
For more information on Australia and Samoa’s diplomatic relations, see the DFAT website.