Samoa

HABITAT-style, low-cost housing solutions in the Pacific islands that make up Samoa are provided by Apitaga mo Tagata Soifua Samoa, a local organization run by former staff members of Habitat for Humanity Samoa.

The group of seven islands characterized by steep volcanic crests and lush vegetation lies in the South Pacific, about half way between New Zealand and Hawaii.

Samoa’s economy has traditionally been dependent on development aid from Australia and New Zealand, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and fishing. The country has a small, but growing tourism sector as well as light industry. However the islands are vulnerable to devastating storms.

Samoa is generally more prosperous than many Pacific island states. The annual per capita income is equivalent to more US$2,270, according to the World Bank. In mid-2007, the local United Nations Resident Co-ordinator indicated that the country has already achieved several of the UN Millennium Development Goals and is on target to achieve most of the rest.

There are no up to date figures on poverty though a significant portion of the population is thought to be unable to afford safe, hurricane-resistant housing, especially in rural areas. Building to government codes can be very expensive.

Habitat for Humanity had a presence in Samoa from 2001 to September 2007. Apitaga mo Tagata Soifua Samoa has taken over took over the program and is continuing to work with 33 former Habitat home partners on their mortgage repayments.

Over seven years, the Habitat program assisted 40 low-income families to build or renovate their homes in Upolu Island.

COUNTRY FACTS

Population: 214,265

Capital: Apia

Area: 2,944 sq. km.

Ethnic groups: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%

Languages: Samoan (Polynesian), English

Religions: Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, Methodist 15%, Latter-Day Saints 12.7%, Assembly of God 6.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.5%, Worship Centre 1.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Updated November 2007