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Photo: Neil derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Samoa places highest on Organic Agricultural Area (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Livestock Production Index (bottom 3%).
Samoa in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
216,663
people
since 1950
Land area
2,780
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
7,963
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
71.7
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.708
HDI, 0–1
since 1995
Unemployment
4.996
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Samoa
Key facts about Samoa
- Capital
- Apia
- Official languages
- English, Samoan
- Currency
- Samoan tālā (WST)
- ISO code
- WSM · WS
- Domain · dialling
- .ws · +685
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Samoa’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
16thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
33rdof 198
From 2 of 3 key statistics
41stof 191
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint52ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
70thof 147
From 2 of 3 key statistics
96thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint125thof 193
From 4 of 5 key statistics
116thof 178
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint128thof 194
From 2 of 3 key statistics
152ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
No standing — Samoa holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
No standing — Samoa holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Samoa’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Samoa in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Samoa stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Samoa sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Samoa does best7
In the top third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 150 · 86.38 · 2024
world median 0.725 (better)
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 3rd
Position · derived 3rd of 78 · 3.95 · 2025
world median 3.246 (better)
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 179 · 47.98 · 2025
world median 19.16 (better)
- 10th
Position · derived 95th of 104 · 1 = worst · 3.6 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better)
Position · derived 19th of 211 · 1.238 · 2024
world median 0.04 (better) · ▲ 10 pts since 2014
Position · derived 14th of 123 · 6.11 · 2023
world median 3.709 (better) · ▲ 31 pts since 2013
Where Samoa struggles most6
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 4 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 4thViolent Discipline of Childrenbottom 3%
Position · derived 4th of 90 · 1 = worst · 90.8 · 2025
world median 75.8 (worse)
- 6thLivestock Production Indexbottom 3%
Position · derived 189th of 194 · 80.63 · 2022
world median 107.06 (worse) · ▼ 71 pts since 2012
- 9thBusiness Ready: Regulatory Frameworkbottom 16%
Position · derived 42nd of 50 · 57.11 · 2024
world median 66.8 (worse)
- 10thPre-Primary Net Enrolment Ratebottom 8%
Position · derived 111th of 120 · 22.68 · 2024
world median 65.93 (worse) · ▼ 8 pts since 2014
- Food Production Indexbottom 5%
Position · derived 185th of 195 · 83.05 · 2022
world median 106.08 (worse) · ▼ 92 pts since 2012
- Labour Force Participation Ratebottom 8%
Position · derived 168th of 182 · 42.53 · 2025
world median 61.66 (worse) · ▼ 15 pts since 2015
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Samoa can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
72nd
of 149 · 1995
122nd
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 29 of 34 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
107th
of 169 · 2019
105th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 5 of 34 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
126th
of 172 · 2020
154th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 5 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Samoa has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)+38 pts since 2014
- ICT Goods Exports+33 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Samoa has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Crop Production Index-88 pts since 2012
05In context
Samoa and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Samoa has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Polynesia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 64
Samoa - 87
Tonga - —
American Samoanot placed - —
Cook Islandsnot placed - —
French Polynesianot placed - —
Niuenot placed - —
Tuvalunot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Samoa
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions22
Agriculture Orientation Index81st of 132position · derived0.24Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Samoa 0.24 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency19th of 50position · derived68.32Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
Upper middle · top 37% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
Samoa 68.32 · world median 65.82 (better)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services37th of 50position · derived40.04Public services score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
Samoa 40.04 · world median 50.13 (worse)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework42nd of 50position · derived57.11Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 16% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
Samoa 57.11 · world median 66.8 (worse)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Civic Space Ratings37th of 198position · derived81Civic space score (0–100)2025
Top fifth · top 19% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Samoa 81 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 15%66.9Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Samoa 66.9 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment3rd of 78position · derived3.95IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
Top fifth · top 3% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Samoa 3.95 · world median 3.246 (better)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
No real change since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt79th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst9.034Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
Upper middle · top 28% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Samoa 9.034 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)69th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst37.56External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
Upper middle · top 38% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Samoa 37.56 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▲ +38 percentile points since 2014
General Government Consumption45th of 132position · derived18.58General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 34% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Samoa 18.58 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index154th of 195rank23.46AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Samoa 23.46 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness70th of 209position · derived0.434Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Upper middle · top 33% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Samoa 0.434 · world median 0.01 (better)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Government Spending on Education14th of 123position · derived6.11Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
Top fifth · top 11% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Samoa 6.11 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +31 percentile points since 2013
Open Data Inventory125th of 168rank45ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Samoa 45 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Wage Bill18th of 168position · derived13.65Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Top fifth · top 10% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Samoa 13.65 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +43 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality108th of 209position · derived-0.102Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · bottom 49% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Samoa -0.102 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law36th of 211position · derived1.053Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Top fifth · top 17% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Samoa 1.053 · world median -0.1 (better)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators125th of 188position · derived62.83SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Samoa 62.83 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density92nd of 139position · derived11.82Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Samoa 11.82 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
Voice and Accountability47th of 208position · derived0.888Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 22% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Samoa 0.888 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law124th of 190position · derived75WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Samoa 75 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation24
Agricultural Land158th of 209position · derived17.56Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Samoa 17.56 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)62nd of 158position · derived9.09Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 39% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Samoa 9.09 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic99th of 103position · derived53,017Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Samoa 53,017 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index178th of 195position · derived84.07Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Samoa 84.07 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -88 percentile points since 2012
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)90th of 138position · derived27.62Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Samoa 27.62 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare184th of 188position · derived1.027Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Samoa 1.027 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Food Production Index185th of 195position · derived83.05Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Samoa 83.05 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -92 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth68th of 186position · derived4.204GDP growth (annual %)2025
Upper middle · top 36% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Samoa 4.204 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
No real change since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)130th of 185position · derived7,963GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Samoa 7,963 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
GNI per Capita (PPP)66th of 102position · derived8,553GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Samoa 8,553 · world median 14,273 (worse)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)22nd of 131position · derived30.04Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 16% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Samoa 30.04 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)32nd of 146position · derived30.01Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
Upper middle · top 21% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Samoa 30.01 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
No real change since 2014
Household Consumption32nd of 131position · derived72.77Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 24% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Samoa 72.77 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports34th of 119position · derived3.43ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
Upper middle · top 29% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Samoa 3.43 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)66th of 138position · derived43.01Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Middle · top 47% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Samoa 43.01 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)152nd of 158position · derived10.17Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Samoa 10.17 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index85th of 169position · derived0.609IHDI (0–1)2023
Middle · top 50% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Samoa 0.609 · world median 0.609
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2019
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index113th of 175rank30.04LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Samoa 30.04 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Density44th of 188position · derived1.07Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Upper middle · top 23% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Samoa 1.07 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Production Index189th of 194position · derived80.63Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Samoa 80.63 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -71 percentile points since 2012
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)116th of 132position · derived4.925Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 12% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Samoa 4.925 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Net Official Development Assistance Received20th of 130position · derived11.34Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Top fifth · top 15% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Samoa 11.34 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)141st of 180position · derived0.28Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Samoa 0.28 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)80th of 138position · derived70.63Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
Middle · bottom 42% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Samoa 70.63 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked21st of 182position · derived45.11Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Top fifth · top 11% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Samoa 45.11 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture68th of 182position · derived26.88Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 37% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Samoa 26.88 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry131st of 182position · derived15.94Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Samoa 15.94 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services99th of 182position · derived57.18Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Middle · bottom 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Samoa 57.18 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio162nd of 182position · derived40.41Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Samoa 40.41 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate164th of 182position · derived30.74Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Samoa 30.74 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager4th of 179position · derived47.98Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Top fifth · top 2% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Samoa 47.98 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed105th of 168position · derived31,817GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Samoa 31,817 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Informal Employment Rate45th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst46.49Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
Middle · bottom 46% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Samoa 46.49 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate168th of 182position · derived42.53Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Samoa 42.53 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked119th of 182position · derived13.34Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Samoa 13.34 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate64th of 182position · derived44.51Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Samoa 44.51 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate97th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst4.996Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Middle · top 47% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Samoa 4.996 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment62nd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst41.64Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Samoa 41.64 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate89th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst12.98Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Middle · bottom 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Samoa 12.98 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge9
Adult Literacy Rate45th of 172position · derived97.99Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Upper middle · top 26% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Samoa 97.99 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling130th of 195position · derived12.44Expected years of schooling2023
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Samoa 12.44 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling59th of 193position · derived11.33Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Upper middle · top 30% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Samoa 11.33 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary82nd of 121position · derived · 1 = worst1.809Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
Upper middle · top 33% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Samoa 1.809 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -30 percentile points since 2014
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate111th of 120position · derived22.68Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Samoa 22.68 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Primary Completion Rate71st of 165position · derived98.53Primary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · top 43% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Samoa 98.53 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio79th of 95position · derived16.03Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
Samoa 16.03 · world median 52.77 (worse)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
No real change since 2017
Upper Secondary Completion Rate87th of 164position · derived61.21Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · bottom 47% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Samoa 61.21 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 37%99.0215–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Upper middle · top 37% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Samoa 99.02 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing16
Children with Functional Difficultiestop 10%22.6Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
Top fifth · top 10% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Samoa 22.6 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply56th of 155position · derived3,216Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Upper middle · top 36% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Samoa 3,216 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months40th of 136position · derived51.74Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Upper middle · top 29% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Samoa 51.74 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index105th of 172rank0.416GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Samoa 0.416 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2019
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index65th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.025MPI (0–1)2025
Middle · top 41% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Samoa 0.025 · world median 0.039 (better)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
No real change since 2022
Global Violent Deaths71st of 206position · derived · 1 = worst7.77Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Samoa 7.77 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index91st of 172position · derived0.548HCI score (0–1)2020
Middle · bottom 47% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Samoa 0.548 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2018
Human Development Index122nd of 193rank0.708HDI score (0–1)2023
Lower middle · bottom 37% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Samoa 0.708 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth142nd of 222position · derived71.7Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Samoa 71.7 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio65th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst101.49Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Samoa 101.49 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare31st of 178position · derived9.5Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Top fifth · top 17% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Samoa 9.5 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +34 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity69th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst4.5Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
Middle · top 48% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Samoa 4.5 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2017
Prevalence of Undernourishment95th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst3.6Population undernourished (%)2023
Middle · top 42% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Samoa 3.6 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five116th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst7.293Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Upper middle · top 29% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Samoa 7.293 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate100th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst14.86Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Middle · bottom 50% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Samoa 14.86 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children4th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst90.8Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Samoa 90.8 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital7
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
Upper middle · top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Samoa 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2014
Arable Land per Person148th of 206position · derived0.049Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Samoa 0.049 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage107th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst7.4Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
Upper middle · top 26% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Samoa 7.4 · world median 17.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality106th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst13.7Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Upper middle · top 38% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Samoa 13.7 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2019
Cost of Sending Remittances27th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst4.594Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Samoa 4.594 · world median 3.225 (worse)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
No real change since 2016
Gender Development Index113th of 184position · derived0.955Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Samoa 0.955 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area1st of 150position · derived86.38Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Top fifth · top 1% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Samoa 86.38 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
No real change since 2014
Environment & Sustainability5
Agricultural Emissions165th of 193position · derived154.09Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Samoa 154.09 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Ecological Footprint65th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst2.287Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
Middle · top 49% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Samoa 2.287 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
No real change since 2015
Forest Area32nd of 210position · derived57.64Forest area (% of land area)2023
Top fifth · top 15% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Samoa 57.64 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation75th of 190position · derived43.75Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Upper middle · top 39% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Samoa 43.75 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index119th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst3.1WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Upper middle · top 39% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Samoa 3.1 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security3
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Samoa 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
INFORM Risk Index135th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2.7INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Upper middle · top 29% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Samoa 2.7 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence19th of 211position · derived1.238Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Top fifth · top 9% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Samoa 1.238 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Samoa. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2020
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2014
- Cereal Import Dependency Ratio
- Cereal Yield
- Corruption Perceptions Index
- Economic Complexity Index
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2022
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index · last seen 2013
- Global Innovation Index
- Global Militarisation Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2016
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2013
- INFORM Severity Index
- Internal Displacements by Disaster · last seen 2023
- Land Under Cereal Production
- Logistics Performance Index
- Physical Violence Index
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2013
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2013
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2013
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2013
- Public Sector Employment
- Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita
- Research and Development Spending
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2000
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2016
- Social Institutions and Gender Index
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index
- Water Stress
- Water Withdrawal by Sector
- Working Poverty Rate
- World Energy Trilemma Index
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2022
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Samoa can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 22 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Samoa on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Samoa: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/samoa