Development
Samoa’s population increases by 4,000 people in five years
APIA, SAMOA – 29 APRIL 2022: Samoa’s population increased by 4,031 people in the last five years according to the preliminary results of the Population Census conducted between 18 October and 6 November 2021.
The Preliminary count indicates increase of population to 200,010 from 195,070 in the last census in November 2016.
The results released by the Minister of Statistics, Leota Laki Sio showed 51% are males and 49% are females and sees no changes in gender composition.
The Census results have been compiled in accordance with the following geographic dimensions.
4 Statistical regions of Apia Urban Area, North West Upolu, Manono & Apolima, rest of Upolu and Savaii.
51 Political districts (20 in Savaii and 3 in Upolu & Manono & Apolima.
343 villages.
“This is the first Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) method was used to collect the information compared to the Paper and Pencil Interview (PAPI) method used in previous census,” said the Minister.
“It is also the first time the population has been tabulated based on the new distribution of political districts and villages used in the national election by the Office of the Electoral Commission in April 2021.”
“The results of the latest Census will help inform the public of the changes that are taking place in the population count of Samoa and the impact of these changes on the social and economic development within the villages and communities,” according to the Minister.
The next release will disseminate the final analysis report of all the information collected from the census.
“The support and assistance by one of our donor partners, in particular UNFPA is acknowledged and appreciated. The strong cooperation by all household respondents in providing the information requested is also acknowledged with appreciation.”
Also acknowledged is the dedicated and committed work by the 220 temporary workers involved in collecting of census data “deserve special mention and recognition.”