Geographical Location
   
 

Samoa comprises of two large islands of Savaii and Upolu, small islands of Manono and Apolima and several uninhabited islets lying off the coast. It is situated in the centre of the Southern Pacific Ocean, and east of the International Date Line, approximately equidistant between Honolulu and Sydney.

The total land area is approximately 2,800 sq km, with the capital and chief port, Apia locates in Upolu.

Thick tropical vegetation covers the islands, except the old lava flows on the north coast of Savaii, the largest island of Samoan group. On the shores and lower slopes there are much second growth woodland, coconut and pandanus and other coastal trees, with mangroves covering the tidal mudflats.

 
   
Population
   
 

Overall Samoa has a total population count of approximately 209,000. The most populated region is North Western Upolu (NWU) which occupies approximately 30% of total population, and Savaii makes up another 25%.

Samoa is made up of 90% Samoans, which is followed by less than 10% Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian blood) and the rest are Europeans.

The sex ratio of male to female is 1.39 to 1.

The literacy rate in Samoa is 99%.

   
Language
   
 

The main languages are Samoan Polynesian and English.

English is the teaching language in all school.

   
Currency
   
  The official currency is Samoan Dollar / Tala (SAT).
   
Economy
   
 

Samoa has traditionally been dependent on agricultural exports, which occupied 50% of the workforce, over 50% to GDP and 90% of exports, with fresh fish as the main export item.

Recently, tourism is the most fast growing industry in Samoa.
   
Government
   
  Samoa has been administered by Britain, Germany and New Zealand in various periods, which then became independent in 1962 and formed a parliamentary government. .

There is a 47-member Legislative Assembly which is composed of 45 Matai title holders (the heads of each extended family) who are elected by their peers, and 2 non-Samoan residents who are registered on the Universal Voters’ Roll. This Legislative Assembly elects a Prime Minister who, with an 8-member Cabinet and the Head of State make up the Executive Council.

Parliamentary elections are held every 5 years.
   
Law and Taxation
   
  The legal system is based on the English Common Law.

The court system comprises the Magistrates Court, the High Court, Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The first Superior Court of Samoa possesses and exercises all the jurisdiction, power and authority necessary to administer the laws of Samoa. While the Court of Appeal of Samoa hears appeals on any judgment, decree or order of the Supreme Court in either its civil or criminal jurisdiction.

The principal corporate legislations are International Companies Act of 1987, as amended, International Trusts Act, 1987, The Offshore Banking Act, 1987, The International Insurance Act, 1988.

But there is separate corporate legislation for domestic companies.
   
Local Infrastructure
   
  The modern international airport provides direct flights or connections to USA, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.

The harbour at Apia can accommodate large passenger and cargo ships, with regular shipping services to Europe, West Coast USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and major Pacific Islands.

Samoa has an excellent international telecommunications system with internet services, facsimile and international direct dial, which is 24 hours available. Further, international couriers are also being ready at services.
   
Advantages
   
  - Social, economic and political stability.
- Exemption from exchange controls.
- Excellent international telecommunications system.
- Well-developed commercial and economic infrastructure.
- Established international banking system.
- Exemption from Western Samoan taxation.
- Ready-made companies are available.
- Transfer of corporate domicile.
- Non-disclosure of beneficial ownership.
- Bearer shares and debentures may be issued.