Apia, SAMOA — Samoa’s population did not increase in the last five years and is less than 200,000.

This was revealed in the final phase of the census 2016 brief reports released recently by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics, which had statistics on the country’s education and economic characteristics. 

Giving details to the media at a press conference, A.C.E.O. for the Census and Survey division, Taiopo Faumuina said the total population of Samoa in 2016 was 195,979 with males making up 100,892 and females 95,087.

“Our population has not increased that much because of international migrations in the past five years and also since the Samoa quota to New Zealand was introduced, affecting our population numbers. There was only an increase of 1,632 annually and 4 percent overall,” she said. 

In terms of education, Taiopo said the 2016 data showed that out of early childhood age (three-five years old – 16,713) only 21 per cent (3,568) attended school and is higher in rural residence (84 per cent) compared to urban residence (16 per cent). 

For Primary school age (six-14 years old - 41,120) 98 percent (40,218) attended school in 2016 and the majority were female (62 per cent) compared to 38 per cent male. In secondary schools, (ages 13-17, 20,136) 81 per cent (16,166) attended school in 2016.

The bureau holds a census every five years following consultation with all relevant stakeholders and sectors leaders on the types of information required. 

Read more at Samoa Observer