![Samoa. [Shutterstock]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Samoa-2560x1030.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
May 28, 2020
January 21, 2020
August 17, 2019
Pacific Islands Forum – U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Islands
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Samoa Relations
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with the Independent State of Samoa (then called Western Samoa) in 1971 following its independence from a New Zealand-administered trusteeship in 1962. U.S. consular relations in the Samoan islands date back to 1856 when the first U.S. Consul was posted in Apia. Currently, the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, resident in Wellington, is also accredited to Samoa. The daily management of the U.S. Embassy in Samoa is carried out by a resident Charge d’Affaires.
U.S. Assistance to Samoa
For 50 years, a dynamic and active Peace Corps mission has formed the foundation of U.S. assistance to Samoa. With their focus on people-to-people engagement and practical solutions to developmental challenges, U.S. Peace Corps volunteers have provided significant assistance to Samoa’s educational and economic development and have earned the respect of many throughout Samoa. Today in the Samoan language the word “Pisi Koa” (Peace Corps) is now used as the general word for volunteer.
Bilateral Economic Relations
U.S. goods exports to Samoa totaled $27.9 million in 2016, and the U.S. imported $5.3 million in goods from Samoa in the same year. Including American Samoa, the U.S. is one of Samoa’s largest export markets, accounting for over 25% of Samoan exports. Approximately 10% of Samoa’s imports come from the U.S. Remittances from Samoans living in the U.S., including American Samoa, contribute substantially to Samoa’s economy, and a significant number of Samoans are employed in American Samoa.
![Samoa Flag: Red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation; red stands for courage, blue represents freedom, and white signifies purity note: similar to the flag of Taiwan [CIA World FactBook]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ws-lgflag.gif){kind=small}