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People
The population of Samoa is to be estimated to be 224,713 during
the year 1998, giving the country an overall population density
of 79 persons per sq km.
The population is unevenly distributed, however, and about two-thirds
of the people live on Upolu, primarily in oceanside villages of
less than 500 people.
More than 90 percent of the population are Samoans, a Polynesian
people. Only about 7 percent of the population consists of other
Pacific Islanders, Europeans, and Chinese.
Language
English and Samoan are the official languages, although Samoan is
preferred. English is normally only used in business and governmental
offices.
Religion
More than 99 percent of Samoans are Christians, with about 60 percent
of the people belonging to Protestant denominations, primarily the
Congregational Christian and Methodist churches. Roman Catholics
make up the next largest Christian group.
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