Samoa, country, SW Pacific Ocean: Government

Samoa, a constitutional monarchy, is governed under the constitution of 1962 as amended. The head of state, who is chosen from among the royal families, is elected by the legislature for a five-year term, with no term limits. The head of government is the prime minister, appointed by the head of state with the approval of the legislators. The unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono) consists of 47 chiefs elected by village-based districts, and 2 members elected by voters without village affiliation, mainly non-Samoan or part Samoan voters; all serve five-year terms. Administratively, the country is divided into 11 districts.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• History
• Government
• Land, People, and Economy

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