Asian Development Bank and Samoa: Fact Sheet

Abstract

Updated yearly, this ADB Fact Sheet provides social and economic indicators on Samoa as well as concise information on ADB's operations in the country and contact information. Samoa has made significant progress in human development since the early 1980s, and is well advanced in achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The reported incidence of poverty has fallen faster than the targeted rate, universal primary education has almost been achieved, gender disparity in primary and secondary education has been eliminated, and child and maternal mortality have been reduced, though less progress has been made in achieving the MDG of environmental sustainability. This economic and social progress is attributed to the combined impact of steady economic growth, substantial remittances from Samoans abroad, and the maintenance of relatively high levels of public expenditure on education and health. Samoa’s performance is also anchored on a sustained commitment to reforms and good governance.