Samoa

Samoa was the first former territory in the Pacific to become independent, in 1962. Consisting of seven volcanic islands, Samoa lies to the north-east of Fiji and east of the international dateline. Its Polynesian traditions remain a central force in Samoan life.

Basic Indicators

Total population (thousands), 2006185
Annual no. of births (thousands), 20065
Under-5 mortality rate, 200628
Infant mortality rate (under 1), 200623
Life expectancy at birth (years), 200671

Definitions of the indicators

Under-five mortality rate - Probability of dying between birth and exactly five years of age expressed per 1,000 live births.

Infant mortality rate - Probability of dying between birth and exactly one year of age expressed per 1,000 live births.

Life expectancy at birth - The number of years newborn children would live if subject to the mortality risks prevailing.

Health

% of population using improved drinking-water sources, 2004, total88
% of population using adequate sanitation facilities, 2004, total100
Immunization 2006, 1-year-old children immunized against:, TB, corresponding vaccines: BCG %84
Immunization 2006, 1-year-old children immunized against: DPT, corresponding vaccines: DPT1β %80
Immunization 2006, 1-year-old children immunized against:Polio, corresponding vaccines: DPT3β %56
Immunization 2006, 1-year-old children immunized against:Polio, corresponding vaccines: polio3 %57
Immunization 2006, 1-year-old children immunized against:Measles, corresponding vaccines: measles %54
Immunization 2006, 1-year-old children immunized against:HepB, corresponding vaccines: HepB3 %56
Immunization 2006, 1-year-old children immunized against:Hib, corresponding vaccines:Hib3 %-

Definitions of health

EPI - Expanded Programme on Immunization: The immunizations in this programme include those against TB, DPT, polio and measles, as well as protecting babies against neonatal tetanus by vaccination of pregnant women. Other vaccines (e.g. against hepatitis B or yellow fever) may be included in the programme in some countries.

DPT3 - Percentage of infants that received three doses of diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus vaccine.

HepB3 - Percentage of infants that received three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine.