INTRODUCTION

The Census of Population and Housing is the most important source of statistical information for planning and policy making purposes.

It provides a complete coverage of the total population and it entails a great deal of information relating to social, economic and demographic characteristics of the population.

In the 2006 census, an attempt has been made to include more questions on mortality analysis, disability, income and employment, education, household status and to extend most of data analysis down to the regional levels in addition to national information.

The 2006 census counted all persons who were present in Samoa on census night and excluding all Samoans living and residing overseas.

The 2006 census was fully operated by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics at all stages.

Two publications of the 2006 census have already been released within one year of enumeration. The Village Directory was released in March 2007 and a Special Tabulation Report was released in December 2007.

This Report of the Population and Housing Census 2006 is the 3rd release launched on the 24th of July 2008 as a special document to celebrate the independence status of the office as the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS).

This report will also be made available on the website and the public and users are advised to contact the SBS for any information available from the census data for use.