Western Samoa : a country profile

The profile is divided into three parts. An initial section provides general information on the country"s geography; social, political, and economic structures; ethnic groups; religion; and health, education, communications, and transportation infrastructure. Section two assesses the risks posed by the principal disasters the country faces (cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, floods, and drought). A final section describes Western Samoa"s disaster preparedness plans (e.g., the role of Samoan disaster organizations and voluntary agencies, warning systems, and disaster plans for the health, water and sanitation, communications, transportation, energy, and housing sectors). The profile concludes by discussing A.I.D. and other U.S. disaster relief and preparedness activities, as well as the role of other regional organizations. Includes figures, tables, and references (1981-86).