The 1960 constitution, which formally came into force with independence from New Zealand in 1962, is based on the British pattern of parliamentary democracy, modified to take account of Samoan customs. The national modern Government of Samoa is referred to as the 'Malo'.
Samoa has a population of 194,320. About three-quarters of the population live on the main island of Upolu.
The Samoan culture is all about friendship and family and there are few occasions for celebration which beat a wedding for getting all of those nearest and dearest together, which is why a wedding in Samoa is a truly big deal!