As part of the move toward independence, a legislative assembly was set up in 1947. In August 1960, Samoans adopted a Constitution that combined a modern style government with their traditional way of life, or Fa’a. Independence was achieved on 1 January 1962. Therefore, Samoa is a parliamentary democracy with concessions to local practices.

Samoa’s government is split into the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches. A Head of State is constitutionally elected by the Legislative Assembly, the Fono, for a five year term, but is amended to fit the Fa’a, or customary way, and is a lifetime posting. The Prime Minister, appointed by the Head of State, must be a member of the Fono and supported by a majority of its members. The cabinet of 12 is chosen by the Head of State acting on the Prime Minister’s advice. The Legislative Assembly has 49 seats, 47 of which are filled by members who are affiliated with traditional village-based electoral districts and must bematai. The two other seats are able to be filled by independents. These are elected into office by the voters for five year terms, 47 elected by universal suffrage, two by separate electoral rolls made up of those of foreign descent. Before 1991, only the matai were eligible to vote, but a plebiscite voted in universal suffrage to be effective in that year’s elections.

The judicial branch is independent and includes a Supreme Court, a Court of Appeal, a District Court and a Land and Titles Court, a unique body that hears grievances of customary, traditional land and matai title.

Samoa and New Zealand signed a Treaty of Friendship in 1962, and Samoans have defense ties with New Zealand’s. The regional memberships Samoa maintains are the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), South Pacific community (SPC), the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP - based in Samoa), the Pacific Regional Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO – based in Apia) and regional offices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre relocated to Apia from Suva in 2008.