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New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.
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Country
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Surface Area: 2,944 square km
Population: 178,631 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean
Capital City: Apia
Head of State: Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA
Prime Minister: Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA
Independent since: 1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)
Currency: Tala (WST)
Flag (image): 
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