Mau Movement - 1962 Independence

1962 Independence

When Western Samoa finally gained its independence in 1962, Tupua Tamasese Meaole, brother of the Mau movement leader, became its first co-head of state with Malietoa Tanumafili II.

Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II (1921–1975), the son of another high chief and Mau leader Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I, became the first Prime Minister of Samoa.

In July 1997, the Samoa Constitution was amended to change the country's name to Samoa, and officially the Independent State of Samoa.

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