Samoa - Local government

With the exception of the Apia area, local government is carried out by the village fono, or council of matai and orators, and where and when necessary, through meetings of matai and orators of a district. The main administrative link between the central government and the outside districts is provided by the part-time officials in each village who act as government agents in such matters as the registration of vital statistics; local inspectors represent the various government departments.