O le Ao o le Malo is the Samoan head of state, which is the title's roughly translation. (A more literal translation might be "the chieftain of the government" — ao is a title generally reserved for chiefs, while malo means "government"). Queen Elizabeth II, is the Head of State of 16 countries including: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand and the Bahamas, as well as crown colonies and overseas territories of the United Kingdom. ...

The position is essentially ceremonial, with actual power being held by the Prime Minister. When Samoa became independent in 1962, two o le Ao o le Malo were appointed for life — Malietoa Tanumafili (born 4 January 1913) and Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole (born 1905). Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole has died in 1963, leaving Malietoa Tanumafili as the sole holder of the office. Upon his death, replacements will be elected by parliament for terms of five years. List of Prime Ministers of Samoa Categories: | ... 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar). ... His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II GCMG DCNZM CBE (born January 4, 1913) (also called Susuga) is one of the paramount chiefs and the current head of state (O le Ao o le Malo) of Samoa (and also the oldest national leader of the world). ... January 4 is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1913 (MCMXIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ... Tupua Tamasese Meaole, C.B.E. (1905-1963) was a former Samoan Head of State. ... 1905 (MCMV) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... 1963 (MCMLXIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (the link is to a full 1963 calendar). ...

There is sometimes debate or confusion as to whether o le Ao o le Malo should be seen as the ceremonial president of a republic or as a monarch. On the side of considering the office a presidency, it is noted that successors will be elected for a fixed term from among the general population, that office-holders can be dismissed by parliament, and that it lacks the styles and forms common to monarchy. On the side of considering the office a monarchy, the current office-holder does so for life, and is a member of the traditional Samoan nobility. Some argue that Samoa is currently a monarchy, but will cease to be so upon the current leader's death. The constitution of Samoa does not define the country either as a monarchy or a republic. Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States (1861-1865) The majority of this article is about heads of states. ... In a broad definition, a republic is a state or country that is led by people whose political power is based on principles that are not beyond the control of the people of that state or country. ... Look up monarch in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...