The head of state of the South Pacific nation of Samoa, Malietoa Tanumafili II, has died at the age of 94.
Malietoa, a traditional high chief, was appointed to his post in 1962, after Western Samoa, as was then known, gained independence from New Zealand.
He was the third-longest serving head of state, after King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and Queen Elizabeth II.
Malietoa was appointed for life, his successor will be selected by the legislature for a five-year term.
He died in hospital. The cause has so far not been announced.
Samoa has a population of 182,000. There are a further 120,000 Samoans living in New Zealand.
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