American Samoa - AS - ASM - ASA - Australia and Oceania

Last updated: April 11, 2024
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American Samoa Images

  • A sea cave or lava tube along the volcanic shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Eric Johnson.

    A sea cave or lava tube along the volcanic shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Eric Johnson.

  • The topography of Tutuila, largest of the islands of American Samoa, is distinctively shown in this color-coded perspective view generated with digital elevation data from the space. Two visualization methods were combined to produce the image: shading and color coding of topographic height. The total area of Tutuila is about 142 sq km (55 sq mi), slightly larger than San Francisco. The large bay near the center in this view is Pago Pago Harbor, actually a submerged volcanic crater whose south wall collapsed millions of years ago. Adjacent to the harbor is Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, and to the left (west) of the harbor in this view is Matafao Peak, Tutuila's highest point at 653 m (2,142 ft). The small island to the east is Aunu’u. Topography is exaggerated by a factor of two. Image courtesy of NASA/JPL/NGA.

    The topography of Tutuila, largest of the islands of American Samoa, is distinctively shown in this color-coded perspective view generated with digital elevation data from the space. Two visualization methods were combined to produce the image: shading and color coding of topographic height. The total area of Tutuila is about 142 sq km (55 sq mi), slightly larger than San Francisco. The large bay near the center in this view is Pago Pago Harbor, actually a submerged volcanic crater whose south wall collapsed millions of years ago. Adjacent to the harbor is Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, and to the left (west) of the harbor in this view is Matafao Peak, Tutuila's highest point at 653 m (2,142 ft). The small island to the east is Aunu’u. Topography is exaggerated by a factor of two. Image courtesy of NASA/JPL/NGA.

  • North coast of the island of Tutuila. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    North coast of the island of Tutuila. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A view of Pago Pago Harbor on Tutuila Island; the mouth (entrance) is to the left. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A view of Pago Pago Harbor on Tutuila Island; the mouth (entrance) is to the left. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Pago Pago Harbor extends deep into Tutuila Island providing excellent protection for ships at anchor. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Pago Pago Harbor extends deep into Tutuila Island providing excellent protection for ships at anchor. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The governor’s mansion at Pago Pago. Image courtesy of NOAA / Jennifer Fry.

    The governor’s mansion at Pago Pago. Image courtesy of NOAA / Jennifer Fry.

  • Located on opposite sides of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak (center) and Rainmaker Mountain far left) are two of the five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Located on opposite sides of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak (center) and Rainmaker Mountain far left) are two of the five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Located on one side of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak is one of five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Located on one side of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak is one of five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Located on one side of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak is one of five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Shown is the peak of Matafao Peak. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Located on one side of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak is one of five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Shown is the peak of Matafao Peak. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • One of the seven National Natural Landmarks located on the opposite side of Pago Pago Harbor, Rainmaker Mountain is a great mass of volcanic rocks extruded as molten magma during major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    One of the seven National Natural Landmarks located on the opposite side of Pago Pago Harbor, Rainmaker Mountain is a great mass of volcanic rocks extruded as molten magma during major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The tall mountains surrounding Pago Pago make it a sheltered harbor. Shown here are tuna boats in port. Photo courtesy of NOAA.

    The tall mountains surrounding Pago Pago make it a sheltered harbor. Shown here are tuna boats in port. Photo courtesy of NOAA.

  • The tensions of World War II prompted the US Government to begin fortifying American Samoa in 1940. US Marines installed the two 5 inch coast defense guns on the west side of Pago Pago Harbor at Blunts Point, and another two on the east side of the harbor at Breakers Point. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the capture of Guam shortly thereafter, American Samoa became of critical importance as the only major American base in the western Pacific, and it was further fortified in anticipation of attack. Although no attack ever came, American Samoa was a critical supply and training point for American military actions in the Pacific. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The tensions of World War II prompted the US Government to begin fortifying American Samoa in 1940. US Marines installed the two 5 inch coast defense guns on the west side of Pago Pago Harbor at Blunts Point, and another two on the east side of the harbor at Breakers Point. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the capture of Guam shortly thereafter, American Samoa became of critical importance as the only major American base in the western Pacific, and it was further fortified in anticipation of attack. Although no attack ever came, American Samoa was a critical supply and training point for American military actions in the Pacific. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A quiet rocky beach at the end of the Tuafanua Trail on the north shore of Tutuila, looking out toward Pola Island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A quiet rocky beach at the end of the Tuafanua Trail on the north shore of Tutuila, looking out toward Pola Island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • This view is a classic example of steep cliffs and erosion-resistant outliers formed by wave action on a volcanic land mass. Pola island rises over 125 m (400 ft) straight out of the ocean off Tutuila. A short walk from Vatia village, Pola is an ideal nesting site for many species of seabirds. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    This view is a classic example of steep cliffs and erosion-resistant outliers formed by wave action on a volcanic land mass. Pola island rises over 125 m (400 ft) straight out of the ocean off Tutuila. A short walk from Vatia village, Pola is an ideal nesting site for many species of seabirds. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Afono village on the northeast coast of Tutuila is one of that island's more populous villages. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Afono village on the northeast coast of Tutuila is one of that island's more populous villages. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Amalu Bay, Tutuila. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Amalu Bay, Tutuila. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Many parts of the American Samoa shoreline are composed of steep volcanic cliffs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Many parts of the American Samoa shoreline are composed of steep volcanic cliffs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Samoan ladies performing a traditional dance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Samoan ladies performing a traditional dance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Fa’asamoa, the Samoan way of life, here expressed in the form of a ladies choir. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Fa’asamoa, the Samoan way of life, here expressed in the form of a ladies choir. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Fine mats are used for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and the bestowing of chiefly titles. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Fine mats are used for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and the bestowing of chiefly titles. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • An ʻie tōga is a special finely woven mat that has the highest cultural value in the Sāmoa islands. ʻIe tōga are valued because of the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    An ʻie tōga is a special finely woven mat that has the highest cultural value in the Sāmoa islands. ʻIe tōga are valued because of the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Village matai (chiefs) meet inside a fale (Samoan guest house). Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Village matai (chiefs) meet inside a fale (Samoan guest house). Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The matai are family patriarchs. The title brings a family prestige, and the matai must uphold that prestige within the village and beyond. A matai is responsible for maintaining family unity and harmony, as well as promoting participation in religious or church-related activities. They also serve as family spokesman in the village council of chiefs, or fono, thereby providing the family a voice in all village matters and public affairs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The matai are family patriarchs. The title brings a family prestige, and the matai must uphold that prestige within the village and beyond. A matai is responsible for maintaining family unity and harmony, as well as promoting participation in religious or church-related activities. They also serve as family spokesman in the village council of chiefs, or fono, thereby providing the family a voice in all village matters and public affairs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • This colored cloth is an authentic tapa (siapo in Samoan) made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. All of the dyes are made from plants that grow locally. This style of hand painted tapa cloth originated in the early 1920's in the village of Leone. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    This colored cloth is an authentic tapa (siapo in Samoan) made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. All of the dyes are made from plants that grow locally. This style of hand painted tapa cloth originated in the early 1920's in the village of Leone. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Pe'a is the name of the traditional male tattoo of Samoa. The pe'a covers the body from waist to the knees. The tattoo starts on the back and finishes on the belly button. Overall, the design is symmetrical with a pattern consisting mainly of straight lines and larger blocks of dark cover, usually around the thighs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service/ Cathy Johnson.

    Pe'a is the name of the traditional male tattoo of Samoa. The pe'a covers the body from waist to the knees. The tattoo starts on the back and finishes on the belly button. Overall, the design is symmetrical with a pattern consisting mainly of straight lines and larger blocks of dark cover, usually around the thighs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service/ Cathy Johnson.

  • An enu basket fish trap. The cleverly constructed woven baskets are baited and buried halfway in shallow water along a sandy shoreline. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    An enu basket fish trap. The cleverly constructed woven baskets are baited and buried halfway in shallow water along a sandy shoreline. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The bowl-shaped depressions on these rock surfaces reveal them to be grinding stones - used by the natives to sharpen adze blades. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The bowl-shaped depressions on these rock surfaces reveal them to be grinding stones - used by the natives to sharpen adze blades. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A collared kingfisher at the Pola Islands overlook in the Tutuila portion of the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A collared kingfisher at the Pola Islands overlook in the Tutuila portion of the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The coconut crab is a species of terrestrial hermit crab that also goes by the name of robber crab or palm thief. It is the largest land-living arthropod in the world and can weigh up to 4.1 kg (9 lb) and grow to up to 1 m in length from each tip to tip of the leg; it is found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean. And, yes, omnivorous coconut crabs can break open and feed on coconuts, although they prefer softer foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and the pith of fallen trees. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The coconut crab is a species of terrestrial hermit crab that also goes by the name of robber crab or palm thief. It is the largest land-living arthropod in the world and can weigh up to 4.1 kg (9 lb) and grow to up to 1 m in length from each tip to tip of the leg; it is found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean. And, yes, omnivorous coconut crabs can break open and feed on coconuts, although they prefer softer foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and the pith of fallen trees. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A brown booby, named fua'o in Samoan, has white plumage on its chest and on the underside of its wings. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A brown booby, named fua'o in Samoan, has white plumage on its chest and on the underside of its wings. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A cardinal honeyeater, named segasega mau'u in Samoan. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A cardinal honeyeater, named segasega mau'u in Samoan. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The distinctive Pacific pigeon is quite common in Samoa and subsists mainly on fruits. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The distinctive Pacific pigeon is quite common in Samoa and subsists mainly on fruits. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The Tongan fruit bat or flying fox (pe’a fanua in Samoan), one of the most unusual animals found in American Samoa and among the largest bats in the world. Flying foxes eat fruit, other plant matter, and occasionally insects and are important to the environment as seed dispersers and pollinators. These bats are large with a wingspan up to 0.9 m wide (3 ft), have a keen sense of sight and smell, and are active both day and night. Indigenous people often portrayed flying foxes in traditional art, folklore, and weaponry and used their fur and teeth as currency. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The Tongan fruit bat or flying fox (pe’a fanua in Samoan), one of the most unusual animals found in American Samoa and among the largest bats in the world. Flying foxes eat fruit, other plant matter, and occasionally insects and are important to the environment as seed dispersers and pollinators. These bats are large with a wingspan up to 0.9 m wide (3 ft), have a keen sense of sight and smell, and are active both day and night. Indigenous people often portrayed flying foxes in traditional art, folklore, and weaponry and used their fur and teeth as currency. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A red and black anemonefish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A red and black anemonefish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A regal or royal angelfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A regal or royal angelfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A banded coral shrimp. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A banded coral shrimp. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Pennant bannerfish go by the Samoan name laulaufau-laumea. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Pennant bannerfish go by the Samoan name laulaufau-laumea. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Pennant bannerfish go by the Samoan name laulaufau-laumea. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Pennant bannerfish go by the Samoan name laulaufau-laumea. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A beaded sea anemone at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A beaded sea anemone at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A blotchy shrimpgoby. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A blotchy shrimpgoby. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A blue starfish. Members of the starfish family come in a variety of shapes and colors. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A blue starfish. Members of the starfish family come in a variety of shapes and colors. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Bluegreen chromis damselfish hovering over coral; their Samoan name is i'alanumoana. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Bluegreen chromis damselfish hovering over coral; their Samoan name is i'alanumoana. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Bluegreen chromis damselfish hovering over coral; their Samoan name is i'alanumoana. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Bluegreen chromis damselfish hovering over coral; their Samoan name is i'alanumoana. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Brain coral surrounded by staghorn coral at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Brain coral surrounded by staghorn coral at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Coral reef with red slate pencil urchin (center) and massive Porites coral on the right. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Coral reef with red slate pencil urchin (center) and massive Porites coral on the right. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A crown-of-thorns starfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A crown-of-thorns starfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Members of the dottyback fish family can exhibit striking, bright colors. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Members of the dottyback fish family can exhibit striking, bright colors. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A Christmas-tree feather worm embedded in coral. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A Christmas-tree feather worm embedded in coral. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Flounders camouflage themselves by lying on the bottom of the ocean floor as protection against predators. Flounders ambush their prey, feeding at soft, muddy areas on the sea bottom. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Flounders camouflage themselves by lying on the bottom of the ocean floor as protection against predators. Flounders ambush their prey, feeding at soft, muddy areas on the sea bottom. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Giant barracuda at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Giant barracuda at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A giant clam (Samoan name faisua) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A giant clam (Samoan name faisua) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A green sea turtle (Samoan name laumei) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A green sea turtle (Samoan name laumei) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The sparsely populated Manu'a Islands are 100 km (60 mi) east of Tutuila; they include the volcanic islands of Ofu and Olosega (far distance), and Ta'u (foreground). Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The sparsely populated Manu'a Islands are 100 km (60 mi) east of Tutuila; they include the volcanic islands of Ofu and Olosega (far distance), and Ta'u (foreground). Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Olosega and Ofu as viewed from the space shuttle. Image courtesy of NASA.

    Olosega and Ofu as viewed from the space shuttle. Image courtesy of NASA.

  • Aerial view of Ofu and Olosega islands. Olosega with Olosega Village is on the right, Ofu on the left. Both islands are connected via a single-lane bridge, crossing the narrow Asaga Srait. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service/ Peter Craig.

    Aerial view of Ofu and Olosega islands. Olosega with Olosega Village is on the right, Ofu on the left. Both islands are connected via a single-lane bridge, crossing the narrow Asaga Srait. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service/ Peter Craig.

  • A school of reef needlefish. These distinctively shaped fish are capable of making short jumps out of the water at up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Since needlefish swim near the surface, they often leap over the decks of shallow boats rather than going around. This jumping activity is greatly excited by artificial light at night; night fisherman and divers in areas across the Pacific Ocean have been "attacked" by schools of suddenly excited needlefish diving across the water towards the light source at high speed. Their sharp beaks are capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds, often breaking off inside the victim in the process. For many traditional Pacific Islander communities, who primarily fish on reefs from low boats, needlefish can represent an even greater risk of injury than sharks. Occasional deaths and serious injuries have been attributed to needlefish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A school of reef needlefish. These distinctively shaped fish are capable of making short jumps out of the water at up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Since needlefish swim near the surface, they often leap over the decks of shallow boats rather than going around. This jumping activity is greatly excited by artificial light at night; night fisherman and divers in areas across the Pacific Ocean have been "attacked" by schools of suddenly excited needlefish diving across the water towards the light source at high speed. Their sharp beaks are capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds, often breaking off inside the victim in the process. For many traditional Pacific Islander communities, who primarily fish on reefs from low boats, needlefish can represent an even greater risk of injury than sharks. Occasional deaths and serious injuries have been attributed to needlefish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • With a secluded sand beach and fringing reef, the Ofu unit of the National Park of American Samoa is an ideal place to snorkel or simply enjoy the solitude. The island of Olosega rises in the distance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    With a secluded sand beach and fringing reef, the Ofu unit of the National Park of American Samoa is an ideal place to snorkel or simply enjoy the solitude. The island of Olosega rises in the distance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Secluded Ofu sand beach at night. The island of Olosega rises in the distance at far right. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Secluded Ofu sand beach at night. The island of Olosega rises in the distance at far right. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • With a secluded sand beach and fringing reef, the Ofu unit of the National Park of American Samoa is an ideal place to snorkel or simply enjoy the solitude. The island of Olosega rises in the distance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    With a secluded sand beach and fringing reef, the Ofu unit of the National Park of American Samoa is an ideal place to snorkel or simply enjoy the solitude. The island of Olosega rises in the distance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A quiet shoreline on Ofu Island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A quiet shoreline on Ofu Island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Silvery waters in Ofu lagoon. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Silvery waters in Ofu lagoon. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • View of the north shore on Ofu island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    View of the north shore on Ofu island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Si'u Point is a good place to view the south coast of Ta'u. Some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world stairstep over 900 m (3,000 ft) to the summit of Lata Mountain. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Si'u Point is a good place to view the south coast of Ta'u. Some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world stairstep over 900 m (3,000 ft) to the summit of Lata Mountain. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Porites and Acropora coral species in reef flat pools in the National Park of American Samoa on Ofu, Manuʻa Islands Group. Photo courtesy of the USGS/ Curt Storlazzi.

    Porites and Acropora coral species in reef flat pools in the National Park of American Samoa on Ofu, Manuʻa Islands Group. Photo courtesy of the USGS/ Curt Storlazzi.

  • A school of goldspot seabream. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A school of goldspot seabream. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A marine eel at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A marine eel at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A reticulated butterflyfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A reticulated butterflyfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A saddled butterflyfish seems to be leading a school of convict surgeonfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A saddled butterflyfish seems to be leading a school of convict surgeonfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A sea cucumber (Samoan name loli) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A sea cucumber (Samoan name loli) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • The Tuafanua Trail takes a hiker along switchbacks from Vatia village through lush tropical rainforest to a hidden coastline. At the ridge-top, one may enjoy ocean views before a steep descent on several ladders with ropes to a quiet, rocky beach and a view of Pola island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    The Tuafanua Trail takes a hiker along switchbacks from Vatia village through lush tropical rainforest to a hidden coastline. At the ridge-top, one may enjoy ocean views before a steep descent on several ladders with ropes to a quiet, rocky beach and a view of Pola island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Rainforest opening on Polauta Ridge. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Rainforest opening on Polauta Ridge. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A medusa spaghetti worm at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A medusa spaghetti worm at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Striped bristletooth tangs are named ‘pone’ in Samoan. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Striped bristletooth tangs are named ‘pone’ in Samoan. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • View toward Pola Islands from Tutuila rainforest. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    View toward Pola Islands from Tutuila rainforest. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A humpback whale breaching; its name in Samoan is i'a manu. Image courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A humpback whale breaching; its name in Samoan is i'a manu. Image courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • A whitemouth moray eel peers out from its den. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    A whitemouth moray eel peers out from its den. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Yellow goatfish threading through coral; their Samoan name is l'asina. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Yellow goatfish threading through coral; their Samoan name is l'asina. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

  • Fiery sunset at Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

    Fiery sunset at Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

  • Golden, burning sea along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

    Golden, burning sea along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

  • Offshore islet along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

    Offshore islet along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

  • Rocks and reef at low tide along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

    Rocks and reef at low tide along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.

  • A sea cave or lava tube along the volcanic shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Eric Johnson.

    A sea cave or lava tube along the volcanic shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Eric Johnson.

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  • Deserted beach near Pago Pago. American Samoa is an incorporated, self-governing territory of the US. A part of the Samoan island chain, it is the southernmost territory of the US. The large harbor at Pago Pago contains a full US naval station. The inhabitants of American Samoa are American nationals, but not necessarily American citizens.
  • The topography of Tutuila, largest of the islands of American Samoa, is distinctively shown in this color-coded perspective view generated with digital elevation data from the space. Two visualization methods were combined to produce the image: shading and color coding of topographic height. The total area of Tutuila is about 142 sq km (55 sq mi), slightly larger than San Francisco. The large bay near the center in this view is Pago Pago Harbor, actually a submerged volcanic crater whose south wall collapsed millions of years ago. Adjacent to the harbor is Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, and to the left (west) of the harbor in this view is Matafao Peak, Tutuila's highest point at 653 m (2,142 ft). The small island to the east is Aunu’u. Topography is exaggerated by a factor of two. Image courtesy of NASA/JPL/NGA.
  • North coast of the island of Tutuila. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A view of Pago Pago Harbor on Tutuila Island; the mouth (entrance) is to the left. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Pago Pago Harbor extends deep into Tutuila Island providing excellent protection for ships at anchor. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The governor’s mansion at Pago Pago. Image courtesy of NOAA / Jennifer Fry.
  • Located on opposite sides of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak (center) and Rainmaker Mountain far left) are two of the five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Located on one side of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak is one of five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Located on one side of Pago Pago Harbor, Matafao Peak is one of five great masses of volcanic rock that were extruded as molten magma during the major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Matafao Peak is the highest mountain on the island. Shown is the peak of Matafao Peak. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • One of the seven National Natural Landmarks located on the opposite side of Pago Pago Harbor, Rainmaker Mountain is a great mass of volcanic rocks extruded as molten magma during major episodes of volcanism that created Tutuila island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The tall mountains surrounding Pago Pago make it a sheltered harbor. Shown here are tuna boats in port. Photo courtesy of NOAA.
  • The tensions of World War II prompted the US Government to begin fortifying American Samoa in 1940. US Marines installed the two 5 inch coast defense guns on the west side of Pago Pago Harbor at Blunts Point, and another two on the east side of the harbor at Breakers Point. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the capture of Guam shortly thereafter, American Samoa became of critical importance as the only major American base in the western Pacific, and it was further fortified in anticipation of attack. Although no attack ever came, American Samoa was a critical supply and training point for American military actions in the Pacific. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A quiet rocky beach at the end of the Tuafanua Trail on the north shore of Tutuila, looking out toward Pola Island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • This view is a classic example of steep cliffs and erosion-resistant outliers formed by wave action on a volcanic land mass. Pola island rises over 125 m (400 ft) straight out of the ocean off Tutuila. A short walk from Vatia village, Pola is an ideal nesting site for many species of seabirds. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Afono village on the northeast coast of Tutuila is one of that island's more populous villages. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Amalu Bay, Tutuila. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Many parts of the American Samoa shoreline are composed of steep volcanic cliffs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Samoan ladies performing a traditional dance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Fa’asamoa, the Samoan way of life, here expressed in the form of a ladies choir. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Fine mats are used for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and the bestowing of chiefly titles. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • An ʻie tōga is a special finely woven mat that has the highest cultural value in the Sāmoa islands. ʻIe tōga are valued because of the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Village matai (chiefs) meet inside a fale (Samoan guest house). Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The matai are family patriarchs. The title brings a family prestige, and the matai must uphold that prestige within the village and beyond. A matai is responsible for maintaining family unity and harmony, as well as promoting participation in religious or church-related activities. They also serve as family spokesman in the village council of chiefs, or fono, thereby providing the family a voice in all village matters and public affairs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • This colored cloth is an authentic tapa (siapo in Samoan) made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. All of the dyes are made from plants that grow locally. This style of hand painted tapa cloth originated in the early 1920's in the village of Leone. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Pe'a is the name of the traditional male tattoo of Samoa. The pe'a covers the body from waist to the knees. The tattoo starts on the back and finishes on the belly button. Overall, the design is symmetrical with a pattern consisting mainly of straight lines and larger blocks of dark cover, usually around the thighs. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service/ Cathy Johnson.
  • An enu basket fish trap. The cleverly constructed woven baskets are baited and buried halfway in shallow water along a sandy shoreline. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The bowl-shaped depressions on these rock surfaces reveal them to be grinding stones - used by the natives to sharpen adze blades. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A collared kingfisher at the Pola Islands overlook in the Tutuila portion of the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The coconut crab is a species of terrestrial hermit crab that also goes by the name of robber crab or palm thief. It is the largest land-living arthropod in the world and can weigh up to 4.1 kg (9 lb) and grow to up to 1 m in length from each tip to tip of the leg; it is found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean. And, yes, omnivorous coconut crabs can break open and feed on coconuts, although they prefer softer foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and the pith of fallen trees. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A brown booby, named fua'o in Samoan, has white plumage on its chest and on the underside of its wings. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A cardinal honeyeater, named segasega mau'u in Samoan. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The distinctive Pacific pigeon is quite common in Samoa and subsists mainly on fruits. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The Tongan fruit bat or flying fox (pe’a fanua in Samoan), one of the most unusual animals found in American Samoa and among the largest bats in the world. Flying foxes eat fruit, other plant matter, and occasionally insects and are important to the environment as seed dispersers and pollinators. These bats are large with a wingspan up to 0.9 m wide (3 ft), have a keen sense of sight and smell, and are active both day and night. Indigenous people often portrayed flying foxes in traditional art, folklore, and weaponry and used their fur and teeth as currency. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A red and black anemonefish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A regal or royal angelfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A banded coral shrimp. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Pennant bannerfish go by the Samoan name laulaufau-laumea. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Pennant bannerfish go by the Samoan name laulaufau-laumea. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A beaded sea anemone at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A blotchy shrimpgoby. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A blue starfish. Members of the starfish family come in a variety of shapes and colors. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Bluegreen chromis damselfish hovering over coral; their Samoan name is i'alanumoana. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Bluegreen chromis damselfish hovering over coral; their Samoan name is i'alanumoana. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Brain coral surrounded by staghorn coral at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Coral reef with red slate pencil urchin (center) and massive Porites coral on the right. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A crown-of-thorns starfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Members of the dottyback fish family can exhibit striking, bright colors. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A Christmas-tree feather worm embedded in coral. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Flounders camouflage themselves by lying on the bottom of the ocean floor as protection against predators. Flounders ambush their prey, feeding at soft, muddy areas on the sea bottom. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Giant barracuda at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A giant clam (Samoan name faisua) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A green sea turtle (Samoan name laumei) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The sparsely populated Manu'a Islands are 100 km (60 mi) east of Tutuila; they include the volcanic islands of Ofu and Olosega (far distance), and Ta'u (foreground). Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Olosega and Ofu as viewed from the space shuttle. Image courtesy of NASA.
  • Aerial view of Ofu and Olosega islands. Olosega with Olosega Village is on the right, Ofu on the left. Both islands are connected via a single-lane bridge, crossing the narrow Asaga Srait. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service/ Peter Craig.
  • A school of reef needlefish. These distinctively shaped fish are capable of making short jumps out of the water at up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Since needlefish swim near the surface, they often leap over the decks of shallow boats rather than going around. This jumping activity is greatly excited by artificial light at night; night fisherman and divers in areas across the Pacific Ocean have been "attacked" by schools of suddenly excited needlefish diving across the water towards the light source at high speed. Their sharp beaks are capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds, often breaking off inside the victim in the process. For many traditional Pacific Islander communities, who primarily fish on reefs from low boats, needlefish can represent an even greater risk of injury than sharks. Occasional deaths and serious injuries have been attributed to needlefish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • With a secluded sand beach and fringing reef, the Ofu unit of the National Park of American Samoa is an ideal place to snorkel or simply enjoy the solitude. The island of Olosega rises in the distance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Secluded Ofu sand beach at night. The island of Olosega rises in the distance at far right. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • With a secluded sand beach and fringing reef, the Ofu unit of the National Park of American Samoa is an ideal place to snorkel or simply enjoy the solitude. The island of Olosega rises in the distance. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A quiet shoreline on Ofu Island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Silvery waters in Ofu lagoon. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • View of the north shore on Ofu island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Si'u Point is a good place to view the south coast of Ta'u. Some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world stairstep over 900 m (3,000 ft) to the summit of Lata Mountain. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Porites and Acropora coral species in reef flat pools in the National Park of American Samoa on Ofu, Manuʻa Islands Group. Photo courtesy of the USGS/ Curt Storlazzi.
  • A school of goldspot seabream. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A marine eel at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A reticulated butterflyfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A saddled butterflyfish seems to be leading a school of convict surgeonfish. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A sea cucumber (Samoan name loli) at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • The Tuafanua Trail takes a hiker along switchbacks from Vatia village through lush tropical rainforest to a hidden coastline. At the ridge-top, one may enjoy ocean views before a steep descent on several ladders with ropes to a quiet, rocky beach and a view of Pola island. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Rainforest opening on Polauta Ridge. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A medusa spaghetti worm at the National Park of American Samoa. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Striped bristletooth tangs are named ‘pone’ in Samoan. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • View toward Pola Islands from Tutuila rainforest. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A humpback whale breaching; its name in Samoan is i'a manu. Image courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • A whitemouth moray eel peers out from its den. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Yellow goatfish threading through coral; their Samoan name is l'asina. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
  • Fiery sunset at Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.
  • Golden, burning sea along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.
  • Offshore islet along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.
  • Rocks and reef at low tide along the shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Kip Evans.
  • A sea cave or lava tube along the volcanic shores of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image courtesy of NOAA / Eric Johnson.

American Samoa Factbook Data

Dependency status

unincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Diplomatic representation from the US

embassy: none (territory of the US)

Age structure

0-14 years: 25.91% (male 5,963/female 5,600)

15-64 years: 65.89% (male 14,512/female 14,888)

65 years and over: 8.2% (2023 est.) (male 1,707/female 1,950)
2023 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for American Samoa. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

14 20 S, 170 00 W

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2023 est.)

Natural hazards

cyclones common from December to March

volcanism: limited volcanic activity on the Ofu and Olosega Islands; neither has erupted since the 19th century

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Background

Tutuila -- the largest island in American Samoa -- was settled by 1000 B.C., and the island served as a refuge for exiled chiefs and defeated warriors from the other Samoan islands. The Manu’a Islands, which are also now part of American Samoa, developed a traditional chiefdom that maintained autonomy by controlling oceanic trade. In 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob ROGGEVEEN was the first European to sail through the Manu’a Islands, and he was followed by French explorer Louis Antoine DE BOUGAINVILLE in 1768. Whalers and missionaries arrived in American Samoa in the 1830s, but American and European traders tended to favor the port in Apia -- now in independent Samoa -- over the smaller and less-developed Pago Pago on Tutuila. In the mid-1800s, a dispute arose in Samoa over control of the Samoan archipelago, with different chiefs gaining support from Germany, the UK, and the US. In 1872, the high chief of Tutuila offered the US exclusive rights to Pago Pago in return for US protection, but the US rejected this offer. As fighting resumed, the US agreed to the chief’s request in 1878 and set up a coaling station at Pago Pago. In 1899, with continued disputes over succession, Germany and the US agreed to divide the Samoan islands, while the UK withdrew its claims in exchange for parts of the Solomon Islands. Local chiefs on Tutuila formally ceded their land to the US in 1900, followed by the chief of Manu’a in 1904. The territory was officially named “American Samoa” in 1911.

The US administered the territory through the Department of the Navy. In 1949, there was an attempt to organize the territory, granting it formal self-government, but local chiefs helped defeat the measure in the US Congress. Administration was transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1951, and in 1967, American Samoa adopted a constitution that provides significant protections for traditional Samoan land-tenure rules, language, and culture. In 1977, after four attempts, voters approved a measure to directly elect their governor. Nevertheless, American Samoa officially remains an unorganized territory, and people born in American Samoa are US nationals rather than US citizens.

 

Environment - current issues

limited supply of drinking water; pollution; waste disposal; coastal and stream alteration; soil erosion

Population below poverty line

NA

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA

Exports - commodities

refined petroleum, animal meal, vaccines and cultures, ethylene polymers, vulcanized rubber (2021)

Exports - partners

Australia 25%, Ghana 19%, Indonesia 15.6%, Burma 10.4%, Portugal 5.1% (2017)

Administrative divisions

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 districts and 2 islands* at the second order; Eastern, Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Agricultural products

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy products, livestock

Budget

revenues: $249 million (2016 est.)

expenditures: $262.5 million (2016 est.)

Capital

name: Pago Pago

geographic coordinates: 14 16 S, 170 42 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

note: pronounced pahn-go pahn-go

Imports - commodities

raw materials for canneries, food, petroleum products, machinery and parts

Climate

tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature variation

Coastline

116 km

Constitution

history: adopted 17 October 1960; revised 1 July 1967

amendments: proposed by either house of the Legislative Assembly; passage requires three-fifths majority vote by the membership of each house, approval by simple majority vote in a referendum, approval by the US Secretary of the Interior, and only by an act of the US Congress; amended several times, last in 2021

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Executive branch

chief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021)

head of government: Governor Lemanu Peleti MAUGA (since 3 January 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 department directors appointed by the governor with the consent of the Legislature or Fono

elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as American Samoa, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)

election results:
Lemanu Peleti MAUGA elected governor in first round; percent of vote - Lemanu Peleti MAUGA (independent) 60.3%, Gaoteote Palaie TOFAU (independent) 21.9%, I'aulualo Fa'afetai TALIA (independent) 12.3%

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

Flag description

a large white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side and is charged with an eagle, all on a blue field; the red, white, and blue colors are those traditionally used by both the United States and Samoa; the brown and white American bald eagle flies toward the hoist side and carries 2 traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a "fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut-fiber fly whisk known as a "fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the relationship between the US and American Samoa

Independence

none (territory of the US)

Industries

tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing vessels), handicrafts

Judicial branch

highest court(s): High Court of American Samoa (consists of the chief justice, associate chief justice, and 6 Samoan associate judges and organized into trial, family, drug, and appellate divisions); note - American Samoa has no US federal courts

judge selection and term of office: chief justice and associate chief justice appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior to serve for life; Samoan associate judges appointed by the governor to serve for life

subordinate courts: district and village courts

Land boundaries

total: 0 km

Land use

agricultural land: 24.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 15% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 9.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 75.5% (2018 est.)

other: 0% (2018 est.)

Legal system

mixed legal system of US common law and customary law

Legislative branch

description: bicameral Legislature or Fono consists of:
Senate (18 seats; members indirectly selected by regional governing councils to serve 4-year terms)
House of Representatives (21 seats; 20 members in single- and multi-seat constituencies directly elected by simple majority popular vote and 1 decided by public meeting on Swains Island; members serve 2-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)
House of Representatives - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held on 5 November 2024)

election results:
Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 18; composition - men 17, women 1; percentage women 5.6%

House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition - men 20, women 1; percentage women 4.8%; note - total Legislature percentage women 5.1%

note: American Samoa elects 1 member by simple majority popular vote to serve a 2-year term as a delegate to the US House of Representatives; the delegate can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House, but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote; election of delegate last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2022); Amata Coleman RADEWAGEN elected delegate; Amata Coleman RADEWAGEN (Republican Party) 83.5%, Oreta CHRICHTON (Democratic Party) 14.4%, Meleagi SUITONU-CHAPMAN (Democratic Party) 2.1%

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

International organization participation

AOSIS (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, PIF (observer), SPC

National holiday

Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Nationality

noun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals)

adjective: American Samoan

Natural resources

pumice, pumicite

Geography - note

Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean

Economic overview

tourism, tuna, and government services-based territorial economy; sustained economic decline; vulnerable tuna canning industry; large territorial government presence; minimum wage increases to rise to federal standards by 2036

Political parties and leaders

Democratic Party [T'ia REID, chairman]
Republican Party [Taulapapa William SWORD, chairman]

Ports and terminals

major seaport(s): Pago Pago

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, ASTCA, supplies telecommunication services to the residents of the American Samoan islands, a territory of the United States, which are found in a remote area of the Pacific Ocean; the primary system between the islands consists of fiber-optic cables and satellite connections; over Independence Day weekend 2021, the undersea fiber-optic cable linking the Tutuila and Manu’a Islands failed, completely stranding the Manu’a Islands from all telecommunication services; telecommunication services were restored to the people of Manu’a islands through microwave link between Tutuila to the Manu’a Islands; the link is now providing a steady 1Gbps backhaul most of the time of the year with 600Mbps at four 9’s availability, over this extremely long distance (2022)

domestic: nearly 22 per 100 fixed-line teledensity (2020)

international: country code - 1-684; landing points for the ASH, Southern Cross NEXT and Hawaiki  providing connectivity to New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa, Hawaii, California, and SAS connecting American Samoa with Samoa; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat-Pacific Ocean) (2019)

Terrain

five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Atoll, Swains Island)

Government type

unincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the US

Country name

conventional long form: American Samoa

conventional short form: American Samoa

former: Eastern Samoa

abbreviation: AS

etymology: the meaning of Samoa is disputed; some modern explanations are that the "sa" connotes  "sacred" and "moa" indicates "center," so the name can mean "Holy Center"; alternatively, some assertions state that it can mean "place of the sacred moa bird" of Polynesian mythology; the name, however, may go back to Proto-Polynesian (PPn) times (before 1000 B.C.); a plausible PPn reconstruction has the first syllable as "sa'a" meaning "tribe or people" and "moa" meaning "deep sea or ocean" to convey the meaning "people of the deep sea"

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references

Oceania

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (territory of the US)

Internet country code

.as

GDP (official exchange rate)

$871 million (2022 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Urbanization

urban population: 87.2% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 0.26% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030

Broadcast media

3 TV stations; multi-channel pay TV services are available; about a dozen radio stations, some of which are repeater stations

Drinking water source

improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 99.8% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0.2% of population (2020 est.)

National anthem

name: "Amerika Samoa" (American Samoa)

lyrics/music: Mariota Tiumalu TUIASOSOPO/Napoleon Andrew TUITELELEAPAGA

note: local anthem adopted 1950; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Major urban areas - population

49,000 PAGO PAGO (capital) (2018)

National symbol(s)

a fue (coconut fiber fly whisk; representing wisdom) crossed with a to'oto'o (staff; representing authority); national colors: red, white, blue

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 66.4% (2016 est.)

government consumption: 49.7% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 7.3% (2016 est.)

investment in inventories: 5.1% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services: 65% (2016 est.)

imports of goods and services: -93.5% (2016 est.)

Citizenship

see United States
Note: in accordance with US Code Title 8, Section 1408, persons born in American Samoa are US nationals but not US citizens

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 59% (2020)

electrification - urban areas: 60% (2020)

electrification - rural areas: 45% (2020)

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 99% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 1% of population (2020 est.)

Ethnic groups

Pacific Islander 88.7% (includes Samoan 83.2%, Tongan 2.2%, other 3.3%), Asian 5.8% (includes Filipino 3.4%, other 2.4%), mixed 4.4%, other 1.1% (2020 est.)

note: data represent population by ethnic origin or race

Religions

Christian 98.3%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)

Languages

Samoan 87.9% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 3.3%, Tongan 2.1%, other Pacific Islander 4.1%, Asian languages 2.1%, other 0.5% (2020 est.)

note: most people are bilingual

Imports - partners

Fiji 10.7%, Singapore 10.4%, NZ 10.4%, South Korea 9.3%, Samoa 8.2%, Kenya 6.4%, Australia 5.2% (2017)

Disputes - international

none identified

Literacy

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Elevation

highest point: Lata Mountain 964 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Physicians density

NA

Contraceptive prevalence rate

NA

Current health expenditure

NA

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 52.3

youth dependency ratio: 41.9

elderly dependency ratio: 10.4

potential support ratio: 9.6 (2021)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 18,989 tons (2016 est.)

Coal

production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Natural gas

production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Petroleum

total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 2,300 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

1.04 (2023 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

53.5% (2023 est.)

Labor force

17,850 (2015 est.)

Net migration rate

-27.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2023 est.)

Median age

total: 29.4 years (2023 est.)

male: 28.8 years

female: 30 years

Debt - external

NA

Refined petroleum products - imports

2,346 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Public debt

12.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.13 children born/woman (2023 est.)

Population

44,620 (2023 est.)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Internet users

total: 18,135 (2021 est.)

percent of population: 40.3% (2021 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions

355,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 355,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

Area

total: 224 sq km

land: 224 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Rose Atoll and Swains Island

Taxes and other revenues

37.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$658 million (2016 est.)
$674.9 million (2015 est.)
$666.9 billion (2014 est.)

note: data are in 2016 dollars

Roadways

total: 241 km (2016)

Airports

3 (2024)

Infant mortality rate

total: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2023 est.)

male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 2,250 (2009 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-0.5% (2015 est.)
1.4% (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Real GDP per capita

$11,200 (2016 est.)
$11,300 (2015 est.)
$11,200 (2014 est.)

Energy consumption per capita

88.796 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Death rate

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (2023 est.)

Birth rate

16.2 births/1,000 population (2023 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 47,000 kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 151 million kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 12 million kWh (2019 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

NA

Imports

$615 million (2016 est.)
$657 million (2015 est.)

Exports

$428 million (2016 est.)
$427 million (2015 est.)

note: Data are in current year dollars and do not include illicit exports or re-exports.

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 10,000 (2021 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 22 (2021 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 75.6 years (2023 est.)

male: 73.1 years

female: 78.2 years

Real GDP growth rate

1.74% (2022 est.)
-0.78% (2021 est.)
4.41% (2020 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 27.4% (2012)

industry: 12.4% (2012)

services: 60.2% (2012)

Revenue from forest resources

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

NA

Population growth rate

-1.74% (2023 est.)
Sources: