Overview of American Samoa

Profile

American Samoa comprises Tutuila Island, the Manu'a Islands, Rose Atoll, Swains Island, totaling approximately 199 km², featuring lush tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and deep fjord-like Pago Pago Harbor with diverse natural beauty. The majority of residents are Polynesian Samoans, with a bilingual culture of Samoan and English, and a society where the traditional chiefly system 'fa'amatai' coexists with Christianity. Fishing and tuna canning for the U.S. mainland form economic pillars, with recent efforts to promote ecotourism and cultural experience-based tourism. Known for unique legal status where residents hold U.S. passports but citizenship is not automatically granted.

Official name: American Samoa (U.S. Unincorporated Territory)
Common name: American Samoa
Numeric code: 016
Alpha-3 code: ASM
Alpha-2 code: AS
Population: Approximately 49,000 (2023 estimate) (2020)
Population density: Approximately 250 persons/km²
Primary languages: Samoan, English
Major religions: Christianity (Congregational, Catholic, Methodist, Latter-day Saints, etc.)
National anthem: Amerika Samoa (Territorial anthem) / The Star-Spangled Banner (U.S. national anthem)
Calling code: +1-684
Internet TLD: .as

History

Under the 1899 tripartite convention, the Samoan Islands were divided east-west, with the U.S. acquiring the eastern portion. A naval administration was established in 1900, and a self-governing government emerged with the 1967 constitution.

Inhabited since ancient times, the Manu'a royal house wielded regional influence. In the 19th century, great power competition divided the Samoan Islands, with the U.S. annexing the eastern side in 1900. While developing as a naval coal refueling station, residents maintained traditional institutions while seeking autonomy, achieving governor elections and legislature establishment with the 1967 constitution. Currently listed as a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations, but a system persists where cultural identity and ties to the U.S. coexist.

Geography & climate

Jagged volcanic ridges and deep inlets line the coast, with mangroves and white sand beaches, and offshore coral reef development. Central interior covered in tropical rainforest, home to endemic fruit bats and Samoan flycatchers.

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: Oceania / 199 km²
Capital: Pago Pago (official legislative seat is Fagatogo)
Largest city: Tafuna
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Good harbor (Pago Pago Harbor), Fishery resources (tuna), Coconut groves, Volcanic fertile soil, Tropical fruits (noni, vanilla), Tourism-oriented scenery, Coral reef ecosystems, Abundant rainfall water resources, Forest resources, Marine wind and solar potential

Politics

Government: Unincorporated and unorganized U.S. territory (with self-government)

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): 0.79 Billion USD (2021)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Samoan, English

Time zone: Samoa Time (SST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Samoan, Tongan, Mixed Polynesian, Filipino, Chinese, White, Other Pacific Islanders

Life expectancy

73.3 years

Literacy rate

97%

National sports

Rugby league, American football, Fautasi (longboat racing), Kirikiti (Samoan cricket), Volleyball