American Samoa

Background

Tutuila, recognized as the largest island in American Samoa, was inhabited as early as 1000 B.C. This island became a haven for exiled leaders and vanquished warriors from other Samoan islands. The Manu’a Islands, which are also part of American Samoa, developed a traditional chiefdom that preserved its independence by managing oceanic commerce. Dutch explorer Jacob ROGGEVEEN was the first European to navigate the waters of the Manu’a Islands in 1722, followed by French explorer Louis Antoine DE BOUGAINVILLE in 1768. The arrival of whalers and missionaries in American Samoa occurred during the 1830s; however, American and European traders often preferred the port of Apia, now part of independent Samoa, over the more modestly developed Pago Pago located on Tutuila. In the mid-19th century, a conflict erupted in Samoa regarding control over the Samoan archipelago, with various chiefs receiving backing from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 1872, the high chief of Tutuila proposed to grant the US exclusive rights to Pago Pago in exchange for protection, but this offer was declined. When hostilities resumed, the US conceded to the chief’s request in 1878 and established a coaling station at Pago Pago. In 1899, amid ongoing succession disputes, Germany and the US reached an agreement to partition the Samoan islands, while the UK relinquished its claims in return for territories in the Solomon Islands. The local chiefs of Tutuila formally ceded their lands to the US in 1900, and the chief of Manu’a followed suit in 1904. The territory was officially designated as “American Samoa” in 1911.

The administration of the territory was conducted through the Department of the Navy. In 1949, an initiative was made to organize the territory and grant it formal self-governance, but local chiefs played a role in thwarting this proposal in the US Congress. Control was shifted to the Department of the Interior in 1951, and in 1967, American Samoa ratified a constitution that offers substantial protections for traditional Samoan land-tenure systems, language, and cultural practices. In 1977, after four attempts, voters successfully passed a measure to elect their governor directly. Despite these developments, American Samoa remains officially classified as an unorganized territory, and individuals born there are recognized as US nationals rather than US citizens.

Area

Climate

tropical marine climate, influenced by southeast trade winds; the yearly average precipitation is approximately 3 meters; the wet season occurs from November to April, while the dry season spans May to October; minimal seasonal temperature fluctuations

Terrain

comprises five volcanic islands characterized by steep peaks and limited coastal plains, in addition to two coral atolls (Rose Atoll, Swains Island)

Land use

Location

located in Oceania, this group of islands is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, roughly equidistant from Hawaii and New Zealand

Coastline

116 km

Elevation

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2022)

Map references

Oceania

Land boundaries

Maritime claims

Natural hazards

cyclones are prevalent from December through March

volcanism: there is minimal volcanic activity on Ofu and Olosega Islands; both have not erupted since the 19th century

Geography - note

Pago Pago boasts one of the finest natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, offering shelter from turbulent seas due to its shape and protection from strong winds provided by surrounding mountains; it holds a strategic position in the South Pacific Ocean

Natural resources

pumice, pumicite

Area - comparative

somewhat larger than Washington, D.C.

Geographic coordinates

14 20 S, 170 00 W

Languages

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

Religions

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

Sex ratio

Birth rate

15.3 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Median age

Population

Nationality

Urbanization

Age structure

Ethnic groups

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

Dependency ratios

Net migration rate

-22.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.99 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Drinking water source

Infant mortality rate

Population growth rate

-1.33% (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.96 (2025 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

Sanitation facility access

Major urban areas - population

49,000 PAGO PAGO (capital) (2018)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

47.4% (2020 est.)

Climate

The climate is tropical marine and is influenced by southeast trade winds; the annual precipitation is approximately 3 meters; the rainy period spans from November to April, while the dry period extends from May to October; there is minimal variation in temperature throughout the seasons.

Land use

Urbanization

Waste and recycling

Environmental issues

There is a restricted availability of potable water; issues related to pollution; challenges in waste management; modifications to coastal areas and streams; and problems with soil erosion.

Carbon dioxide emissions

Flag

description: a prominent white triangle outlined in red is positioned on the right side, extending towards the left, set against a dark blue background; a bald eagle, grasping a Samoan war club (fa'alaufa'i) and a coconut-fiber fly whisk (fue), is depicted on the right side of the flag

meaning: the war club and fly whisk serve as traditional symbols of authority in Samoan culture; the eagle, carrying both items, alludes to the Great Seal of the United States and symbolizes the connection between the United States and American Samoa; the color scheme of red, white, and blue is a common representation in both nations

Capital

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship

see United States
note: as per US Code Title 8, Section 1408, individuals born in American Samoa are recognized as US nationals but do not hold US citizenship

Constitution

Country name

Independence

none (territory of the US)

Legal system

a mixed legal framework consisting of US common law and customary law

Government type

an unincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US that exercises local self-governance; it operates under a republican form of territorial governance with distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Judicial branch

Executive branch

National holiday

Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Dependency status

an unincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US; overseen by the Office of Insular Affairs within the US Department of the Interior

National color(s)

red, white, blue

Political parties

Democratic Party
Republican Party

Legislative branch

National anthem(s)

National symbol(s)

a fue (coconut fiber fly whisk that represents wisdom) crossed with a to'oto'o (staff that represents authority)

Administrative divisions

there are no first-order administrative divisions as classified by the US government, but three districts and two islands* are recognized as second-order divisions; Eastern, Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US

International organization participation

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

Budget

Exports

Imports

Industries

tuna canneries (primarily dependent on foreign fishing fleets), handicrafts

Exchange rates

the US dollar is utilized

Economic overview

an economy reliant on tourism, tuna, and government services; ongoing economic downturn; a tuna canning sector that is susceptible to vulnerabilities; significant territorial government involvement; minimum wage hikes anticipated to reach federal benchmarks by 2036

Exports - partners

Australia 31%, UK 18%, Tanzania 9%, UAE 7%, Senegal 6% (2023)

Imports - partners

Singapore 28%, NZ 15%, Fiji 14%, Taiwan 11%, Malaysia 11% (2023)

Real GDP growth rate

Agricultural products

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

Exports - commodities

animal meal, aluminum, refined petroleum, gas turbines, broadcasting equipment (2023)

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, fish, paper containers, wood, construction vehicles (2023)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$871 million (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

Petroleum

Electricity

Energy consumption per capita

Electricity generation sources

Internet users

Broadcast media

Three television stations exist; multi-channel subscription television services are accessible; approximately twelve radio stations operate, including a number of repeater stations.

Internet country code

.as

Telephones - fixed lines

Telephones - mobile cellular

Ports

Airports

3 (2025)

Military - note

The responsibility for defense lies with the United States.