American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the South Pacific Ocean, located approximately 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii. It consists of five main islands and two coral atolls, with a total land area of 76.1 square miles (197.1 square kilometers). The capital and largest city is Pago Pago, located on the island of Tutuila.

The islands of American Samoa were originally settled by Polynesians over 3,000 years ago, and were later visited by European explorers in the 18th century. The islands were annexed by the United States in 1900, and have been a U.S. territory ever since. American Samoa is one of only two U.S. territories (along with Puerto Rico) that are considered unincorporated, meaning that most provisions of the U.S. Constitution do not apply.

The population of American Samoa is approximately 55,000 people, the majority of whom are of Samoan descent. English and Samoan are the official languages, and the majority of the population is Christian. The economy is heavily dependent on the United States, with most goods imported from the mainland and federal aid making up a significant portion of the territory's budget. The tuna canning industry is a major employer, and tourism is also an important source of revenue.

American Samoa is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. The National Park of American Samoa encompasses parts of three islands and offers opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and bird watching. The territory is also known for its strong cultural traditions, including elaborate traditional dances and ceremonies, as well as a passion for American football.

National holiday
Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Telephone Code
684

Local Emergency Phone
911 (USA)

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m (10 feet); rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature variation; the temperature typically varies from 25°C - 31°C (77°F to 88°F) and is rarely below 23°C (74°F)

Currency (Code)
US $ (USD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, F, I

Major Languages
Samoan 88.6%, English 3.9%, Tongan 2.7%, other Pacific islander 3%

Major Religions
Christian 98.3%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested for non-US citizens.

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
National Park of American Samoa (includes Ofu Beach, Pola Island); National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (Fagatele Bay); Leone Church; Pago Pago Harbor; Tia Seu Lupe Park; Jean P. Haydon Museum; Rose Atoll

Major Sports
Football, rugby, soccer

Cultural Practices
In a traditional home, called a fale (fah-LAY), sit on the floor before talking, eating, or drinking. Cross your legs or pull a mat over them, as it is impolite to stretch out your legs.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not part of the culture, so leaving a few extra dollars is appreciated. Be sure to hand the tip directly to the employee to ensure the right person receives it. Tip hotel porters $2 (USD) dollars per bag. Taxi drivers would appreciate rounding up to the nearest even figure.

Souvenirs
Tapa bark cloth, traditional clothing, shell purses and handicrafts, wood carvings, woven mats

Traditional Cuisine
Panipopo — a dessert consisting of buns baked in a sweet and sticky coconut cream sauce

Country code top-level domain
.as

Geography
Area
total: 224 sq km
land: 224 sq km
water: 0 sq km

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

Natural resources
pumice, pumicite

People and Society
Population
44,620 (2023 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.)

Languages
Samoan 88.6% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 3.9%, Tongan 2.7%, other Pacific islander 3%, other 1.8% (2010 est.)

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

Population growth rate
-1.74% (2023 est.)

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

Capital
name: Pago Pago

Economy
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

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$658 million (2016 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$11,200 (2016 est.)

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

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

Exports
$428 million (2016 est.)

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

Exports - commodities
canned tuna

Imports
$615 million (2016 est.)

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)

Imports - commodities
raw materials for canneries, food, petroleum products, machinery and parts