American Samoa

American Samoa

Official name	Territory of American Samoa
Type	Unincorporated territory
Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa
State	South Pacific Ocean
Country	United States
Established	1900 (formally ceded)
Population	45,000
Area (km²)	199
Time zone	Samoa Standard Time (UTC−11)
ZIP code(s)	96799
Area code(s)	684

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the independent nation of Samoa. Comprising five volcanic islands and two coral atolls, it is the southernmost U.S. territory and the only one located in the Southern Hemisphere.

Overview

• Residents are U.S. nationals, not full citizens (unless they apply for citizenship)
• The only U.S. territory where this legal distinction exists
• Self-governing under a constitution adopted in 1967, with a governor and legislature

Capital

• The capital is Pago Pago, located on the island of Tutuila and known for its stunning natural harbor

History

• Settled by Polynesians over 3,000 years ago
• Contacted by Europeans in the 18th century
• Formally became a U.S. territory in 1900 through treaties with local chiefs
• Played a key role as a naval base during World War II

Culture

• Deeply rooted in Fa'a Samoa — the traditional Samoan way of life
• Rich traditions in storytelling, tattooing (pe'a and malu), and dance
• Samoan is the primary language; English is also official and widely spoken

Economy

• Tuna fishing and canning are the backbone of the economy
• Other sectors: public sector jobs, tourism, and limited agriculture
• Heavy reliance on U.S. federal assistance and military recruitment

Geography and Nature

• Lush volcanic islands with dramatic cliffs, rainforests, and coral reefs
• National Park of American Samoa spans across three islands
• Home to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the U.S.

Education

• Public and private schools are managed locally
• American Samoa Community College offers vocational and academic programs
• Many students join the U.S. military or pursue higher education on the mainland

Transportation

• Flights via Pago Pago International Airport (PPG)
• Ferries connect nearby islands, but intercontinental access is limited
• No rail system; local transport relies on "aiga" buses and taxis

Fun Facts

• The only U.S. territory south of the equator
• Produces more U.S. military recruits per capita than any state or territory
• Sunrise arrives here later than anywhere else under U.S. jurisdiction

See Also

• Pago Pago
• U.S. Territories
• United States Geography