American Samoa

Heart of Polynesia

Territory Overview

American Samoa is an unincorporated, unorganized U.S. territory in the South Pacific and the only one south of the equator.

Key Information

  • Capital:Pago Pago (Tutuila)
  • Population:49,710 (2020)
  • Area:76 sq mi (197 km²) of land
  • Main Islands:Tutuila, Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta'u
  • Official Languages:Samoan and English
  • Status:Unincorporated, Unorganized U.S. Territory

Practical Details

  • Currency:U.S. Dollar
  • Citizenship:U.S. Nationals by birth, not U.S. Citizens
  • Time Zone:Samoa Standard Time (UTC-11)
  • Land:Mostly communal, held by extended families

Territory Symbols

Official symbols of American Samoa.

Official Symbols

  • Motto:
    Samoa, Muamua le Atua (Samoa, God is First)
  • Flower:
    Paogo (Ula-fala)
  • Plant:
    Ava (Kava)
  • Flag:
    Bald eagle holding a war club and fly whisk

Territory Facts

History, culture and landmarks of American Samoa.

Historical Facts

  • U.S. Territory Since:
    1900 (Tutuila and Aunu'u)
  • Manu'a Islands Ceded:
    1904
  • Flag Day:
    April 17, marks the 1900 cession
  • Swains Island:
    Added in 1925

Landmarks & Nature

  • National Park of American Samoa:
    Rainforest and coral reef on three islands
  • Pago Pago Harbor:
    One of the deepest natural harbors in the South Pacific
  • Rose Atoll:
    Southernmost point of the United States
  • Ofu Beach:
    Coral reef lagoon in the Manu'a Islands

Culture

  • Way of Life:
    Fa'a Samoa, led by village chiefs (matai)
  • Main Industries:
    Tuna Canning, Government, Fishing
  • Sports:
    Produces a remarkable number of NFL players per capita

National Parks in American Samoa

American Samoa has one national park. See the full list of all 63 U.S. national parks.

American Samoa National Park

American Samoa