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American Samoa flag

American Samoa

AS

Capital:Pago Pago (pronounced pahn-go pahn-go)
Population:49,710
Currency:US Dollar (USD)
Language:Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English Note: Most people are bilingual
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of American Samoa.

American Samoa Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

A very basic ingredient in Samoa life is the aiga (the family). At the head of each aiga is the matai (chief), a position of rank and authority. “Fa'asamoa”, an oft-repeated phrase in the islands, means the Samoan way - the way of our ancestors

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Island Keepers of the Fa'asamoa

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5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    8/19

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • June 29th

    Held periodically: A vibrant celebration of Samoan arts, crafts, music, dance, and traditional performances. This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of American Samoa.

How do people greet each other in American Samoa?

The traditional greeting is "Talofa" (pronounced Tah-loh-fah), meaning hello or welcome, often paired with warm smiles, eye contact, and polite inquiries about family and well-being.

Do

  • Say "Talofa" when meeting someone or entering a gathering
  • Maintain eye contact and offer a warm smile
  • Use a firm handshake in formal or professional settings
  • Address elders with honorifics like "Mama" (older women) or "Tama" (older men)

Good to know

  • Kisses on the cheek, hugs, and embraces are common among close family and friends
  • A hand wave with a smile works for casual encounters
  • Inquiring about someone's health and family is seen as caring and polite

What are the dining customs in American Samoa?

Sharing a meal is an important social activity, and accepting an invitation to eat is a sign of respect. Traditional foods include taro root, yams, bananas, coconuts, breadfruit, fish, turtle, and chicken.

Do

  • Accept an invitation to share a meal as a sign of respect
  • Try a little of each dish and express gratitude for the food

Good to know

  • Pork is reserved for ceremonial occasions even though pigs are raised

What etiquette should I know when visiting a home in American Samoa?

American Samoans are known for warm hospitality and generosity, treating guests almost like extended family. Respect for elders and communal harmony are central to social life.

Do

  • Remove your shoes before entering someone's home
  • Bring a small gift such as food, flowers, or a token of appreciation
  • Show deference to elders and community leaders
  • Say goodbye to everyone individually and express gratitude when leaving

Don’t

  • Don't leave abruptly, as it may be considered impolite
  • Don't disregard hierarchy and authority

Good to know

  • Visits can run longer than expected, so be flexible
  • It's polite to call ahead even though dropping by unannounced is common
  • Reciprocate hospitality with a gift during or after the visit

How should I dress in American Samoa?

The traditional lavalava (a one-piece wraparound skirt) is worn by both men and women, and modest dress is valued.

Do

  • Dress modestly to uphold cultural and moral standards

Good to know

  • In formal settings men wear a dress shirt with a lavalava, while women wear a puletasi (a fitted two-piece dress)

Which gestures are considered rude in American Samoa?

While no gestures are universally offensive, several actions are seen as disrespectful, especially those involving feet, heads, and disregard for hierarchy.

Don’t

  • Don't point directly at someone with your finger
  • Don't show the soles of your feet or point your feet at someone
  • Don't touch or pat someone's head, especially an elder
  • Don't stand or sit with arms crossed during conversations

Good to know

  • Use an open hand or a nod to indicate direction
  • Public displays of affection should be kept minimal
  • The head is considered sacred, so avoid physical contact there without permission

What role does family play in American Samoa?

The aiga (family) is the basic unit of Samoan life, headed by a matai (chief) and consisting of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Good to know

  • "Fa'asamoa" refers to the Samoan way, the way of the ancestors
  • The matai holds a position of rank and authority within the aiga

What do people do for recreation in American Samoa?

Recreation blends traditional culture, outdoor pursuits, and modern entertainment, with sports and community gatherings playing a big role.

Good to know

  • American football is the most popular sport; rugby, soccer, volleyball, and cricket are also popular
  • Traditional dance (Siva Samoa) and music are valued cultural pursuits
  • Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and outrigger canoeing (va'a)
  • Festivals like Flag Day, Samoan Flag Week, and the Teuila Festival feature performances and food

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of American Samoa

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Travel and Tourism

Currency
The US dollar is used
Time Difference
UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
Tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation
Airports
3
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Faalifu Fai

Side Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Polynesian Settlement

    1000 BCE – 1722

    Samoa was settled by Polynesian peoples around 1000 B.C., developing a sophisticated chiefly society organized around the matai system of hereditary and elected chiefs. For nearly three millennia, Samoan culture, language, and social structure evolved in relative isolation, establishing the foundations of fa'asamoa — the Samoan way — that would persist through all subsequent eras.

  2. European Contact

    1722 – 1899

    Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen made the first recorded European contact with Samoa in 1722, followed by French and British expeditions later in the century. The islands became a focal point of colonial rivalry among Germany, Britain, and the United States, who competed for influence and trading rights, culminating in the Berlin Act of 1889 which placed Samoa under tripartite supervision.

  3. Partition & Cession

    1899 – 1900

    The Tripartite Convention of 1899 resolved colonial tensions by dividing the Samoan archipelago between Germany and the United States, with Britain withdrawing its claims in exchange for concessions elsewhere. By April 17, 1900, the matai of Tutuila and Aunu'u formally ceded their islands to the United States, and in 1904 the Manu'a islands followed, giving the U.S. sovereignty over eastern Samoa and the strategically vital harbor of Pago Pago.

  4. Naval Administration

    1900 – 1951

    The U.S. Navy administered American Samoa for the first half-century of American rule, operating the territory under naval governors and limiting outside migration to preserve land ownership among Samoans. During World War II, American Samoa served as a significant staging ground for U.S. forces in the Pacific, with a military presence that greatly exceeded the local population and brought lasting economic and social change.

  5. Civilian Governance

    1951 – 1978

    In 1951 the Department of the Interior replaced the Navy as the governing authority, initiating a period of modernization that included investment in schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Governor Hyrum Rex Lee, appointed in 1961, was particularly influential in accelerating development programs and expanding access to education and public services, laying groundwork for greater self-governance.

  6. Self-Governance Era

    1978 – present

    American Samoa elected its first governor, Peter Tali Coleman, in 1978, marking a significant step toward internal self-governance while retaining its status as an unincorporated U.S. territory. Samoans remain U.S. nationals but not citizens by birthright — a unique and contested legal status — and the territory continues to navigate questions of political identity, economic development, and the preservation of traditional fa'asamoa culture in the modern era.

Overview

By the Treaty of Berlin of 1899, the United Kingdom and Germany renounced in favor of the United States all their rights and claims over the eastern islands of Samoa. This treaty went into effect on February 16, 1900. On April 17, 1900, the matai (chiefs) of Tutuila formally ceded the islands of Tutuila and Aunu’u to the United States.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1722

    Exploration

    Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen is the first European to explore Samoa.

  2. 1887

    Hawaiian King Kalakaua

    Mr. John E. Bush, Hawaiian King Kalakaua’s “Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the King of Samoa,” arrived in Apia with his delegation. Bush drank kava with King Malietoa Laupepa, and presented him with the “Grand Cross of the Order of Oceania.” Both parties bound themselves “to enter into a political confederation,” subject to existing treaty obligations. The “convention” was signed on February 17, 1887.

  3. 1899

    Annex

    Germany annexes Western Samoa (now called the Independent State of Samoa, or just Samoa), the US takes over eastern Samoa (American Samoa) and Britain withdraws its claim to the islands in accordance with treaty between Germany, Britain and the US.

  4. 1914

    New Zealand occupies Western Samoa

    New Zealand occupies Western Samoa during World War I and continues to administer it after the war by virtue of a League of Nations mandate (and a United Nations mandate after World War II).

  5. 1926

    Devastated by a hurricane

    American Samoa was devastated by a hurricane. Olosega, in the Manua Islands, suffered the most. The Navy Department gave the Territory 50 tons of rice, 10 tons of salmon and 15 tons of biscuits.

  6. 1939 – 1945

    US troops stationed

    US troops stationed in Western Samoa during World War II, but no battles are fought on the islands.

  7. 1962

    Independence

    Western Samoa becomes independent, the first Pacific island nation to do so.

View full timeline (10 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a shy tropical reef dwelling species that feeds on jellyfish, sea urchins, and their favorite food sea sponges. The hawksbill sea turtle is found along the coast of American Samoa.

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Geography and Environment

Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean
Terrain
five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)
Climate
tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation
Natural Hazards
typhoons common from December to March
Current Environmental Issues
limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water catchments and pipelines
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English

Note: Most people are bilingual

  • English
  • Samoan

Population

Population
49,710
Population: Male/Female
male: 21,804 female: 22,091
Urban Population
urban population: 87.2% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.26% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
49,000 PAGO PAGO (capital)
Nationality Noun
noun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals) adjective: American Samoan
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%
Language Note
Samoan 87.9% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 3.3%, Tongan 2.1%, other Pacific Islander 4.1%, Asian languages 2.1%, other 0.5%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 74.2 years male: 71.8 years female: 76.8 years
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 8.9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 74.2 years male: 71.8 years female: 76.8 years
Median Age
total: 30 years male: 29.4 years female: 30.6 years
Age Structure
25.3% (male 5,738/female 5,387)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 8.9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
AmericanSamoa
Full Country Name
Territory of American Samoa
Local - Long
unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Local - Short
AS
Former Name
unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government Structure

Government Type
NA
Legal System
NA
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Donald J. TRUMP of the US (since 20 January 2025) and Vice President JD VANCE (since 20 January 2025) head of government: Governor Lemanu Peleti MAUGA (since 3 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet made up of department directors appointed by the governor elections: Under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories such as American Samoa do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; governor and lieutenant governor are elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held on 5 and 19 November 2024 (next to be held in November 2028) election results: Lemanu Peleti MAUGA reelected governor in 2024; percent of vote - Lemanu Peleti MAUGA 54.0%, Aliimalemanu Fonoti FALEOLO 46.0%
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (18 seats; members are elected by local chiefs and serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (21 seats — 20 members elected by popular vote and 1 nonvoting delegate appointed from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms). Elections: House of Representatives — last held on 8 November 2022 (next to be held in November 2024); Senate — last held on 8 November 2022 (next to be held in November 2026). Election results: House of Representatives — percent of vote by party — NA; seats by party — independents 20; Senate — percent of vote by party — NA; seats by party — independents 18. Note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives. The most recent election was held on 8 November 2022, with Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican) reelected to serve as the territory's delegate to the US Congress.
Judicial Branch
High Court (chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
ratified 1966, in effect 1967
Independence
none (territory of the US)
National Holiday
Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Capital City

Capital Name
Pago Pago (pronounced pahn-go pahn-go)
Capital - geographic coordinate
14 16 S, 170 42 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)
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Economy

American Samoa has a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the United States, with which American Samoa conducts the overwhelming majority of its foreign trade.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
US Dollar (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
-0.4%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of American Samoa?
The population of American Samoa is approximately 49,710.
How do people greet each other in American Samoa?
The traditional greeting is "Talofa" (pronounced Tah-loh-fah), meaning hello or welcome, often paired with warm smiles, eye contact, and polite inquiries about family and well-being. Do: Say "Talofa" when meeting someone or entering a gathering Maintain eye contact and offer a warm smile Use a firm handshake in formal or professional settings Address elders with honorifics like "Mama" (older women) or "Tama" (older men) Kisses on the cheek, hugs, and embraces are common among close family and friends A hand wave with a smile works for casual encounters Inquiring about someone's health and family is seen as caring and polite
What are the dining customs in American Samoa?
Sharing a meal is an important social activity, and accepting an invitation to eat is a sign of respect. Traditional foods include taro root, yams, bananas, coconuts, breadfruit, fish, turtle, and chicken. Do: Accept an invitation to share a meal as a sign of respect Try a little of each dish and express gratitude for the food Pork is reserved for ceremonial occasions even though pigs are raised
What etiquette should I know when visiting a home in American Samoa?
American Samoans are known for warm hospitality and generosity, treating guests almost like extended family. Respect for elders and communal harmony are central to social life. Do: Remove your shoes before entering someone's home Bring a small gift such as food, flowers, or a token of appreciation Show deference to elders and community leaders Say goodbye to everyone individually and express gratitude when leaving Don't: Don't leave abruptly, as it may be considered impolite Don't disregard hierarchy and authority Visits can run longer than expected, so be flexible It's polite to call ahead even though dropping by unannounced is common Reciprocate hospitality with a gift during or after the visit
How should I dress in American Samoa?
The traditional lavalava (a one-piece wraparound skirt) is worn by both men and women, and modest dress is valued. Do: Dress modestly to uphold cultural and moral standards In formal settings men wear a dress shirt with a lavalava, while women wear a puletasi (a fitted two-piece dress)
Which gestures are considered rude in American Samoa?
While no gestures are universally offensive, several actions are seen as disrespectful, especially those involving feet, heads, and disregard for hierarchy. Don't: Don't point directly at someone with your finger Don't show the soles of your feet or point your feet at someone Don't touch or pat someone's head, especially an elder Don't stand or sit with arms crossed during conversations Use an open hand or a nod to indicate direction Public displays of affection should be kept minimal The head is considered sacred, so avoid physical contact there without permission
What role does family play in American Samoa?
The aiga (family) is the basic unit of Samoan life, headed by a matai (chief) and consisting of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption. "Fa'asamoa" refers to the Samoan way, the way of the ancestors The matai holds a position of rank and authority within the aiga
What do people do for recreation in American Samoa?
Recreation blends traditional culture, outdoor pursuits, and modern entertainment, with sports and community gatherings playing a big role. American football is the most popular sport; rugby, soccer, volleyball, and cricket are also popular Traditional dance (Siva Samoa) and music are valued cultural pursuits Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and outrigger canoeing (va'a) Festivals like Flag Day, Samoan Flag Week, and the Teuila Festival feature performances and food
What is the capital of American Samoa?
Pago Pago (pronounced "pahn-go pahn-go") is the capital of American Samoa and one of the finest natural deep-water harbors in the South Pacific. Situated on the island of Tutuila, it has served as a strategically important port since the United States formally occupied the territory in 1900. The harbor was a principal reason the US sought to retain this eastern portion of the Samoan archipelago following the 1899 treaty that divided the island chain between the US and Germany.
Where is American Samoa located?
American Samoa is a group of seven islands in the South Pacific Ocean, part of the Oceania region. It lies approximately 14 degrees south of the equator, roughly 2,300 miles south of Hawaii and 4,100 miles southwest of San Francisco. Its nearest major neighbors include Auckland, New Zealand, about 1,600 miles to the southwest, and Sydney, Australia, approximately 2,700 miles further southwest. The islands span between 160 and 173 degrees west longitude, placing them among the southernmost US territories.
What religion is practiced in American Samoa?
Christianity is the dominant religion of American Samoa, practiced by virtually the entire population. Christian Congregationalist affiliation accounts for roughly 50 percent of the population, a legacy of 19th-century missionary activity. Protestant denominations and other Christian groups make up approximately 30 percent, while Roman Catholic adherents represent around 20 percent. Faith is deeply interwoven with the traditional Samoan social structure, particularly the community-centered family system known as the aiga.
What currency is used in American Samoa?
American Samoa uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, reflecting its status as an unincorporated territory of the United States. There is no separate territorial currency, and all financial transactions, trade, and government operations are conducted in US dollars. This monetary arrangement simplifies commerce with the US mainland and other dollar-denominated economies, though the territory retains its own locally elected government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
What languages are spoken in American Samoa?
The two official languages of American Samoa are Samoan and English. Samoan is a Polynesian language closely related to Hawaiian and other languages of the Pacific island chain, and it remains the primary language of home, community, and cultural life. Most residents are bilingual, using Samoan in traditional and family contexts while English is widely employed in government, education, and business. The coexistence of both languages reflects the territory's dual identity as a Polynesian society under US administration.
What is the geography and size of American Samoa?
American Samoa encompasses a total land area of approximately 76 square miles (about 197 square kilometers), spread across seven islands in the South Pacific. The terrain is predominantly rugged and volcanic, with steep ridges and limited coastal lowlands, particularly on the main island of Tutuila. The islands sit in the tropics, giving them a warm, humid climate year-round. Despite their small total area, the islands contain diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs and tropical forests that support significant marine biodiversity.
What is American Samoa known for?
American Samoa is known for its living tradition of fa'asamoa — the Samoan way of life — anchored by the aiga (extended family) and the matai (chief) system that governs social and community affairs. The territory is also recognized for the National Park of American Samoa, one of the few US national parks in the Southern Hemisphere, and for its waters that shelter the endangered hawksbill sea turtle, which feeds along the coral reefs on sea sponges and sea urchins. Canned tuna production has historically been a cornerstone of the local economy, and traditional Samoan dance, weaving, and tattooing remain prominent cultural expressions.

Last reviewed 2026

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