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Location
South Pacific.
Time
GMT - 11.
Area
201 sq km (77.6 sq miles).
Population
57,794 (2006).
Population Density
287.5 per sq km.
Capital
Pago Pago. Population: 55,000 (2005).
Geography
American Samoa lies in the Pacific Ocean approximately 3,700km (2,300 miles) southwest of Hawaii. It comprises seven islands: Tutuila, the largest with an area of 137 sq km (53 sq miles); Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u, known as the Manu’a group; and Aunu’u, Rose and Swain’s. The Manu’a group is volcanic in origin and dominated by high peaks. Rose and Swain’s Islands are uninhabited coral atolls, located to the east and north, respectively, of the other two island groups.
Government
US External Territory (Unincorporated). Gained a measure of self-government in 1977.
Head of State
President George W Bush since 2001.
Head of Government
Acting Governor Togiola Tulafono since 2003.
Recent History
Since WWII, American Samoa has developed into a modern, self-governing political system; The government is divided into three branches, similar to the United States; The Executive Branch is led by the governor and lieutenant governor, the Legislative Branch is led by the local legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives, who are elected by popular vote and the Senate, who are represented by the village matai; The judicial branch is part of the US judicial system, and American Samoa has a non-voting representative elected to the US Congress.
Language
Samoan, but many islanders speak English.
Religion
Half of the population are Christian Congregational. There are also Roman Catholics, Latter Day Saints and Protestants, amongst others.
Electricity
110V AC, 60Hz. US-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Social Conventions
Traditional Samoan society is still bound by very strict customs and, despite the younger generation’s dissatisfaction with the old values, they are very much adhered to. The government issues an official list of behaviour codes for both Samoas. Skimpy shorts or other revealing clothes should be avoided except when swimming or climbing coconut palms, although disapproval of shorts, if they are not too short, is on the wane. Samoan social behaviour conforms to strict and rather complicated rituals, to which the visitor will probably be introduced on arrival, and which should be respected. In the early evening hours, even if swimming offshore, be sure to avoid making any noise that could interrupt the Samoans’ prayer period. Usually three gongs are sounded. The first is the signal to return to the house, the second is for prayer and the third sounds the all-clear. In some villages, swimming and fishing are forbidden on Sunday. A visitor who happens to be invited to stay in a Samoan household should be mindful of these customs. On leaving, making a gift, a mea alofa (literally a ‘thing of love’) of shirts, belts or dress-length fabrics is most appreciated. Samoans are extremely hospitable and visitors may receive more than one invitation to stay with neighbours. However, it is inappropriate to leave your first hosts before a pre-arranged date.
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