The Territory of American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States formed by a group of seven islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. The largest of the islands is Tutuila and others include: the Manua group, consisting of Tau, Olosega, and Ofu; Aunuu; Rose Island; and privately owned Swains Island. The capital city is Pago Pago.
The principal languages of American Samoa are Samoan, one of the oldest of the Polynesian people and English. The local currency is the United States Dollar ($US).
The islands are administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Executive authority of the country lies with the governor, who has been elected by popular vote since 1977. Tutuila Island covers an area of 143 sq km and the 1990 population figures show that the island had a population of 45,043. The total area of American Samoa is 200 sq km.
The most important industries on the islands of American Samoa are fishing (Tuna fishing mainly), agriculture and tourism. The most important agricultural crops include taro, coconuts, bananas, oranges, pineapples, papayas, breadfruit, and yams. The economy, however, remains largely dependent upon grants and appropriations by the Congress of the United States.
There is an international airport at Pago Pago, where direct flights depart mainly from Hawaii, New Zealand or Australia.
Visas are not required for traveling to American Samoa, US citizens just need proof of status and all other travelers need a valid passport and an onward ticket. Citizens of Independent Samoa require a permit to enter American Samoa.
The international time zone is GMT –11 hours and the international dialing code is + 684. American Samoa is generally a safe place to travel with regards to health risks however caution needs to be taken when staying in the villages. Water should be bottled or purified.
