American Samoa is a United States territory in the South Pacific Ocean. Settled as early as 1000 BC, Samoa was "discovered" by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year. (see History of Samoa for more.)

American Samoa

National motto: None
Official languageSamoan
CapitalPago Pago
GovernorTogiola Tulafono
Area
 - Total
 - % water
Ranked 226rd
199 kmē
0%
Population
 - Total (2003)
 - Density
Ranked 203rd
70,260
353/km2
CurrencyUSD
Time zone
National anthem
Internet TLD.AS
Calling CodeThrough October 1, 2004 684
As of October 2, 2004 1 (684)

American Samoa was organized as a territory of the United States on February 20, 1929.

See: List of American Samoa Governors

Curious facts:
  • Made in the USA - Goods manufactured in territories or protectorates of the United States can be labeled 'Made in the USA'
  • About 30 ethnic Samoans currently play in the NFL; it has been estimated that a Samoan male is 40 times more likely to play in the NFL than a non-Samoan American.
  • Persons born in American Samoa are United States nationals, but not United States citizens. This is virtually the only circumstance under which an individual would be one and not the other.

External links


  • Not to be confused with the adjacent nation of Samoa.