American Samoa

Quick Facts

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Capital

Pago Pago

Population

67,000

Government

USA territory

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Languages

Samoan, English

Calling Code

+684

Nationality

American Samoan

Local name

Amerika Sāmoa

Introduction

American Samoa is a modernized, somewhat dilapidated Pacific affair where anthropologists spend their days complaining about the loss of culture and the average tourist marvels at the people's traditional daily life. We recommend swallowing your intellect, ignoring the fact that the Samoan culture now presented to visitors is only marginally representative of Samoan culture half a century ago, instead choosing to enjoy the dancing and music, and the weird cultural quirks, like the painful tatooing of teenage boys.

Swimming is not possible in every square inch of the surrounding Pacific, so make sure the spot you pick is not going to see you battered by the shallow coral reef. Hiking is an activity less developed, but one which affords some rewarding adventures. Mt Alava, outside Pago Pago, has a nice hike to its summit, offering excellent vistas of the island and harbor.

Islands

• Tutuila is the main island
• Aunu'u
• Ofu
• Olosega
• Ta'u
• Rose Island
• Swains Island

Towns

• Pago Pago, the capital

Getting there

Plane

Pago Pago International Airport is on Tutuila Island and receives all international air traffic.
Polynesian Airlines, Inter-Island Airways and Hawaiian Airlines all serve American Samoa. Destinations include Los Angeles, Tonga, Samoa, Auckland and Sydney.