Country Profile: American Samoa
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Comprising five volcanic islands and coral atolls, it features a predominantly Pacific Islander population with a rich cultural heritage. The local economy is largely driven by tourism, tuna fishing, and government services, although it has experienced economic decline and is vulnerable to external market fluctuations. Governance is characterized by a republican form of self-government under the oversight of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Geography
American Samoa consists of five volcanic islands and two coral atolls, with rugged terrain and a tropical marine climate moderated by southeast trade winds. The total land area is 224 square kilometers, slightly larger than Washington, D.C., with a significant coastline of 116 kilometers. The islands experience a rainy season from November to April and witness cyclones from December to March.
- 224 sq km total area, includes Rose Atoll and Swains Island.
- 116 km of coastline.
- 964 m is the highest elevation at Lata Mountain.
- 12 nm territorial sea claim.
People and Society
The estimated population of American Samoa is around 43,268 (2025 est.), with a significant majority identifying as Pacific Islanders. The cultural fabric includes a strong adherence to Christianity, with 98.3% of the population identifying as such. The territory has a relatively young demographic, with a median age of 30.6 years and 25.3% of the population aged 0-14 years.
- 43,268 total population (2025 est.).
- 98.3% identify as Christians.
- 30.6 years median age (2025 est.).
- 15.3 births/1,000 population birth rate (2025 est.).
- 75.8 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
Economy
American Samoa's economy is mainly supported by tourism, a tuna canning industry, and government services. The territory has seen economic decline recently and is vulnerable to changes in the tuna market. In 2022, the GDP was approximately $871 million, with a reliance on imported goods and a significant government presence.
- $871 million GDP (2022 est.).
- -1.33% population growth rate (2025 est.).
- $249 million revenues (2016 est.).
- $677 million imports (2022 est.), mainly from Singapore and New Zealand.
Government
American Samoa is an unorganized territory of the U.S., governed under a republican system with a locally elected governor. The legal framework combines U.S. common law and customary law, and American Samoans are U.S. nationals but not citizens. The territory has its own constitution, adopted in 1967, which protects traditional land-tenure rules.
- Governor: Nikolao Pula (since January 2025).
- Capital: Pago Pago.
- Elections: Last gubernatorial election occurred on 19 November 2024.
- National holiday: Flag Day on April 17.
Military and Security
Defense responsibilities for American Samoa are managed by the United States, ensuring the territory's security is covered under U.S. military oversight.
Energy
The energy sector in American Samoa is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, which account for 97.1% of electricity generation capacity. In 2023, energy consumption reached approximately 157.7 million kWh, with an installed generating capacity of 50,000 kW.
- 157.7 million kWh of electricity consumption (2023 est.).
- 50,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023 est.).
- 3,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.).
Environment
American Samoa faces several environmental challenges, including limited drinking water supply, pollution, and soil erosion. The territory experiences a tropical climate with high rainfall and minimal seasonal temperature variation.
- 79.2% of land is forested (2023 est.).
- 14.8% of land is used for agriculture (2023 est.).
- 389,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
Transportation
American Samoa has a limited transportation infrastructure, including three airports and one main port, which is the key harbor in Pago Pago. This port is significant for its deepwater capabilities and supports local shipping and fishing industries.
- 3 airports (2025).
- 1 main port: Pago Pago Harbor (2024).
Communications
Telecommunication in American Samoa includes fixed-line telephone subscriptions and a growing number of mobile cellular users, despite relatively low internet penetration rates historically.
- 9,690 fixed-line subscriptions (2022 est.).
- 2,250 mobile subscriptions (2004 est.).
- 40.3% of the population are internet users (1990 est.).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,268 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 224 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $871 million | 2022 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 157.7 million kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 15.3 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 75.8 years | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Data not provided | Not available |
Explore more about this country: