Country Profile: American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It comprises five volcanic islands with a rugged terrain and limited coastal plains. The territory has a population of approximately 43,895 people, with a strong reliance on tourism and a vulnerable tuna canning industry forming the backbone of its economy. Governed by a republican form of territorial government, American Samoa retains its unique cultural identity while being administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Geography

American Samoa is situated in Oceania, comprised of five islands with an area of 224 square kilometers. The islands feature tropical marine climates, rugged volcanic terrain, and a well-protected deepwater harbor at Pago Pago. The territory does not have any land boundaries but has a coastline extending 116 kilometers.

224 sq km total area, slightly larger than Washington, D.C.
116 km of coastline.
12 nm territorial sea claims.
200 nm exclusive economic zone.
Lata Mountain rises to 964 m, the highest point.

People and Society

American Samoa has a population of around 43,895, with a diverse ethnic composition predominately consisting of Pacific Islanders. The majority of the population speaks Samoan, and Christianity is the dominant religion. The demographics reveal a relatively young population, with a median age of 30 years, and a high urbanization rate of 87.2%.

88.7% of the population identifies as Pacific Islander.
40.3% of the population were internet users as of 1990.
98.3% of the population identifies as Christian.
15.7 births per 1,000 population (2024 est.).
75.8 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).

Economy

The economy of American Samoa is reliant on tourism, tuna canning, and government services, with a sustained economic decline impacting its industries. Real GDP was estimated at $871 million in 2022, while exports and imports reflect a trade imbalance, with significant reliance on imports for refined petroleum and other goods. The government plays a large role in the economy, with plans to increase the minimum wage to meet federal standards by 2036.

$871 million GDP (official exchange rate, 2022).
$409 million exports (2022).
$677 million imports (2022).
1.7% GDP growth rate (2022).
$249 million revenues (2016 est.).

Government

American Samoa operates as an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the United States, governed under a mixed legal system of U.S. common law and customary law. The territory has its own constitution and a local self-government structure, although it does not have the same rights as U.S. states. The government consists of executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Governed by a republican form of territorial government.
Capital is Pago Pago, with a time difference of UTC-11.
18 years is the minimum voting age.
Governor: Nikolao PULA (since January 2025).
National holiday celebrated on 17 April (Flag Day).

Military and Security

American Samoa relies on the United States for its defense, as military responsibilities fall under U.S. jurisdiction.

Defense is the responsibility of the U.S..

Energy

American Samoa's energy infrastructure consists mainly of fossil fuels, contributing to its installed generating capacity of 50,000 kW. Energy consumption per capita was recorded at 89.105 million Btu/person in 2019, with significant reliance on petroleum and limited solar energy production.

157.697 million kWh electricity consumption (2023).
97.1% of energy capacity from fossil fuels.
3,000 bbl/day of petroleum refined (2023).

Environment

The environment faces challenges such as limited drinking water supplies, pollution, and soil erosion. American Samoa experiences a tropical marine climate, which influences its land use and agricultural patterns. The region is home to lush forests accounting for 79.2% of its land use.

14.8% of land is utilized for agriculture (2023 est.).
389,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
19,000 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.).

Transportation

American Samoa has 3 airports and a single key port at Pago Pago Harbor, which is vital for shipping and trade. The transportation infrastructure supports both passenger and freight movement, although it is limited compared to larger nations.

3 airports by 2025.
1 port available for trade by 2024.

Communications

The territory has a telecommunication system that includes fixed and mobile lines with a growing number of internet users. Communication infrastructure supports several TV and radio stations, reflecting the community's media consumption patterns.

10,000 fixed telephone subscriptions (2021 est.).
2,250 mobile cellular subscriptions (2009 est.).
40.3% internet usage reported (1990 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	43,895	2024 est.
Area	224 sq km	Total territory area
GDP	$871 million	Official exchange rate (2022)
Exports	$409 million	Total exports (2022)
Imports	$677 million	Total imports (2022)
Energy Consumption	157.697 million kWh	Total consumption (2023)
Life Expectancy	75.8 years	At birth (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	15.7 births/1,000	Population (2024 est.)
Urbanization	87.2%	Urban population (2023)
Electricity Capacity	50,000 kW	Installed generating capacity (2023 est.)