Country Profile: American Samoa
American Samoa is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, situated halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It is an unincorporated territory of the United States with a population of approximately 43,268 (2025 estimate) that predominantly identifies as American Samoan. The economy heavily relies on tourism, tuna canning, and government services, while governance is characterized by a republican form of local self-government under the US administration.
Geography
American Samoa consists of five volcanic islands, known for their rugged terrain and limited coastal plains, along with two coral atolls. The islands have a tropical marine climate, influenced by trade winds, with an annual rainfall of about 3 meters. The largest island, Tutuila, features Pago Pago, which hosts one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific.
- 224 sq km total area, comparable to Washington, D.C.
- 116 km of coastline.
- Lata Mountain stands as the highest point at 964 m.
- Annual rainfall averages 3 m.
- Little seasonal temperature variation due to tropical marine climate.
People and Society
The population of American Samoa consists mainly of Pacific Islanders, with 88.7% identifying as such, including 83.2% Samoan. The predominant languages spoken are Samoan and English, reflecting the rich cultural heritage. The territory has a high urbanization rate, with 87.2% of residents living in urban areas.
- 43,268 total population (2025 estimate).
- 30.6 years median age (2025 estimate).
- 75.8 years life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
- 15.3 births/1,000 population birth rate (2025 estimate).
- 98.5% access to improved sanitation facilities (2022 estimate).
Economy
American Samoa's economy is primarily based on tuna fishing and canning, tourism, and government employment. The territory has faced economic challenges, including a decline in the tuna canning industry and a reliance on federal minimum wage standards. The total GDP is estimated at $871 million for 2022.
- Real GDP growth rate was 1.7% in 2022.
- Exports valued at $409 million in 2022.
- Imports totaled $677 million in 2022.
- $249 million revenue estimated for 2016.
- Major agricultural products include bananas, coconuts, and vegetables.
Government
American Samoa operates as an unincorporated territory of the United States with a unique governance structure that includes a local constitution and elected officials. The capital is Pago Pago, and while residents are US nationals, they are not US citizens. The territory's government consists of an executive, legislative, and judicial branch.
- Governor elected for a 4-year term, currently Nikolao PULA since January 2025.
- 18 years is the legal voting age.
- The Legislative Assembly proposes constitutional amendments.
- The territory's Constitution was adopted on October 17, 1960.
- No diplomatic representation exists, as it is a US territory.
Military and Security
Defense matters for American Samoa fall under the responsibility of the United States. As such, there is no independent military presence in the territory.
Energy
The energy sector in American Samoa predominantly relies on fossil fuels, which account for 97.1% of electricity generation capacity. The total installed capacity is 50,000 kW, with electricity consumption reaching 157.697 million kWh in 2023.
- 3,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumption (2023 estimate).
- 13.975 million kWh in transmission/distribution losses (2023 estimate).
- 89.105 million Btu/person total energy consumption per capita (2019 estimate).
Environment
American Samoa faces environmental issues such as limited drinking water supply, pollution, and soil erosion, exacerbated by its tropical marine climate. The land use consists mainly of forest and agricultural areas, with a significant portion designated for agriculture.
- 79.2% of land is forested (2023 estimate).
- 14.8% of land used for agriculture (2023 estimate).
- 19,000 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 estimate).
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure includes three airports and a single major port, Pago Pago Harbor, which is critical for shipping and trade operations in the region.
- 3 airports servicing the territory (2025).
- Only 1 port is operational as of 2024.
Communications
The communication system in American Samoa includes fixed and mobile telephony, with limited internet access. There are multiple radio and television stations providing local broadcasts.
- 9,690 fixed-line subscriptions (2022 estimate).
- 2,250 mobile cellular subscriptions (2004 estimate).
- Internet country code: .as.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,268 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 224 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $871 million | Official exchange rate, 2022 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 15.3 births/1,000 people | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 75.8 years | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Not specified | Data not provided |
| Energy Consumption | 157.697 million kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Number of Airports | 3 | 2025 estimate |
| Fixed-line Telephone Subscriptions | 9,690 | 2022 estimate |
| Electricity Capacity | 50,000 kW | 2023 estimate |
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