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. It consists of five volcanic islands, characterized by rugged terrain and a tropical marine climate. The estimated population is about 43,268, primarily of Pacific Islander descent, and the economy is largely driven by tourism, tuna fishing, and government services. Although self-governing, American Samoa remains under US jurisdiction, with residents recognized as US nationals, not citizens.

Geography

American Samoa comprises several islands, including Tutuila, which is home to the capital, Pago Pago. The territory spans an area of 224 square kilometers with a rugged landscape dominated by volcanic formations and limited coastal plains. The climate is tropical marine with a significant amount of annual rainfall, leading to lush vegetation and rich biodiversity.

• 224 sq km: Total area of American Samoa.
• 116 km: Coastline length.
• 964 m: Elevation of the highest point, Lata Mountain.
• 0 km: Total land boundaries, as it is an island territory.
• 12 nm: Territorial sea limit.
• 200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.

People and Society

American Samoa has a population of approximately 43,268, with a significant portion of the populace being of Pacific Islander descent. The most widely spoken language is Samoan, with English also prevalent, reflecting the territory's cultural ties and historical influences. The society is primarily Christian, with nearly all residents identifying with various denominations.

• 87.2%: Percentage of the population living in urban areas (2023).
• 75.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
• 15.3 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
• 51.3: Total dependency ratio (2025).
• 30.6 years: Median age (2025).
• 98.5%: Access to improved sanitation facilities (2022).

Economy

The economy of American Samoa is based mainly on tourism, tuna fishing, and government services, though it has faced sustained economic decline in recent years. The tuna canning industry, a critical component of the economy, remains vulnerable and reliant on foreign fishing supplies. The territory's GDP in 2022 was estimated at $871 million, with government services accounting for a significant portion of economic activity.

• $871 million: GDP (2022).
• $249 million: Estimated government revenues (2016).
• $677 million: Total imports (2022).
• $409 million: Total exports (2022).
• 1.7%: Estimated real GDP growth rate (2022).
• 14.8%: Agricultural land use (2023).

Government

American Samoa operates as an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the US, with a republican form of government. Although it has local self-governance, significant powers are held by the US Congress. The territory adopted its constitution in 1967, which emphasizes protection for traditional land tenure, language, and culture. Citizens of American Samoa are US nationals but not US citizens.

• UTC-11: Time difference from Washington, DC.
• 3: Number of districts.
• 18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
• 1: Delegate elected to the US House of Representatives.
• 60.3%: Percentage of votes received by the elected governor in the 2024 election.

Military and Security

The defense of American Samoa is the responsibility of the United States, as it does not maintain its own military forces.

Energy

Energy in American Samoa is primarily generated from fossil fuels, accounting for the vast majority of installed capacity. The territory has a relatively small installed electricity generation capacity with some renewable energy sources beginning to emerge.

• 50,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023).
• 157.697 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
• 97.1%: Percentage of electricity sourced from fossil fuels (2023).
• 3,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).

Environment

Environmental challenges in American Samoa include limited drinking water supply, pollution, soil erosion, and waste disposal issues. The territory experiences a tropical climate that influences its agriculture and biodiversity.

• 79.2%: Forested land (2023).
• 387,000 metric tonnes: Estimated carbon dioxide emissions (2023).
• 19,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024).
• 14.8%: Agricultural land area (2023).

Transportation

American Samoa has three airports and a single operational port, which is crucial for cargo and tourism. The Pago Pago Harbor is notably recognized as a sheltered natural deep-water harbor, providing significant logistical advantages.

• 3: Total airports (2025).
• 1: Main operational port (2024).

Communications

Telecommunications services in American Samoa include a small number of fixed and mobile subscriptions, with a growing presence of broadcasting media. Internet access remains limited, with less than half the population using it.

• 9,690: Fixed telephone subscriptions (2022).
• 2,250: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2004).
• 40.3%: Internet usage as a percentage of the population (1990).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	43,268	Estimated (2025)
Area	224 sq km	Total area
GDP	$871 million	Estimated (2022)
Energy Consumption	157.697 million kWh	Estimated (2023)
Birth Rate	15.3 births/1,000	Estimated (2025)
Life Expectancy	75.8 years	Estimated (2024)
Total Fertility Rate	1.99 children/woman	Estimated (2025)
Unemployment Rate	Not available	Not specified
Urbanization Rate	87.2%	Estimated (2023)
Dependency Ratio	51.3	Estimated (2025)