Official name - Territory of American Samoa. Located in the central part of Oceania. Area 199 km2, population of St. 70 thousand people (2003). The state language is English. The administrative center is the city of Pago Pago (4.3 thousand people, 2000). National holiday - Flag Day April 17 (from 1900). The monetary unit is the US dollar. Member of the Pacific Community (formerly UTK, since 1983).
American (Eastern) Samoa is located on 5 islands in the eastern part of the Samoa archipelago (the largest is Tutuila, 135 km2), separately standing island Rose and Swains Island from the Tokelau group of islands. Geographical coordinates: 14 ° 20 South and 170 ° 00 West.
The islands of the eastern part of the Samoa archipelago are volcanic with narrow plains along the coastline... Its length is 116 km. The highest point is Mount Lata (966 m) on Tau Island. Pago Pago is one of the best natural harbors in the Pacific Ocean. Sources of fresh water are limited. Up to 70% of the territory is occupied by forests and shrubs. Animal world represented by rats and bats. Pigeons, parrots and other birds are found in the forests. The coastal waters are home to turtles and crabs. Sharks, dolphins, various types of fish (tuna, mackerel, swordfish, etc.) are found in the sea.
Natural resources: Tuna reserves in a 200-mile economic zone and minor pumice deposits.
American (Eastern) Samoa Attractions
The climate is tropical, hot and humid. Average monthly temperature + 25-27 ° C. Average annual rainfall - approx. 3000 mm. Monsoon season: November-April. Dry season: May-October. Typhoons are common from December to March. The islands are prone to devastating hurricanes.
The population growth rate is 2.2% per year. 90% are Samoans, another 4% are from Tonga, 2% are Europeans. Social structure - traditionally Polynesian (consists of large families); St. 90% of the land is in communal ownership. The majority of the population is bilingual: the Samoan language is used in everyday life, and in official cases, English. 97% of the adult population is literate. Life expectancy for men is 71 years, for women - 80 years. Child mortality 9.8 people. per 1000 newborns, one of the best rates for developing countries.
Christianity dominates: c. 50% of the population are Congregationalists, another 20-25% are adherents of other Protestant religions, more than 20% are Catholics.
The first of the Europeans to land on the island of Tutuile in 1787 was J. La Perouse. In 1899, Eastern Samoa became the possession of the United States, in 1900 it was formally occupied by them. In 1922 it received the status of an "unaligned territory" of the United States. In 1948, the local parliament of Fono (council of matai - chiefs) was formed, but without real legislative powers. They appeared after the adoption in 1966 of the Constitution of the territory.
American (Eastern) Samoa is an "unincorporated and unorganized" territory of the United States. Elect its delegate to the US House of Representatives (non-voting). It is under the responsibility of the US Department of the Interior.
The head of state is the President of the United States. The executive power is exercised by the governor (T. Sunia) and the vice-governor (T. Tulafono). Since 1977, they (previously appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior) have been elected by direct universal suffrage for 4 years concurrently with the US presidential election. Since April 2003, after the death of T. Sunia, T. Tulafono has been acting as governor. The governor appoints the government. Has veto power over decisions of the Fono (legislature), consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives: by universal suffrage, 18 senators are elected from local chiefs (matai) for 4 years, and 20 deputies to the House of Representatives for 2 years, a member of the House from Swains Island is appointed without the right to vote.
Political parties: Democratic and Republican.
Defense and foreign affairs are administered by Washington.
American (Eastern) Samoa has no diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.
GDP per capita - US $ 8,000, is quite high for Oceania. The leading sectors of the economy are fish processing (tuna, supplied by foreign ships) and copra production. Fish processing employs 34% of the economically active population, 33% each in the public sector and small private enterprises. Unemployment 6% (2000).
Canned meat is produced, crafts are developed, and pumice is mined on a small scale.
There are plantations of coconut palms; the population grows taro, yams, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, pineapples, tropical fruits and vegetables. Cattle, horses, pigs, goats, poultry are bred.
The length of highways is 350 km (150 km - with hard surface). The main seaport is at Pago Pago. In addition to Tafuna International Airport (Pago Pago), there are 3 airports (two with a hard surface runway) and 2 airstrips.
The development of tourism is constrained by the geographical remoteness of the territory.
More than 60% of the budget comes from grants provided by the United States.
Tuna canned food accounts for up to 98% of exports. Almost all exports go to the USA. 60% of imports are materials for canning, food, fuel, equipment are also imported. Import partners: USA, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji.
In American (Eastern) Samoa - universal schooling. Specialized secondary education can be obtained from a single college, while higher education is available in Hawaii or the US mainland.
The Samoans have a distinctive culture of songs, dances, and clothing styles. Attention is paid to nature conservation: the National Marine Reserve and National park American (Eastern) Samoa.
Is a group of seven islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is home to about 58 thousand people, and the total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands is 200 square kilometers. The official languages \u200b\u200bare English and Samoan. One of the atolls of American Samoa, which is called Rose, is the southernmost part of the United States. Actually American samoa is a U.S. jurisdiction, however, Samoan citizens are not American citizens and cannot vote in the U.S. presidential election. American Samoa has the status of an unorganized and not included in the United States territory. The President of the United States is the guarantor of the local constitution and has the right to sovereignty over the territory. In addition, American Samoa is administered by the Department of Islands Affairs of the US Department of the Interior. The protection of the islands is directly handled by the US Armed Forces. American Samoa is governed by an elected governor.
American Samoa is best visited between May and September. It is at this time that clear weather sets in here and the minimum amount of precipitation falls. From December to March, powerful tropical cyclones often come to American Samoa, causing earthquakes and tsunamis. The average air temperature throughout the year is kept at around +26 C.
The largest island in American Samoa is Tutuila, home to 96% of the country's population and the capital of Pago Pago. This island is home to the National Park of American Samoa, which is the country's main attraction. It was opened in 1988 by a special resolution of the US Congress. The park is located on the islands of Tau, Ofu and Tutuila, and its total area is about 36 square kilometers. Most of the park is occupied by tropical relict forests that have already disappeared on other islands. The park is home to several species of animals and birds, as well as several coral reefs that require protection and close observation. In the center of the park is Mount Alava, whose height is 491 meters. However, the high point American Samoa is the peak of Matafao, whose height exceeds 650 meters. At its foot flows the amazingly beautiful Nuuili waterfall. American Samoa has other areas worth visiting, such as the picturesque Nuuili Pala Lagoon, the amazing Marine Turtle Sanctuary, the extraordinary Vaoto Marine Park, the Fagatele Bay Marine National Reserve and the Private Island Swains Sanctuary. All these natural monuments are protected areas of national importance. American Samoa is very developed aquatic species sports. Lovers of windsurfing and diving from all over the world come to the country. You can ride the waves on famous beach Carter Beach and Leone Bay and Alofay. And the best sandy beacheswhere you can sunbathe are the beaches in the village of Alega, which is located on the island of Tutuila. The underwater world of American Samoa is very rich. Diving enthusiasts will be able to see over 200 species of coral, about 890 species of fish and several species of mammals. Before diving, it is imperative to undergo detailed instructions, as sharks and poisonous fish live in the local waters, and you can get hurt very painfully on the huge tracts of coral reefs. Fishing is also a popular activity for tourists. Fishing boats can be rented from your hotel or local travel agency. Also in the town of Utulei there is a yacht club. In the local waters, you can catch striped tuna, marlin, wahoo, skipjack and yellowtail tuna. For lovers hiking like the low difficulty trail network developed by the National Park of American Samoa. They are located within the park itself, along the Pago Pago Bay, as well as in the northwest of Tutuila Island. There is also a good golf club on Tutuil. For tennis lovers, several courts are open in the hotels of the island. The capital of Pago Pago houses the Haydon Museum, which houses Samoan arts and crafts.
Every year in July, the country's authorities organize a tourism week. During the week, you can get acquainted with the achievements of the country's tourism industry, participate in sports, numerous celebrations and watch the traditional Miss American Samoa contest. American Samoa's national holiday is Flag Day, which is celebrated in the second half of April. Celebrations include a Samoan Art Festival, canoe races, song and dance festivals, sports and fishermen's competition.
Before traveling to American Samoa, you must get a yellow fever vaccine. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, cholera, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and poliomyelitis are also recommended. Every tourist should have a means of protection against mosquitoes, as they are carriers of tropical fever. In general, the country is reasonably safe if you follow basic precautions. Happy vacation and vivid impressions!
American (Eastern) Samoa (English American Samoa).
American Samoa is the unincorporated territory of the United States in the South Pacific between New Zealand and Hawaiian Islands... Consists of 7 eastern islands of the Samoan archipelago - Aunuu, Tau, Tutuila, Ofu and Olosega (Manua Islands), Swains, Rose. The closest neighboring states are: in the west - Samoa, in the east - the Cook Islands (New Zealand), in the north - the Tokelau Islands (New Zealand), in the southwest - Tonga (Tafahi Island), in the south - Niue Island (New Zealand) ... The land area is 199 km². Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, located on one of the largest islands - Tutuila, which is administratively subdivided into eastern and western regions. The third region is the Manua group of islands (Olosega, Tau and Ofu islands).
One of the main attractions of the country is the National Park of American Samoa, created by a special resolution of the US Congress (1988). This park is located on the territory of three islands (Tau, Ofu and Tutuila). From 36.5 sq. km of the total area of \u200b\u200bthe park is approximately 27 sq. km are relict tropical forests, which have almost disappeared on other islands in the region. Also protected are the territories of the Swains Island Nature Reserve (158 sq. Km, mostly sea water), Vaoto Territorial Marine Park (Ofu Island, 0.5 sq. Km), Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve (0.7 sq. Km) , Marine Turtle Sanctuary (the entire water area around the islands at a distance from the coastline up to 5 km from the coast), Leone wetlands, Nuuili Pala lagoon and about 10 sq. km of other areas of the sea.
At the same time, access to the territory of all protected areas of American Samoa is limited only by the elementary obtaining of a license and sound observance of environmental standards of behavior of tourists. Visitor center National park located in Pago Plaza in Pago Pago and is open on weekdays from 8.00 to 16.30.
The city of Pago Pago is one of the most colorful capitals in the world and one of the deepest harbors in the South Pacific. The city has an excellent Haydon Museum (a fine collection of ancient arts and crafts). And the main attraction of the capital is the vast and wonderfully protected harbor of Pago Pago, made famous by Somerset Maugham and the events of World War II.
To the south of the airport in Fogagogo begins a pretty beach of the same name with the small resort of Maliu Mai. The seaside restaurant offers a beautiful view of the wild south coast and many wave caverns. Almost at the very coastline lies the Vaitogi region, where a small tract of virgin rainforest is protected, which stands as a wall over the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the coast (you can only walk here) there is a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling. Another coastal road leads west to Wailoatai, also known as Sliding Rock. The islands (Swains and Roses) are in turn divided into 66 village communities.
Square: 199 km 2
Currency: Dollar (USD)
Population: 57881 people
Domain: .as
Visa regimeA visa is not required to enter American Samoa directly for up to 30 days. To apply for a visa, you need a valid passport and confirmation of the absence of immigration intentions. You can only get to American Samoa through New Zealand or the United States, so you will need a transit or regular visa from one of these countries.
There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign or local currency. Import in cash, bank cards and traveller's checks is not limited. You only need to declare amounts in excess of $ 10 thousand. When importing gold and jewelry, the declaration is required.
Allowed duty-free import of up to 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes, or 454 grams of tobacco, up to 4.5 liters or five bottles (1 US gallon) of spirits (over the age of 21), as well as a reasonable amount of perfume and perfumery. Items for personal use are not subject to duty.
It is forbidden to import drugs and narcotic drugs, weapons and toxic chemicals. It is forbidden to import and export without special permission objects and things of artistic and historical value, meat and non-canned meat products, as well as products made of coral, sea turtle shell, feathers and skins of tropical birds and animals.
A $ 3 tax will be charged on departure from American Samoa by air (usually included in the ticket price).
A territory that extends its jurisdiction to the 7 eastern islands of the Samoa archipelago, stretching along 14 ° South latitude, about 170 ° West longitude, in the South Pacific Ocean, in southern Polynesia, east of Australia and northeast of New Zealand. Unincorporated and unorganized territory.
The borders of the territory are maritime: with the Independent State of Samoa in the west, the Kingdom of Tonga in the south-west, the territories of New Zealand - Tokelau in the north, Cook Islands in the east, Niue in the south. The land area is 199 km². Population 61 thousand people. (2004).
The capital is Pago Pago (about 15 thousand inhabitants, 2001), located on largest island - Tutuila, administratively subdivided into western and eastern (with the Aunuu island) regions. The third region is the Manua group of islands (Tau, Olosega and Ofu islands). Rose Island (uninhabited) and Swains Island (privately owned) stand out. The official languages \u200b\u200bare English and Samoan. Official Holidays - April 17, Flag Day (the first raising of the US flag on the islands) and traditional US holidays. The monetary unit is the US dollar.
American Samoa is an unorganized and unincorporated territory administered by the Department of Insular Affairs. The President of the United States has the right to sovereignty over the territory, and is also the guarantor of the local constitution. The US government has custody of American Samoa. Residents of American Samoa participate in the Republican and Democratic primaries, but do not participate in the election of the President of the United States. The executive power on the islands is exercised by a governor elected for 4 years (since 2003 Togiola T.A.Tulafono), legislative power is exercised by a bicameral legislature (Fono). In the upper house there are 18 people elected from among the chiefs (matai) of the clans, in the lower house there are 20 elected deputies and one representative of Swains Island without the right to vote. The non-voting delegate of American Samoa goes to the House of Representatives of the US Congress. American Samoans are considered American by nationality, but are not US citizens. Diplomatic relations are administered by the US government.
Ethnic composition: Samoans (Polynesian group) - 89%, Tongans - 4%, Europeans and Americans - 2%, others - 5% (2000). The population in 1980 was 32 297 people, in 1990 - 46 773, in 2000 - 57 291. The official estimate for 2004 is 61 thousand people. The official languages \u200b\u200bare English and Samoan (one of the most archaic Polynesian languages). The majority of the population is bilingual. More than 50% of believers are Protestant Congregationalists, 30% are other Protestant denominations, 20% are Catholics. Separate ritual practices of pagan origin are preserved. The islands have Catholic and Anglican ecclesiastical and administrative structures. The Council of Christian Churches of Seventh-day Adventists operates.
Reproduction structure typical for developing countries, with a significant migration inflow: natural increase - 32.2 ‰ (fertility - 37 ‰, mortality - 4.8 ‰), average annual migration growth - 19.3%, total growth - 22.5% (year 2000). About 85,000 Samoans live in the contiguous states of the United States and Hawaii. The age structure is also typical for developing countries - a high proportion of children (0-14 years old) - 38.7%, a low number of able-bodied people (15-64 years old) - 58%, a very low proportion of old people (65 years old and over) - 3.3% (year 2000). The average age of the population is 21.3 years. Men predominate - 104.4 per 100 women. Average life expectancy is 75.5 years (men - 72, women - 79). The population density is 286 people per sq. km. (year 2000). The most densely populated island is Tutuila, especially its southwestern flat part (440 people per km²). EAN - 30.8%, unemployment rate - 5.2% (2000). The population is employed in industry (mainly fish processing and fish canning, which concentrate about 1/3 of the EAP) and the service sector (where a significant number of civil servants are allocated - also about 1/3 of the EAP). In 1995, the following structure of employment was observed: agriculture, fishing and forestry - 2.3%, industry and construction - 36.1%, services - 61.6%, including social services - 21.3%, state management - 17.2% (total public sector - 38.5%).
American Samoa's GDP is $ 0.5 billion (2000 PPP). The monetary unit is the US dollar. In the service sector, there is a significant share of public administration and social services, tourism is developed insignificantly. Three banks and 3 non-bank financial institutions. The main industry is fishing (processing and canning of tuna, supplied mainly by American, South Korean and Taiwanese fishermen; in large companies, they are usually combined). Crafts are developed. Pumice is mined on a small scale. Pineapples, bananas, coconut palm (raw material for copra production), vegetables, papaya, breadfruit are grown. More than 90% of the land is in communal use. Cultivated land - 5%, under temporary crops - 10%. Highway - 150 km, 200 km - minor roads. Sea connections with ports in the USA, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. international Airport Tafuna (11 km from Pago Pago). 15,000 telephone lines (2001), satellite communication station.
Exports of American Samoa - 346.3 million dollars (export quota - 69.3%), 96% - canned tuna, imports - 505.9 million dollars, 44% (2000) - raw fish products (tuna), oil and petroleum products, foodstuffs, clothing, vehicles. Negative trade balance. Foreign trade is focused on the United States (80% of turnover, 56% of imports and almost all exports), other important trading partners (in terms of imports) are Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, South Korea, Japan, China.
Average GDP per capita is $ 8,000 (2000 PPP). 56% of families have incomes below the official US subsistence level.
Education: 97% of the adult population is literate. Compulsory 12-year education. 59 preparatory, 32 primary and 9 secondary schools (1996). One college is American Samoa Community College.
In accordance with the traditional culture of the Samoans, the social structure is regulated by the fa'amatai system, in which the basis of the social structure is the aiga - clan, extended family, led by the ormatai or matai - the leader responsible for maintaining the continuity of generations, mythological conceptualization, the relevance of customary law, the preservation traditions. A number of Samoan ritual vocal and dance practices are exploited in the tourism industry.
Newspapers: government daily News bulletin (on english language, 1800 copies), Samoa news (in English and Samoan, 4500 copies, 5 times a week), Samoa Journal and Advertiser (in English and Samoan, 3000 copies, daily). Two radio stations, and one television company (broadcast 18 hours daily in English and Samoan, on two channels).
The State of American Samoa occupies seven islands in the Samoa archipelago in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. Neighboring with the New Zealand territories - in the north with the island of Tokelau, in the east with the island of Cook, in the south with Niue, in the west with the border with Samoa. The capital of the country is Pago Pago. total area islands reaches 199 sq. km.
Population of American Samoa
The country is home to about 70 thousand people, the majority is the indigenous population (Samoans): 83% of them, Tongans - 3%, Europeans - 2%, Asians - 2%.
The Nature of American Samoa
On the territory of the state is widespread mountainous reliefsince most of the islands are the tops of a ridge hidden under water. The highest point in American Samoa is Silisili, a mountain 1858 meters high. Many turbulent rivers flow down from its peaks. The rainforests of the islands of Ofu, Tau and Tutuila are home to many bird species.
Climatic conditions
American Samoa has a humid tropical climate with an average temperature of about + 27 ° C in both winter and summer. Tropical hurricanes are considered a frequent occurrence here. The average annual precipitation ranges from 3000 to 7000 mm.
American Samoa
There are two state languages: local Samoan and English.
American Samoan Cuisine
The most common foods in the country, sweet potatoes and coconut, are eaten at almost all stages of ripening. Also, a lot of root vegetables, vegetables and grains are involved in cooking. A lot of dishes are prepared from seafood and fish, sometimes they are eaten half-baked. Popular "Oka" - a marinade made from coconut milk, lemon juice, onion and salt, on its basis prepare all meat dishes and sea exotic: shark meat, octopus meat, molluscs, sea snakes and crustaceans. Peepee, a sauce made from onions and coconut milk, is served at the table.
Religion
On the territory of American Samoa, Christians are professed, Protestants make up 48%, Catholics - 46%, there are followers of Mormons.
American Samoa Holidays
Independence Day is celebrated in American Samoa on June 1, and May 10 is Mother Samoa's Day. The Samoans call December 26 Boxing Day. On the first weekend of November, Arbor Day is celebrated and the whole country plants trees on this day. April 25 is the day of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
American Samoa currency
The country's currency is the US dollar (code USD).
Time
American Samoa is 15 hours behind Moscow in time.
Major resorts
The tourist sector of American Samoa is successfully developing, its share in the total income of the country is 25%. On the islands of Manua, Aunuu, Carter Beach, Olosega, Alofay, Leone Beach, the lack of expensive luxury hotels is more than compensated for by the homeliness of small hotels, well-groomed beaches buried in vegetation, excellent conditions for diving, excellent trekking routes and the possibility of long cycling trips ... In the capital of Pago Pago, a popular destination is the Rainmaker Hotel, which meets all international standards and has excellent conditions for water entertainment.
American Samoa landmarks
Tourists go to American Samoa to plunge into the exotic and escape from civilization, and the country's attractions fully satisfy such desires. For example, in the city of Leon, the oldest ruins with a funeral altar of the Polynesian tribes have been preserved.
The main natural attraction of the country is considered national reserve, protecting relict vegetation and its inhabitants from extinction on the islands of Tutuila, Ofu and Tau. Access to the territory is possible with a special permit and requires compliance with the rules of stay. Tau Island is sacred place for the indigenous population, since according to legend it was here that the Polynesian race originated.
