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American Samoa is a small archipelago that occupies only 197 square kilometres of land. Five of the main islands (Tutuila, Ta'u, Ofu, Olosega, Aunu'u, Nu'utele) are volcanic, with rugged peaks, narrow coastal plains and fringing reefs. Swain's and Rose Islands are coral atolls. There are several other tiny islands as well.
American Samoa (Small Map)
CIA World Factbook Map
In the Samoan language, 'Sa' means sacred and 'Moa' means centre, and this is interpreted as 'Sacred centre of the universe'. The country is known as 'the heart of Polynesia. The Samoan islands are divided into two countries - To the east is Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa) and to the west is American Samoa, a territory of the United States. American Samoa is much smaller and more modernised, with a significant American influence. However, the proud and strong Samoan culture and way of life shine through in both countries.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Electricity runs at 110 - 120 volts, 60 cycles AC.
With the International Dateline just to the west of Samoa, the last sunset of each day is seen here! It is 11 hours behind GMT.
American Samoa uses the Imperial system of Weights and Measures.
Trading currency is the US dollar (USD) Currency Converter.
The capital of American Samoa is Pago Pago.
About 64,000 people live in American Samoa, 89% of them Samoan (Polynesian) 2% Caucasian, 4% Tongan and another 5% from other nations.
Canned tuna is the primary export. Tourism is a developing sector.
Major export market is the U.S.A.
Major imports include materials for canneries, food, petroleum products, machinery and parts. These primarily come from
United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Fiji.
Less than half the roads are paved, but all the main ones are well kept. There is a high ratio of cars to kilometres of road and traffic jams are not unknown, especially in Pago Pago.
All US Public holidays are observed.
 For useful American Samoa links, visit our Links page.
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