Country Profile: American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the South Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The territory comprises five volcanic islands, with a population of approximately 43,000, predominantly of Pacific Islander descent. Its economy is largely based on government services, tourism, and a vulnerable tuna canning industry. Although it possesses a degree of local self-governance, American Samoa's residents are classified as US nationals rather than citizens, reflecting its unique political status.

Geography

American Samoa consists of a group of islands with a tropical marine climate and rugged volcanic terrain. The largest island, Tutuila, is home to Pago Pago, a naturally sheltered deepwater harbor. The territory spans an area of 224 square kilometers, featuring limited coastal plains and significant forest cover.

224 sq km: Total land area
116 km: Total coastline
3 m: Average annual rainfall
5 islands: Comprises volcanic islands and coral atolls
964 m: Elevation of highest point (Lata Mountain)

People and Society

The estimated population of American Samoa stands at around 43,268, with a slight majority of females. The territory's cultural fabric is primarily Pacific Islander, predominantly Samoan, and English is widely spoken alongside the native Samoan language. A vast majority of the population (98.3%) identifies as Christian.

43,268 (2025 est.): Total population
21,790: Female population
75.8 years: Life expectancy at birth
15.3 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
87.2%: Urban population
1.99 children: Total fertility rate (2025 est.)

Economy

American Samoa's economy is heavily reliant on the government, tuna industry, and tourism, facing sustained economic challenges. The tuna canning industry is particularly vulnerable, relying on foreign fishing vessels. Despite these obstacles, the territory's GDP was estimated at $871 million in 2022.

$871 million: GDP (official exchange rate, 2022 est.)
1.7%: Real GDP growth rate (2022 est.)
$409 million: Exports (2022 est.)
$677 million: Imports (2022 est.)
$249 million: Estimated government revenues (2016)

Government

American Samoa operates as an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the US, featuring a republican form of government. It has its own constitution, adopted in 1967, that preserves local customs and laws. The territory holds local elections but remains subject to US legislation, and its residents are US nationals.

Government type: Unincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US
Capital: Pago Pago
Constitution adopted: October 17, 1960
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Next election: November 2028

Military and Security

The defense responsibilities for American Samoa are handled by the United States. As a territory, it does not maintain its own military forces, relying on US military support for security.

Energy

American Samoa’s energy infrastructure primarily relies on fossil fuels, which account for the vast majority of energy generation. In 2023, the installed electricity generation capacity was approximately 50,000 kW.

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

Environment

American Samoa faces various environmental challenges, including water supply limitations and pollution issues. The territory's tropical climate leads to a rich diversity of ecosystems, with a significant percentage of land covered by forests.

79.2%: Forest cover (2023 est.)
19,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.)
389,000 metric tonnes: Carbon dioxide emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in American Samoa includes three airports and a single port with a key harbor in Pago Pago, which supports both commercial shipping and fishing activities.

3 airports: Total number as of 2025
1 port: Total operational port with oil terminal as of 2024
Pago Pago Harbor: Noted for its strategic significance

Communications

The communication landscape includes fixed and mobile telephony, along with several broadcast media outlets. The penetration of internet usage is growing, though still modest.

9,690: Fixed line telephone subscriptions (2022 est.)
2,250: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2004 est.)
40.3%: Internet usage (1990 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	43,268 (2025 est.)
Area	224 sq km
GDP	$871 million (2022 est.)
Energy Consumption	157.697 million kWh (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	15.3 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.8 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	87.2% (2023)
Total Fertility Rate	1.99 children/woman (2025 est.)
CO2 Emissions	389,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Exports	$409 million (2022 est.)