Country Profile: American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising several islands including the largest, Tutuila. The territory's economy primarily relies on government services, tourism, and a vulnerable tuna canning industry. With a population of approximately 43,268, the society maintains a rich cultural heritage, significantly influenced by traditional Samoan customs and the local ecosystem. Governance is characterized by a republican form with local self-government, while defense is the responsibility of the US.

Geography

American Samoa is situated in Oceania, approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, consisting of five volcanic islands and two coral atolls. The area is characterized by rugged terrain and a tropical marine climate, with natural resources including pumice and pumicite. Pago Pago, the capital, hosts one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific.

224 sq km total area, comparable to Washington, D.C.
3 m average annual rainfall.
964 m highest point at Lata Mountain.

People and Society

The population of American Samoa is estimated at 43,268 (2025), with a predominantly Pacific Islander demographic. The major language is Samoan, with a high level of bilingualism among residents. The community is deeply rooted in Christian values, boasting a 98.3% adherence to Christianity.

25.3% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
66% of the population falls within the 15-64 age range.
75.8 years is the life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

American Samoa's economy is primarily based on government services, tuna, and tourism, though it has experienced sustained economic decline. The territorial budget is influenced by a significant government presence and a vulnerable tuna canning industry, which is largely supplied by foreign fishing vessels.

$871 million in GDP (2022).
1.7% GDP growth rate (2022).
$409 million in exports (2022).

Government

American Samoa functions as an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the US, with local self-governance established through a republican system. The territory has its own constitution and legal system, blending US common law with local customs. The capital is Pago Pago, and elections are held for local government positions, including the governor.

Established in 1967, the current constitution allows local governance.
Governor directly elected for four-year terms.
18 years is the minimum voting age for suffrage.

Military and Security

Defense operations and military responsibilities for American Samoa are managed by the United States. The territory does not maintain its own armed forces, relying on the US for protection and defense.

Energy

American Samoa’s energy sector primarily relies on fossil fuels, with a small percentage coming from solar sources. It faces challenges in energy consumption and generation capacity.

50,000 kW installed electric capacity (2023).
157.697 million kWh electricity consumption (2023).
97.1% of electricity generation is from fossil fuels.

Environment

Environmental issues in American Samoa include limited access to drinking water, pollution, and soil erosion. The territory's tropical climate supports lush vegetation but also presents challenges related to natural hazards like cyclones.

79.2% of land is forested (2023).
14.8% of land is agricultural (2023).
389,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

American Samoa has a modest transportation network, with key facilities including a harbor and several airports, crucial for both domestic travel and trade.

3 airports serve the territory (2025).
1 major port, Pago Pago Harbor, handles shipping and fishing activities.

Communications

Communication infrastructure in American Samoa includes fixed line and mobile telephony services, along with some broadcasting capabilities. Internet access remains limited compared to global standards.

9,690 fixed line telephone subscriptions (2022).
40.3% of population used the internet (1990).

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.)
Unemployment	N/A	No data available
Life Expectancy	75.8 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	87.2%	(2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	389,000 metric tonnes	(2023 est.)