Map of American Samoa
American Samoa is a country in Oceania with its capital at Pago Pago, home to about 46,029 people across 199 km². The interactive map below plots 1 cities and towns, 1 mountain summits and 1 ports recorded for American Samoa in YearMaps.
- Population
- 46,029
- Area
- 199 km²
- Capital
- Pago Pago
- Continent
- Oceania
Interactive Map of American Samoa
Centred on Pago Pago at 14.2766° S, 170.7066° W. Use the layer panel to switch on rivers, dams, ports, peaks and historical borders.
About American Samoa
American Samoa is a self-governing, unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States located in the south Pacific Ocean, within the Polynesia subregion of Oceania. It is 40 miles (64 km) southeast of the island country of Samoa, east of the International Date Line and the French territory of Wallis and Futuna, west of the Cook Islands, north of Tonga, and some 310 miles (500 km) south of Tokelau. American Samoa is the southernmost territory of the United States, situated 2,200 miles (3,500 km) southwest of the U.S. state of Hawaii, and one of two U.S. territories south of the Equator, along with the uninhabited Jarvis Island.
American Samoa consists of the eastern part of the Samoan archipelago – the inhabited volcanic islands of Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega and Taʻū and the uninhabited Rose Atoll – as well as Swains Island, a remote coral atoll in the Tokelau volcanic island group. The total land area is 77 square miles (199 km2), slightly larger than Washington, D.C.; including its territorial waters, the total area is 117,500 square miles (304,000 km2), about the size of New Zealand. American Samoa has a tropical climate, with 90 percent of its land covered by rainforests. As of 2024, the population is approximately 47,400 and concentrated on Tutuila, which hosts the capital and largest settlement, Pago Pago. The vast majority of residents are indigenous ethnic Samoans, most of whom are fluent in the official languages, Samoan and English.
Inhabited by Polynesians since prehistoric times, American Samoa was first contacted by Europeans in the 18th century. The islands attracted missionaries, explorers, and mariners, particularly to the highly protected natural harbor of Pago Pago. The United States took possession of American Samoa in the late 19th century, developing it into a major naval outpost; the territory's strategic value was reinforced by the Second World War and subsequent Cold War. In 1967, American Samoa became self-governing with the adoption of a constitution; its local government is republican in form, with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It remains officially unorganized and is thus directly administered by the federal government. American Samoa is listed among seventeen "non-self-governing territories" as defined by the United Nations, but it is a member of several intergovernmental organizations, including the Pacific Community, Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Due to the territory's strategic location, the U.S.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia: American Samoa (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Geography and Climate of American Samoa
Tutuila -- the largest island in American Samoa -- was settled by 1000 B.C., and the island served as a refuge for exiled chiefs and defeated warriors from the other Samoan islands. The Manu’a Islands, which are also now part of American Samoa, developed a traditional chiefdom that maintained autonomy by controlling oceanic trade. In 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob ROGGEVEEN was the first European to sail through the Manu’a Islands, and he was followed by French explorer Louis Antoine DE BOUGAINVILLE in 1768. Whalers and missionaries arrived in American Samoa in the 1830s, but American and European traders tended to favor the port in Apia -- now in independent Samoa -- over the smaller and less-developed Pago Pago on Tutuila. In the mid-1800s, a dispute arose in Samoa over control of the Samoan archipelago, with different chiefs gaining support from Germany, the UK, and the US. In 1872, the high chief of Tutuila offered the US exclusive rights to Pago Pago in return for US protection, but the US rejected this offer. As fighting resumed, the US agreed to the chief’s request in 1878 and set up a coaling station at Pago Pago. In 1899, with continued disputes over succession, Germany and the US agreed to divide the Samoan islands, while the UK withdrew its claims in exchange for parts of the Solomon Islands. Local chiefs on Tutuila formally ceded their land to the US in 1900, followed by the chief of Manu’a in 1904. The territory was officially named “American Samoa” in 1911. The US administered the territory through the Department of the Navy. In 1949, there was an attempt to organize the territory, granting it formal self-government, but local chiefs helped defeat the measure in the US Congress. Administration was transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1951, and in 1967, American Samoa adopted a constitution that provides significant protections for traditional Samoan land-tenure rules, language, and culture. In 1977, after four attempts, voters approved a measure to directly elect their governor. Nevertheless, American Samoa officially remains an unorganized territory, and people born in American Samoa are US nationals rather than US citizens.
- Location
- Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
- Climate
- Tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature variation.
- Terrain
- Five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Atoll, Swains Island)
- Highest point
- Lata Mountain 964 m.
- Lowest point
- Pacific Ocean 0 m.
- Coastline
- 116 km.
- Land borders
- Total: 0 km.
- Natural resources
- Pumice, pumicite.
- Land use
- Agricultural land: 14.8% (2023 est.); arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.); permanent crops: 9.6% (2023 est.); permanent pasture: 0% (2023 est.); forest: 79.2% (2023 est.); other: 6% (2023 est.)
- Natural hazards
- Cyclones common from December to March volcanism: limited volcanic activity on the Ofu and Olosega Islands; neither has erupted since the 19th century.
- Geographic note
- Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean.
- Languages
- Samoan 87.9% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 3.3%, Tongan 2.1%, other Pacific Islander 4.1%, Asian languages 2.1%, other 0.5% (2020 est.)
- Religions
- Christian 98.3%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)
- Ethnic groups
- Pacific Islander 88.7% (includes Samoan 83.2%, Tongan 2.2%, other 3.3%), Asian 5.8% (includes Filipino 3.4%, other 2.4%), mixed 4.4%, other 1.1% (2020 est.)
- Economy
- Tourism, tuna, and government services-based territorial economy; sustained economic decline; vulnerable tuna canning industry; large territorial government presence; minimum wage increases to rise to federal standards by 2036.
From the CIA World Factbook (public domain), archived edition of 2026-01-22. The Factbook is no longer updated, so figures reflect that edition.
American Samoa in Numbers
- Population
- 46,029
- GDP
- US$871.0 million
- GDP per person
- US$18,017
- Life expectancy
- 73.0 years
- Population growth
- -1.59% a year
- Population density
- 235 per km²
- Urban population
- 80.5%
- Surface area
- 199 km²
- Forest cover
- 79.7%
- Arable land
- 8.4%
- Internet users
- 0.0%
Indicators from World Bank Open Data (CC BY 4.0). The year under each figure is its reference year.
American Samoa in Depth
History
Traditional oral literature of Samoa and Manuʻa talks of a widespread Polynesian network or confederacy (or "empire") that was prehistorically ruled by the successive Tui Manuʻa dynasties. Manuan genealogies and religious oral literature also suggest that the Tui Manuʻa had long been one of the most prestigious and powerful paramounts of Samoa. Oral history suggests that the Tui Manuʻa kings governed a confederacy of far-flung islands which included Tutuila, as well as smaller western Pacific chiefdoms and Polynesian outliers such as Uvea, Futuna, Tokelau, Tuvalu and bigger islands like the Samoa in the North.
Geography
American Samoa, located within the geographical region of Oceania, is one of only two possessions of the United States in the Southern Hemisphere, the other being Jarvis Island. Its total land area is 76.1 square miles (197.1 km2) – slightly larger than Washington, D.C. – consisting of five rugged, volcanic islands and two coral atolls.
The five volcanic islands are Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega, and Taʻū. The coral atolls are Swains and Rose Atoll. Of the seven islands, Rose Atoll is the only uninhabited one; it is a Marine National Monument. American Samoa is the southernmost reach of the United States at fourteen degrees below the equator.
Due to its positioning in the South Pacific Ocean, it is frequently hit by tropical cyclones between November and April.
Climate
American Samoa has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) all year round with two distinct seasons, the wet and dry season. The wet season is usually between December and March and the dry season is from April through to September with the average daily temperature around 81–83 °F (27–28 °C) all year round.
The climate is warm, tropical, and humid, averaging around 80 °F or 26.7 °C, with a variation of about 15 °F or 8 °C during the year. The southern hemisphere winter, from June to September, is the coolest time of the year. The summer months of December to March bring hotter temperatures, while the months from April to November are considered the "dry" season. Throughout the year, however, rain follows clouds blown in by the trade winds that rise from the east almost daily.
Economy
The economic health of American Samoa reflects the trends in other populated U.S. territories, which are in turn dependent on federal appropriations. Federal dollars enter the economy through congressional appropriations, categorical grants, Social Security payments, and payments to Samoans retired from the military. Tuna canning is the backbone of the American Samoa economy. Cannery employment and local auxiliary businesses provide additional revenues for the territorial government. In the mid-1960s, efforts began to develop a tourism industry in American Samoa.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: American Samoa (CC BY-SA 4.0).
American Samoa: Key Facts
| Currency | United States dollar |
|---|---|
| Official languages | English, Samoan |
| Head of government | Pula Nikolao Pula |
| Calling code | +1684 |
| Internet domain | .as |
| Highest point | Lata Mountain |
| Lowest point | Pacific Ocean |
| Established | 1899 |
Facts from Wikidata Q16641 (CC0).
Visiting American Samoa
American Samoa is a U.S. territory in the South Pacific Ocean that lies about 100 km (60 mi) east of its neighboring country of Samoa, which is part of the same archipelago. American Samoa consists of five main islands and two coral atolls; the largest and most populous island is Tutuila, with the Manuʻa Islands, Rose Atoll and Swains Island also included in the territory.
American Samoa is not well developed for tourism, and there are no five-star hotels. But it is a great place for lounging on a beach, hiking the national park, snorkeling the lagoons, visiting historical World War II sites, or diving in the marine sanctuary.
Travel notes adapted from Wikivoyage: American Samoa (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Largest Cities in American Samoa
1 city recorded. Ranked by metropolitan population. A port city's harbour is written up on the page of its sea.
| # | Name | Population | Region | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pago Pago | 12,576 | — | Admin-0 region capital |
Highest Mountains in American Samoa
1 mountain recorded. Ranked by summit elevation above sea level. A summit on a border is listed under both countries.
| # | Name | Elevation | Feet | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lata Mountain | 966 m | 3,169 ft | Oceania |
Lata Mountain
Mountain · 966 m
Lata Mountain is a mountain rising to 966 metres (3,169 ft) in American Samoa and the United States, in the Oceania region. The summit stands on the border between them. From PeakBagger.com, with kind permission..
Lata Mountain is the summit of the island of Taʻū in the Manuʻa Islands. The summit of Lata Mountain is the highest point in American Samoa.
The easiest route up is a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) trail maintained by the National Park Service.
Adapted from Wikipedia: Lata Mountain (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Elevation
- 966 m (3,169 ft)
- Global rank
- #562 of 641 indexed
- Region
- Oceania (#40)
- Subregion
- Polynesia
- Countries
- American Samoa, United States
- Coordinates
- -14.2446°, -169.4857°
Of the 641 named summits indexed in YearMaps, Lata Mountain ranks #562 by elevation, below Mont Tremblant (968 m) and above Tai Mo Shan (957 m).
- Ranges:
- Southern Alps (Oceania), Owen Stanley Range (Oceania)
More about Lata Mountain
Lata Mountain: Key Facts
| Topographic prominence | 963 m |
|---|
Facts from Wikidata Q1226878 (CC0).
Ports in American Samoa
1 port recorded. Ranked by approach channel depth, the figure that limits which ships can call. Harbours link to their write-up on the page of the sea or coast they lie on.
| # | Name | Channel Depth | Class | Sea | Max Vessel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pago Pago Harbor | 5.5 m | Small | Pacific Islands & Hawaii | medium vessels |
Largest Islands of American Samoa
2 islands recorded. Ranked by mapped area. An island divided between countries is listed under each, with the area of the whole island.
| # | Name | Area | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAMOA Islands | 42,401 km² | Island group |
| 2 | Tutuila | 132 km² | Island |
Tutuila
Island · 132 km²
Tutuila is an island in Oceania (Polynesia), covering an estimated 132 km². It extends across American Samoa and the United States.
Tutuila is the largest and most populous island of American Samoa and is part of the archipelago of the Samoan Islands. It is the third largest island in the Samoan Islands chain of the Central Pacific. It is located roughly 4,000 kilometers (2,500 mi) northeast of Brisbane, Australia and lies over 1,200 kilometers (750 mi) to the northeast of Fiji. It contains a large, natural harbor, Pago Pago Harbor, where Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, is situated. Pago Pago International Airport is also located on Tutuila. The island's land expanse is about 68% of the total land area of American Samoa. With 56,000 inhabitants, it is also home to 95% of the population of American Samoa. The island has six terrestrial and three marine ecosystems.
Tutuila has mountainous regions, the highest point of which is 653 meters (2,142 feet). The island is attractive to tourists because of its beaches, coral reefs, and World War II relics, as well as its suitability for sporting activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking.
Adapted from Wikipedia: Tutuila (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Feature class
- Island
- Mapped extent
- 132 km²
- Size rank
- #380 of 445 islands
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Polynesia
- Countries
- American Samoa, United States
- Coordinates
- -14.3267°, -170.7487°
- Summits:
- Lata Mountain (966 m)
- Ranges:
- Southern Alps (Oceania), Owen Stanley Range (Oceania)
More about Tutuila
Geography
Tutuila lies in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 4,000 km (2,500 mi) northeast of Brisbane, Australia. The village of Fagatogo is situated 1,238 km (769 mi) northeast of Suva, Fiji. The island lies roughly 530 km (330 mi) north of Niue and roughly 580 km (360 mi) south of Tokelau and roughly 100 km (62 mi) southeast of the Samoan island of Upolu.
Tutuila is a fairly small and narrow island, measuring roughly 33 km (21 mi) across and little more than 3 mi (4.8 km) from north to south at its widest point. The area of this volcanic island of early Pliocene age is 142.3 km2 (54.9 sq mi) with a shore line of 101.3 km (62.9 mi). The hill range which runs from west to east is rugged and winding with the northern coast line having steep cliffs and unusual coast line.
History
The Polynesians first reached Samoa around 1000 BC. By 600 BC, they had established a settlement on Tutuila at Tula. Over the centuries, the Samoans on Tutuila kept in contact with the inhabitants of the neighboring islands of Western Polynesia, Tonga, and Fiji.
Tutuila served as a place of exile for warriors and chiefs who had been defeated in the wars that ravaged much of Upolu for centuries. It was also used as a place to which Upolu rulers banished political opponents.
Around 1200 A.D., during the reign of Momo, the tenth Tuʻi Tonga, the Tongans invaded and occupied Tutuila and other Samoan Islands. Their rule lasted for nearly two centuries under five successive kings.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Tutuila (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Tutuila: Key Facts
| Area | 140 km² |
|---|---|
| Population | 54,359 |
| Highest point | Matafao Peak |
| Surrounded by | Pacific Ocean |
Facts from Wikidata Q269205 (CC0).
Visiting Tutuila
Tutuila is the most populous island in American Samoa, and is home to its capital, Pago Pago, and principal airport.
Tutuila is a fairly small and narrow island, measuring roughly 33 km (21 mi) across and little more than 3 mi (4.8 km) from north to south at its widest point.
Travel notes adapted from Wikivoyage: Tutuila (CC BY-SA 4.0).
More Maps in Oceania
American Samoa: Quick Answers
- What is the capital of American Samoa?
- The capital of American Samoa is Pago Pago.
- What is the population of American Samoa?
- American Samoa has a population of about 46,029, the #210 largest of 225 countries in YearMaps. Source: World Bank, 2025.
- How big is American Samoa?
- American Samoa covers 199 km², ranking #215 by area, with about 231 people per square kilometre.
- Which continent is American Samoa in?
- American Samoa is in Oceania.
- What is the largest city in American Samoa?
- Pago Pago is the largest city in American Samoa, with a metropolitan population of about 12,576.
- What is the highest mountain in American Samoa?
- The highest summit recorded for American Samoa in YearMaps is Lata Mountain at 966 m (3,169 ft). Summits on a border are counted for both countries.