Official name- Territory of American Samoa. Located in central Oceania. Area 199 km2, population of St. 70 thousand people (2003). State language- English. The administrative center is the city of Pago Pago (4.3 thousand people, 2000). Public holiday - Flag Day on April 17 (since 1900). Currency- 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 Samoan archipelago (the largest is Tutuila, 135 km2), separately standing island Rose and Swains Island from the Tokelau group of islands. Geographic coordinates: 14°20 south latitude and 170°00 west longitude.
The islands of the eastern part of the Samoan archipelago are volcanic with narrow plains along coastline. Its length is 116 km. Highest point- Mount Lata (966 m) on the island of Tau. Pago Pago has one of the best natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean. Sources fresh water limited. Up to 70% of the territory is occupied by forests and shrubs. Animal world represented by rats and bats. The forests are home to pigeons, parrots and other birds. Turtles and crabs live in coastal waters. There are sharks, dolphins in the sea, various types fish (tuna, mackerel, swordfish, etc.).
Natural resources: tuna reserves within a 200-mile economic zone and minor deposits of pumice.
Sights of American (Eastern) Samoa
The climate is tropical, hot and humid. Average monthly temperature+25-27°C. Average annual precipitation is approx. 3000 mm. Rainy season: November-April. Dry season: May-October. Typhoons are common from December to March. The islands are prone to destructive hurricanes.
The population growth rate is 2.2% per year. 90% are Samoans, another 4% are from Tonga, 2% are Europeans. The social structure is traditionally Polynesian (consisting of large families); St. 90% of land is communally owned. The majority of the population is bilingual: Samoan is used in everyday life, and English is used on official occasions. 97% of the adult population is literate. Life expectancy for men is 71 years, for women - 80 years. Infant mortality 9.8 people. per 1000 newborns, one of the best indicators for developing countries.
Christianity dominates: approx. 50% of the population are Congregationalists, another 20-25% are adherents of other Protestant religions, and more than 20% are Catholics.
The first European to land on the island of Tutuile in 1787 was J. La Perouse. Since 1899, Eastern Samoa became the possession of the United States, and in 1900 it was formally occupied by them. In 1922 it received the status of an “unincorporated territory” of the United States. In 1948, the local Fono parliament (council of matai - chiefs) was formed, but without real legislative powers. They appeared after the adoption of the territory's Constitution in 1966.
American (Eastern) Samoa is an "unincorporated and unorganized" territory of the United States. Elects a delegate to the US House of Representatives (without voting rights). It is under the responsibility of the US Department of the Interior.
The head of state is the President of the United States. Executive power is exercised by the governor (T. Suniya) 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 simultaneously with the election of the US President. Since April 2003, after the death of T. Suniya, the duties of governor have been performed by T. Tulafono. The governor appoints the government. Has the right to veto decisions of the Fono (legislative body), consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives: by popular vote, 18 senators are chosen from local chiefs (matai) for 4 years, and the House of Representatives - 20 deputies for 2 years, the member of the house from Swains Island is appointed without the right to vote.
Political parties: Democratic and Republican.
Defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of Washington.
American (Eastern) Samoa does not have diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.
GDP per capita is 8 thousand US dollars, very 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 in small private enterprises. Unemployment 6% (2000).
Canned meat is produced, crafts are developed, and pumice is mined on a small scale.
There are coconut palm plantations, and the population grows taro, yams, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, pineapples, tropical fruits and vegetables. Cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and poultry are raised.
The length of roads is 350 km (150 km with hard surface). The main seaport is in Pago Pago. In addition to Tafuna International Airport (Pago Pago), there are 3 airports (two with paved runways) and 2 runways.
The development of tourism is hampered by the geographical remoteness of the territory.
The budget is more than 60% formed from grants provided by the United States.
Canned tuna accounts for up to 98% of exports. Exports almost entirely go to the USA. 60% of imports are materials for canning; food, fuel, and equipment are also imported. Import partners: USA, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji.
American (Eastern) Samoa has universal school education. Secondary specialized education can be obtained at a single college, and higher education can be obtained in Hawaii or on the mainland of the United States.
The Samoans have a unique culture of songs, dances, and clothing styles. Attention is paid to nature conservation: the National Marine Reserve and National Park American (Eastern) Samoa.
Samoa American is an unincorporated unorganized territory and not included in the United States in the southern part Pacific Ocean.
Territorial maritime borders: with the Independent State of Samoa in the west, the Kingdom of Tonga in the southwest, the territories of New Zealand - Tokelau in the north, Cook Islands in the east, Niue in the south.
The climate is tropical, hot; softened by breezes and southeast trade winds. Average temperature July +25°C, February +27°C. Maximum precipitation is 300-430 mm. The rainy season is from November to April. Typhoons are frequent in December-March. The rivers are short, many do not reach the sea coast, and there is a shortage of water.
Story
The islands were inhabited around 1000 BC, it is assumed that this occurred during the process of migration from Southeast Asia. The next influx of settlers displaced the previous inhabitants, who settled on the islands east of Samoa.
The first Europeans appeared here in the 18th century. The Samoan archipelago was discovered in 1722 by the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen. In 1878, the United States received rights to establish a naval base in Pago Pago and trade.
In 1889-1899 The islands were jointly administered by the United States, Germany and Great Britain. In 1900, the islands of Tutuila and Aunuu were ceded to the United States, and in 1904 the Manua group also ceded to the United States. In 1922, the island received the status of an unincorporated US territory. In 1960, a constitution was adopted giving the islands internal self-government.
Sights of Samoa American
Tutuila(Maouna) - main island American Samoa and the third largest in the group (141.8 km 2) - located in the very center of Samoa, approximately 70 km east of the island of Upolu (Independent Samoa) and 110 km west of the Manua group. Stretching from southwest to northeast for almost 31 km, it is formed by the slopes and ridges of a whole group of ancient volcanoes, the highest of which is considered to be the long-extinct Matafao (654 m), the most beautiful is Pioa (Rhinemaker, 523 m), and the most ancient - Alava (491 m, it is its destroyed caldera that forms the vast Pago Pago Bay). Low running in all directions mountain ranges have quite steep slopes, which are abundantly overgrown with tropical vegetation, abound in gorges and form many bays and bays along the entire perimeter of the island.
Town Pago Pago(locals pronounce this name Pango-Pango) is one of the most colorful capitals in the world and one of the best natural deep-water harbors in the South Pacific. Pago Pago is actually the collective name of several villages stretching along the shore of the harbor of the same name, so it is customary to use this word to refer to the bay itself, the capital, and this entire area.
The main attraction of the capital remains the vast and superbly protected Pago Pago harbor, made famous by Somerset Maugham and the events of World War II. Jutting far into the southern coast and almost cutting the island in two, this collapsed volcanic caldera is one of the largest natural harbors in the South Pacific and the best anchorage in the region.
Mount Alava lies north of the shoreline of Pago Pago harbor. Hiking trails with a total length of about 10 km lead to its top (491 m), from where a majestic panorama of the bay and the surrounding areas opens up. And the mountain itself is the center National Park American Samoa(9.9 km 2). Until 1980, it was possible to climb to the top of the mountain by cable car, originating directly from the port area of the harbor, but on April 14 of that year, an American plane, performing demonstrations in honor of Flag Day celebrations, damaged the power cable and crashed into the wing of the Rainmaker Hotel - one from the symbols of the country (currently being intensively reconstructed). And 7 km east of Pago Pago, the lowland part of the park, overgrown with forest, begins - the Amalau Valley, which can be reached along the road passing through the village of Afono and ending at the picturesque islet of Pola (the island itself can be reached by boat from the village of Vatia).
South of the airport in Fogagogo there is a pleasant beach of the same name with a small resort of Maliu Mai. The coastal restaurant offers a beautiful panorama of the wild southern coast and many wave caverns. Almost at the very coastline lies the Vaitogi region, where a small tract of virgin tropical forest is protected, rising like a wall above the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the coast lies a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling. Another coastal road leads west to Vailoatai, also known as " Sliding Rock"The nearby village of Alega is famous for its beach, perhaps the most picturesque on Tutuila, although the almost constant surf makes this place more suitable for surfers than swimmers. The village offers good conditions for swimming and diving.
Historic whaling town Leone surrounded by several ancient archaeological sites, including stone quarries in the hills above the city (the stone cut here was used to make various cutting tools) and several burial sites of Polynesian tribes. And in the city itself, the traditional Polynesian meeting house ("phale") and the small but very picturesque city cathedral are noteworthy.
Fagatele Bay, located in the very southern point Tutuila is an underwater volcanic crater surrounded by steep cliffs and is currently designated as a National Marine Reserve. There are excellent places for snorkeling or scuba diving, almost 200 species of corals, the population of which is now recovering after a massive attack starfish"Crown of Thorns" in the late 1970s, which destroyed up to 90% of corals over a huge area. Tropical fish in these waters are also extremely diverse, and between August and November the bay is visited by herds of southern humpback whales, which spend their time here. winter holidays". In the eastern part south coast The village of Sailele with its magnificent beach and the safe lagoon near the village of Amouli with its pyramidal volcanic island off the coast and excellent conditions for sea recreation are noteworthy.
Samoan American Cuisine
The main components used in national cuisine The most American - coconut, taro, sweet potato, rice and millet, a variety of fruits, and of course a huge amount of seafood.
Meat here was traditionally considered a festive dish; only a small amount of pork and poultry was present in the daily diet.
Supoesi(Supoesi) - a dish traditionally eaten for breakfast - hot soup made from papaya and coconut cream. Some people like it, some don’t, but nevertheless, many become real fans of this soup.
Supasuy(Supasui) - a stew originally borrowed from Chinese cuisine, but modified and taken root in Samoa. Made from beef marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic and onion. All this wealth is simmered with noodles and eaten with soy sauce.
Fauci(Fausi) is a traditional dessert made from baked taro or, in extreme cases, pumpkin. Served with caramel and coconut cream sauce.
Among the drinks the most popular " wow" (green coconut juice), cocoa (very strong) and " kava"("ava"). This drink is non-alcoholic, but is considered alcoholic. A paradox? Not at all. The fact is that traditionally it is made from the root of kava (yangon). The drink is so saturated with flavonoids that it has an effect similar to tranquilizers, but externally very similar to intoxication, so you should use it very carefully.
Pago Pago 08:33 28°C
partly cloudy
Hotels
In American Samoa, the choice of hotels is limited. There are several resort hotels with its own beaches and large territory.
The most common type of “hotel” is an open veranda with a roof on pillars, where there is a bed, a mosquito net and basic furniture. All amenities on the streets. This accommodation option is a frequent choice of backpackers and ecotourism lovers. You need to be prepared for the fact that electricity is supplied on schedule due to frequent interruptions, so it is better to charge your mobile phone once again.
More expensive hotels have their own electric generators.
Attractions
Everything worth looking at was created by nature: there is no special architecture here; due to the favorable climate, everything is limited to modest rain shelters. But there is beautiful beaches, unique underwater world, unfamiliar flowers and plants, warmth and, of course, the endless ocean.
Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve - great place to see hundreds of species of exotic fish in one place. From June to September, the famous humpback whales can be seen in the waters of the bay. You can book an underwater excursion to see the described beauty of the underwater world with your own eyes.
Museums
The status of an “open-air museum” is deservedly achieved by the whaling city of Leone. Here, since ancient times, the islanders have been catching whales. Island architecture is mixed with colonial architecture, as if recreating the life of the century before last.
The Jane Haydon Museum can be described as a “local history museum”. It houses a modest but interesting collection of Samoan arts and crafts and household items.
Climate: Tropical maritime, southeast wind. Annual precipitation averages about 3 m. Rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October). Seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Resorts
Tutuila Island is the main and most populous island of the country. This is where the best hotels, beaches and entertainment for tourists are concentrated.
Best beaches: Maliu Mali, Sliding Rock, Thule.
Leisure
The ocean and the beach are the main places for leisure activities. A wonderful underwater world, underwater coral massifs - excellent conditions for diving or snorkeling. Surfing, fishing and hiking will be the main recreation and entertainment during your vacation.
Terrain: Five volcanic islands and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls.
Transport
The main feature of the local public transport - homemade buses , converted from trucks. Everything is very simple: the car body is cut down and a new, longer one is created from wood. There is nothing like this anywhere else in the world.
Standard of living
American Samoa- a territory of the United States not included in its states. There are even a few McDonald's restaurants, although they are not particularly popular among the islanders.
All infrastructure (down to road signs and mailboxes) is American.
The islanders are engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and work in government services. More than half of the population lives on food stamps, a kind of assistance from the United States. According to official statistics, more than 50% of the total population has an income below the US poverty level. This is not uncommon for Oceania countries.
Island society is divided into clans. There is no social security or pensions, the elderly and people who cannot work are the concern of the clan. Almost all the land of the islands is the property of clans, and not of any individual. That is why the development of any business here is impossible. If you wish to visit a local community, there are certain etiquette rules to follow, e.g. You can’t talk to an elder while standing, only while sitting.
Resources: Pumice.
Cities
The capital is Pago Pago, aka largest city on the islands. Only 4,500 people live here, so the status of the city and capital is conditional. City center - government agency, restaurants, picturesque embankment.
The main local pride is that the most delicious canned tuna in the world is made here.
Territory extending its jurisdiction over 7 eastern islands The Samoan archipelago stretches along latitude 14°S, longitude 170°W, in the South Pacific Ocean, southern Polynesia, east of Australia and northeast of New Zealand. Unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States.
The territory's borders are maritime: with the Independent State of Samoa in the west, the Kingdom of Tonga in the southwest, the territories of New Zealand - Tokelau in the north, the Cook Islands in the east, Niue in the south. Land area - 199 km². Population 61 thousand people. (2004).
The capital is Pago Pago (approx. 15 thousand inhabitants, 2001), located on the largest island - Tutuila, administratively divided into western and eastern (with the island of Aunuu) regions. The third area is the Manua group of islands (Tau, Olosega and Ofu islands). Particularly noteworthy are Rose Island (uninhabited) and Swains Island (privately owned). The official languages are English and Samoan. Official holidays are 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 of sovereignty over the territory and is also the guarantor of the local constitution. The US government maintains custody of American Samoa. Residents of American Samoa participate in the primaries of the Republican and Democratic parties, but do not participate in the election of the President of the United States. 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. American Samoa's nonvoting delegate is sent to the U.S. House of Representatives. Residents of American Samoa are considered Americans by nationality, but are not US citizens. Diplomatic relations are administered by the American 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 was 61 thousand people. The official languages are English and Samoan (one of the most archaic Polynesian languages). The majority of the population is bilingual. More than 50% of believers are Congregational Protestants, 30% are other Protestant denominations, and 20% are Catholics. Certain ritual practices of pagan origin are preserved. The islands have Catholic and Anglican church-administrative structures. The Council of Seventh-day Adventist Christian Churches operates.
The structure of reproduction typical for developing countries, with a significant migration influx: natural increase - 32.2 ‰ (birth rate - 37 ‰, mortality - 4.8 ‰), average annual migration increase - 19.3%, total increase - 22.5% (2000). About 85,000 Samoans live in the contiguous 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 proportion of working age (15-64 years old) - 58%, a very low proportion of old people (65 years old or more) - 3.3% (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). Population density 286 people per square meter. km. (2000). The most densely populated island is Tutuila, especially its southwestern lowland 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, concentrating about 1/3 of the EAN) and the service sector (where a significant number of civil servants are allocated - also about 1/3 of the EAN). In 1995, the following employment structure was observed: agriculture, fishing and forestry - 2.3%, industry and construction - 36.1%, service sector - 61.6%, including social services - 21.3%, government management - 17.2% (total public sector - 38.5%).
The GDP of American Samoa is $0.5 billion (PPP, 2000). The monetary unit is the US dollar. In the service sector there is a significant share of public administration and social services, tourism is slightly developed. Three banks and 3 non-bank financial institutions. The main industry is fishing (processing of tuna, supplied mainly by American, South Korean and Taiwanese fishermen, and its canning; in large companies usually connected). Crafts are developed. Pumice is mined on a small scale. Pineapples, bananas, coconut tree(raw materials for copra production), vegetables, papaya, breadfruit. More than 90% of land is in communal use. Cultivated land - 5%, under temporary crops - 10%. Highway - 150 km, 200 km - secondary roads. Sea connections with ports of 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 (export quota - 69.3%), 96% - canned tuna, imports - $505.9 million, 44% (2000) - raw fish products (tuna), oil and petroleum products, food, clothing, vehicles. Negative trade balance. Foreign trade is focused on the United States (80% of trade turnover, 56% of imports and almost all exports), other important trading partners (by import volume) are Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, South Korea, Japan, China.
Average GDP per capita is $8,000 (PPP, 2000). 56% of families have income below the official poverty level in the United States.
Education: 97% of adults are literate. Compulsory 12-year education. 59 preparatory, 32 primary and 9 secondary schools (1996). One college is American Samoa Community College.
In accordance with traditional Samoan culture, 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 an ormatai or matai - chief, responsible for maintaining the continuity of generations, mythological conceptualization, relevance of customary law, preservation traditions. The tourism industry exploits a number of ritual vocal and dance practices of the Samoans.
Newspapers: government daily “News bulletin” (on English, 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 (18 hours of broadcasting daily in English and Samoan, on two channels).
American Samoa is an unorganized territory in the South Pacific Ocean. It is not included in the . The capital of the state, Pago Pago, is located on large island Tutuila. The official languages are English and Samoan.
A visa to American Samoa is a prerequisite for visiting this state. The territory of the country has an uncertain status and is under the jurisdiction of the United States. You need to have a valid US visa and additionally permission from the authorities of American Samoa to enter their territory.
To visit Samoa for another purpose, you need to collect a package of documents to obtain a visa, which can be obtained upon entering the country, having in hand an invitation from a hotel located in American Samoa. If the applicant already has one, obtaining permission to enter Samoa will be much easier.
To obtain a visa (work, etc.), you must have the following documents with you:
- International passport.
- Reservations or round trip tickets.
- Hotel reservation or travel voucher. You must present an official invitation from your host from American Samoa.
- Any document confirming the financial solvency of the applicant.
- A photograph measuring 5x5 cm. The image requirements are standard.
- Obtaining a visa remotely is often problematic, as they write on some forums. The time difference between Russia and American Samoa is 12 hours. At night in Moscow you will need to call hotels and ask them for this invitation.
The official cost of a visa is $40. But for preparing and issuing an invitation, hotels often ask for an additional amount for their services.
The easiest way to apply for a visa is neighboring islands: Tokelau or Western Samoa. There all this is done within 2-3 days. You can also obtain permission from USCIS, the United States Citizenship and Migration Service. Eastern Samoa also has a representative office in the Hawaiian Islands in Pago Pago.
It was previously noted that recently American Samoa is increasingly denying Russian citizens entry into the country. It is worth saying that this message is not on the official website, and the Samoan authorities categorically deny this fact. However, more and more Russian citizens confirmed the information about the ban on entry to the islands. Now that visa processing has become easier, Samoan authorities hope that the flow of tourists to their beautiful country there will be more.
When traveling, it is worth considering the fact that the entire society of the islands is divided into clans. Because of this, business is not developing in the state. When communicating with local residents Certain rules of etiquette must be observed. So, when talking with an elder, you cannot stand - you are only allowed to sit. Therefore, to visit eastern Samoa It is advisable to carefully prepare and study local traditions.
Sights of Samoa
Samoa on the world map borders the kingdom of Tonga, New Zealand and. Despite the fact that the state is not part of the United States, the President of the United States has sovereignty here. Life on the Samoan islands dates back to the 10th century BC. e. At that time it was the center of Polynesian culture. Today Samoa is distributed on 7 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
American Samoa on the map
It’s worth noting right away that there are no special architectural structures on the islands. Everything worth visiting here was created by nature itself. Waterfalls, beautiful beaches, the underwater world attracts tourists from all over the world. The first place to start your trip is the capital, Pago Pago. Its population is about 4,500 people. Pago Pago Harbor is called one of the largest and most beautiful in the South Pacific. It seems to cut the island into 2 parts, on one of which the port of Samoa is located.
One more mandatory place to visit is the island of Aunuu. Only about 415 people live on the island village. Aunuu is loved by tourists for its crystal clean lakes And sandy beaches. There is also a volcano with a freshwater swamp, cliffs and cliffs with hiking trails and mango thickets. At low tide you can see reef walls that “emerge” from the water.
However, the National Park of American Samoa is rightfully considered the most picturesque place in the entire state. It combines tropical forests, coastal reefs, magnificent landscapes and even mountains. At its core, the National Park consists of 3 parks on 4 islands. Koh Tao Island is actually covered in wild tropical forests. The islands of Ofu and Olosega attract with coral reefs and sandy landscapes. And the island of Tutuila combines wildlife, virgin forests and picturesque shores.
