Samoan American. American (Eastern) Samoa: information about the country What about sockets

Mastered already by the 10th century. BC e. The Samoan Islands served as one of the centers of formation of Polynesian culture, from where the development of numerous islands and atolls of the central part began Pacific Ocean. The Manua Islands (Ofu, Olosega and Tau) are one of the legendary "original islands" of the Polynesians, which retained their importance and independence even during the expansion of the Tongans, who subjugated almost the entire region to their power. By the middle of the 17th century, these exotic islands turned into a large shopping mall, connecting the Polynesians who settled the entire region and European explorers actively penetrating the Great Ocean. Much of the early contact degenerated into bloody clashes between the newcomers and the islanders, and the Samoans earned a reputation as hostile and aggressive warriors.

Numerous disputes between European powers over the ownership of these strategically important islands were settled in accordance with the agreements of 1899, thanks to which Germany and the United States divided the Samoan archipelago between themselves. In 1900, the United States formally took possession of the smaller eastern part of this island group with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago. The last sovereign of Manu'a, Tui-Manu Elisala, was forced to sign a series of concessions to the American authorities, and the islands came completely under US control. During World War II, U.S. Marines outnumbered the local population while exerting enormous cultural and material influence on all aspects of local life, and young Samoans served in the U.S. Army and Navy. After the war, through the efforts of Samoan tribal leaders led by Tuiasosopo Mariota, some rights of autonomy were obtained (primarily this was expressed by replacing the governor appointed by the US Navy with a local leader elected by popular vote), and the islands received the status of a self-governing territory with its own Constitution, which came into force July 1, 1967

Tutuila Island

Tutuila (Maouna) - main island American Samoa and the third largest in the group (141.8 sq. km) - located in the very center of Samoa, approximately 70 km east of the island 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 mountain ranges running in all directions have fairly 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.

A vast area of plains in local terms, Tafuna is located on the southwestern coast of the island. This is the youngest formation of Tutuila in geological terms - its age is barely 20 thousand years, while the mountainous country that frames it from the north is two orders of magnitude older. Coastline Tutuila is heavily rugged and replete with cliffs, steep cliffs, forested islands, headlands and small bays. And around the entire coast stretches an extensive shallow sandbank with depths of up to 60 m (however, at a distance of about 300 m from the shore, the bottom begins to quickly drop, and 10 km from the island the depth already reaches 5 km), three times the area of the island itself.

Pago Pago

The town of Pago Pago (locally pronounced Pango-Pango) is one of the most picturesque 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 government offices themselves and most commercial institutions are concentrated in the village of Fagatogo, which is also part of this “loose conglomerate” of settlements.

The capital is a rather charming mix of run-down box houses and charming local-style buildings. At the same time, Pago Pago harbor is quite polluted, there is a lot of garbage everywhere and, perhaps, the “worst of all vices” of the capital - a complete mess. Although great efforts have been made lately to bring the capital back into shape, it will take several more generations before its reputation as "the worst hotel in the South Pacific" fades. Pago Pago, like a hundred years ago, remains small locality(about 4,500 inhabitants) with several banks, shops, restaurants, the excellent Haydon Museum (a wonderful collection of ancient Samoan arts and crafts) and a large number of various departments, including, among other things, the headquarters national parks country and a tourist office located next to the yacht club in Utulei, close to the governor's office.

And 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.

There are enough places around the capital that deserve special mention. Mount Alava lies north of the shoreline of Pago Pago harbor. Walking 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 (9.9 sq. km). 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).

Just a few hundred meters north of the hotel"Rhinemaker" is located traditional for Polynesian islands "mound of stars". These ancient cult sites are scattered in abundance throughout Samoa and many other islands in the region, and although they are superficially uninteresting (a star-shaped low mound of coral and volcanic rubble), their cultural significance is undeniable. Near the embankment rises Matafao Peak, the highest point in American Samoa (654 m) with beautiful waterfall Nuuili is not far from the foot.

South of the airport in Fogagogo The pleasant beach of the same name begins with the 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 (you can only walk here) there is a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling. Another coastal road leads west to Vailoatai, also known as "Sliding Rock". Nearby village Alega 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 swimming and diving conditions, as well as the area's famous Tisa's Barefoot Bar, which is a thriving nightclub from Thursday to Saturday and a quiet getaway the rest of the week.

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. the winter vacation". 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.

Further east, the coastal road passes within sight of a pretty island Aunuu, on which “the most Polynesian village of Samoa” is located - Aunuu, the unusual marshy Lake Pale and Lake Red Lake, which is the crater of an extinct volcano. Tiny and quiet, Aunuu is a fairly accessible alternative to the chaos of Pago Pago. And in the easternmost part of the island is a sleepy village Thule with a good sandy beach (it is given color by a snow-white strip of sand framed by an almost gray “frame” of volcanic rocks lying a little further into the sea) and the Meteorological Center on the Matatula Peninsula. The high cliffs and numerous hiking trails of Matatula are adjacent to turtle beaches and a wall of reefs that jut out of the water at low tide.

North coast relatively inaccessible - only three roads lead here, two of them are the end points of the western and eastern branches of the southern coastal highway, and only one goes from Pago Pago to Fagas Bay and the town of the same name in the very center of the northern coast. The main attractions of this region are the picturesque Vatia Bay with its village of the same name and a wall of volcanic peaks in the heart of the National Park, rocky Polar Island, Forbidden Bay (one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific) and the picturesque village of Aasu.

Manu'a Islands

The Manu'a group of islands includes the volcanic islands of Ofu (4.9 sq. km), Olosega (3.9 sq. km), Tau (39 sq. km) and the small islet of Nuutele (1.08 sq. km).

Twin Islands Ofu(in the west) and Olosega(in the east) were formed by two destroyed volcanoes, which explains their characteristic appearance. Steep slopes and cliffs up to 600 meters high form the southern and northern shores of these islands, which gently slope down to the narrow Asaga Strait that separates them from each other. The landscape of the islands has a clear slope to the west (Ofu) and east (Olosega), while the highest point of Ofu - Mount Tumu (494 m) lies within mountain range Leolo, and the most big mountain Olosegui - Puimafua (639 m) is located at the intersection of two ridges - Alei and Mataala, which is quite unusual for such small islands. Both islands are surrounded by a common reef and have a fairly complex coastal bottom, which makes them quite unusual place for diving.

These islands are sparsely populated - only a few hundred people live in each of their 5 villages. The only point of attraction on Ofu, apart from, of course, its amazing landscape, is National Park Ofu(part of American Samoa National Park), which includes a beautiful sandy beach over 5 km long and an adjacent coral reef, considered one of best places for snorkeling in the region (however, you will have to take all diving equipment with you). On Olosega, all the fun consists of walking through the island's unusual mountainous areas and swimming on its small and mostly isolated beaches.

Island Tau- the largest and westernmost of the Manu'a islands, lies in the very east of the Samoan archipelago, 10 km southeast of Ofu Olosega and 110 km east of Tutuila. It is the second largest island of American Samoa and the fourth largest in the Samoan archipelago.

Almost rectangular in plan, Tau stretches 10 km from east to west with a width of 6 km. Like other islands in the region, it is the result of volcanic activity - Tau is the northern slope of a colossal ancient volcano Lata, as evidenced by the arched southern coast of the island - the northern part of the ancient caldera. The surface of the island gradually rises from a relatively low south coast, forming a series of flat terraces known as Liu Bench, to a high northern escarpment reaching 966 meters at Lata Peak - the highest point in American Samoa, which lies at the eastern end of the Mataalaosagamai mountain range. Most of the island's coastline is one long cliff, tapering in places (usually in the southern part) to form small coastal plains. A narrow strip of coral reefs frames the eastern, western and northern shores of Tau.

Tau Island - formerly part of the historical island Manu'a Empire, which existed in these waters until the 17th century AD. Tau was the spiritual capital of Polynesia before Western colonization. The island has many traditional tourist sites, including the tomb of the last Tui Manua (the title of the supreme ruler of these islands), a sacred site Saua, considered the birthplace of the Polynesian civilization as such (local legends attribute to this area the very creation of people by the gods, a sort of Polynesian Eden) and stunning natural attractions - numerous cliffs, beautiful reefs and excellent beaches.

The main natural attraction of Tau is the area that occupies its entire south-eastern part (almost 50% of its territory). American Samoa National Park. Here you can see a relict rain forest, an excellent bird colony and incredibly beautiful coastal cliffs, rising more than 800 meters above sea level and inhabited by thousands of birds. Also interesting is the volcanic Judds Crater, attracting tourists with a six-hour walk. In the near future, the administration of the national park is planning a permanent trail to the crater, which will make the excursion easier, but will significantly reduce the number of adventures for which tourists flock to this unique place.

Swains Island

The private island of Swains lies 350 km northwest of Tutuila and 177 km south of Tokelau. The tiny (only 3.25 sq. km) ring of land surrounding the brackish lagoon belongs culturally and geographically to the Tokelau Islands, but its political status has not been fully determined. In the early 1990s, the Tokelauan government threatened to “declare war on the United States” for this piece of land and even launched a kind of “canoe invasion” (most tourists come here only to look at this “miracle”).

The atoll consists of a low-lying ring of coral surrounding a shallow and extremely saline central lagoon with no connection to the ocean. The outer perimeter of the atoll (approximately 13 km in circumference) consists of flat coral reefs, which are almost completely hidden under water at high tide, and the island itself is a narrow ring between the lagoon and the outer reefs. Almost all of the island's endemic vegetation has long been replaced by groves of coconut palms, and the only available way to spend time here is to relax on a narrow ring local beaches or snorkeling or scuba diving in the waters surrounding it (the lagoon itself is shallow and deserted).

Basic moments

The total area of American Samoa is almost 200 km². More than 65 thousand people live on the tropical islands, 89% of whom are Samoans, 4% are Tongans, 2% are Europeans and Americans, 5% are from other countries.

Although the Samoan archipelago was inhabited more than 3 thousand years ago, Europeans only “discovered” it in the 18th century. At the end of the 19th century, Samoa was divided into two parts, and the United States absorbed its eastern part. Thus, the territory of American Samoa includes the islands of Aunuu, Tau, Tutuila, Ofu and Olosega and two coral atolls - Rose and Swains Islands. The capital, Pago Pago, is located on the largest island in terms of area and population, Tutuila.

Weather

Travelers manage to fully enjoy tropical paradise From May to September, during this time there is the least rainfall, and clear weather prevails on the islands. In addition, the main holidays and festivals take place during the dry season. The most unfavorable time to visit American Samoa is from December to March, as strong tropical cyclones come here that can cause earthquakes and tsunamis. The air temperature throughout the year remains stable at +26 C.

Entry rules

Get to American Samoa you can do it in 2 ways: through New Zealand, or through the USA, which means you will need a transit or regular visa from one of these countries. The flight from Hawaii takes 5 hours, and from Samoa it takes only half an hour.

However, if you intend to stay in American Samoa for less than 30 days, you will not need a visa. To enter the country, you will need a valid passport and proof of no immigration intentions.

It is prohibited to import or export into American Samoa, without special permission, objects and things representing artistic and historical value, meat and non-canned meat products, as well as coral products, sea turtle shells, feathers and skins of tropical birds and animals.

There is a $3 tax when leaving American Samoa by air. As a rule, it is included in the ticket price.

Safety

Before visiting the country, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, cholera, typhus, Japanese encephalitis and polio are also recommended. It is recommended to carry protection against mosquitoes, as they are carriers of tropical fever. Overall, American Samoa is quite safe country if you follow basic precautions.

Attractions

The main attraction of the country is considered to be the National Park of American Samoa, located on the islands of Tau, Ofu and Tutuila. The area of the park is about 36 km2. Most of the National Park is home to tropical relict forests, which have already disappeared on other islands. The park is home to rare species of animals and birds, as well as picturesque coral reefs that are protected and closely monitored. In the center of the park is Mount Alava, 491 meters high. American Samoa National Park has a network of low-grade trails ideal for walking. They are located within the park itself, along Pago Pago Bay, as well as in the northwest of Tutuila Island. The island also has a good golf club and several tennis courts. In the capital, Pago Pago, you can visit the Haydon Museum to see Samoan arts and crafts.

Most high point American Samoa is the 650-meter Matafao Peak. At its foot flows the stunning Nuuili waterfall. American Samoa has other attractions that deserve the attention of tourists: the Nuuili Pala Lagoon, the amazing Marine Turtle Sanctuary, the unusual Vaoto Marine Park, Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve and the private island reserve of Swains. All these natural monuments are protected areas of national importance.

Fans of water sports should definitely visit American Samoa, because windsurfing and diving enthusiasts from all over the world come to the country! You can ride the waves at the famous Carter Beach and in Leone Bay and Alofai Bay. And the best sandy beaches where you can get a bronze tan are the beaches of the village of Alega, located on the island of Tutuila.

We recommend travelers to get acquainted with the underwater world of American Samoa. Here you can see more than 200 species of corals, 890 species of fish and several species of mammals. Fishing is also particularly popular. You can rent a fishing boat from a hotel or local travel agency, or go to the yacht club in the town of Utulei. Skipjack tuna, marlin, wahoo, skipjack and yellowtail tuna can be caught in local waters.

Events

Every July, American Samoa hosts Tourism Week. During this week, you can get acquainted with the country's achievements in the field of tourism, take part in sports competitions, numerous holidays and watch the traditional Miss American Samoa competition.

The national holiday of American Samoa is Flag Day, which is celebrated in the second half of April. The celebrations include a Samoan arts festival, canoe races, song and dance festivals, sports competitions and a fishing competition.

We are sure that every traveler will receive a lot of impressions and vivid emotions in a tropical paradise!

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.

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 obtaining a visa has become easier, Samoan authorities hope that the flow of tourists to their beautiful country will increase.

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, before visiting 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, undersea world- this 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.

American Samoa ( American Samoa) - dependent territory USA ( United States of America), occupying the eastern part of the Samoan archipelago ( Samoan Islands) in the South Pacific ( South Pacific). It has no land borders; its closest neighbors are the independent state of Samoa ( Samoa), Tonga ( Tonga), Tokelau ( Tokelau) and Niue ( Niue). Capital - Pago Pago ( Pago Pago).

The climate is tropical, maritime, trade wind. There is little temperature difference throughout the year, with two dry seasons: April–May and September–October. It rains most in December - April. The optimal time for a holiday on the islands is considered to be June–August.

The official languages are English and Samoan, the majority of the population speaks both. Protestantism dominates in the religious sphere; every fifth resident of the islands is Catholic.

American Samoa is of interest to tourists on vacation mainly as beach resort. You can spend time by the sea almost anywhere along the coast, but the most popular is “Two Dollar Beach” ( Two Dollar Beach), Ofu Beach ( Ofu Beach) and Maliu Mai Beach ( Maliu Mai Beach).

Excursion tourism allows you to only slightly diversify your pastime and can hardly become the main purpose of a trip to this country. Usually foreigners, tired of the beaches, take walks along national park American Samoa ( National Park of American Samoa), Fagatail Bay ( Fagatele Bay), Mount Alava ( Alava Mount), travel by boat to remote islands or isolated areas of coastline with wildlife.

Some travelers come to American Samoa to go surfing. Alofau Bay is popular ( Alofau Bay), Carter Beach ( Carter Beach) and Leon Bay ( Leone Bay). Many areas of the coastline are suitable for diving, especially the coral reefs near Koh Tao Island ( Ta'u).

How to get there

Airplane

Direct flights between American Samoa and European countries ( Europe) No. You can get there with several transfers: through the USA, Australia ( Australia) or New Zealand ( New Zealand) to independent Samoa, Fiji ( Fiji) or Tonga, and from there fly to American Samoa. Most often, tourists and their fellow travelers from Western Europe prefer to fly through the USA: first to one of the American airports east coast, then to Honolulu ( Honolulu) in the Hawaiian Islands ( Hawaii), and from there there are direct flights to Pago Pago. This route is far from the shortest, but it is the most reliable.

Visa

Tourists from Western European countries wishing to travel to American Samoa can stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa. Residents of Eastern European countries, including Greece ( Greece), as well as the CIS ( CIS) must apply for a visa through the American Samoa Immigration Service ( Immigration Service American Samoa). Theoretically, this can be done by contacting the department’s central office in Pago Pago by phone and sending scans of documents by email or fax. In practice, this method almost does not work, so it is recommended to apply for a visa at the country's representative office in neighboring independent Samoa or in the American state of Hawaii. Registration of a visa at a foreign mission takes about 3 working days.

There are no direct flights from the European continent to American Samoa, so transit visas may be required for those countries through which travelers plan to fly on vacation.

Customs

There are no restrictions on the movement of foreign or domestic currency through a country's customs, but amounts over US$10,000 must be declared. Gold and jewelry are also subject to declaration.

When you come to the islands on vacation, you can take with you duty-free:

small amounts of alcohol and tobacco;
perfumes within reason;
personal belongings and electrical equipment for your own use.

The following are prohibited from entering the country:

meat and other non-canned foods;
historical and artistic values.

It is prohibited to take from a trip to American Samoa:

historical and artistic values;
objects found at the bottom of the sea;
products made from corals, turtle shells, feathers and skins of local animals.

Kitchen

Samoan cuisine developed in conditions of a shortage of high-calorie plant and animal foods with an abundance of seafood, and therefore differs little from the culinary traditions of other peoples of Oceania ( Oceania).

For a long time, meat was a purely festive product due to its high cost. Samoans mainly eat pork and poultry. Tourists and their fellow travelers are recommended to try Puaa Tunuvililili(roast pork) Taisi Moa(chicken baked in banana leaves) and Moa Tunupau(charcoal grilled chicken).

Among the soups that you can order while traveling to American Samoa, these are worthy of attention: Suafa'i(banana soup) and Sua I'a(fish soup with coconut milk).

Foreigners should definitely try the restaurant Oka I'a(finely chopped raw fish, marinated and served in coconut sauce), Faiai Fee(a similar dish, but with octopus), Faiai Eleni(herring in coconut milk) and Vaisu(fish processed according to prescription Oka I'a and then fried).

Fruits and vegetables on the islands are usually minimally cooked and eaten raw or semi-raw as salads. While vacationing in American Samoa, vacationers are advised to taste Alaisa fa'apopo(rice porridge with coconut milk) and Fa'apapa(coconut bread).

For dessert, fruits are traditionally served, as well as sweet dishes based on coconut milk. Worth the attention of foreigners Fa'ausi(caramel dessert made from flour, sugar and coconut), Keke Fa'i(banana cakes) Panipopo(sweet coconut cakes), Pisua(tapioca in coconut caramel) and Poi(banana pudding).

Non-alcoholic drinks are presented Koko Samoa(a strong cocoa-based tonic drink), as well as all kinds of juices, for example, Vaimeleni(watermelon juice drink) and Vaifala(Pineapple juice).

The variety of alcoholic beverages on the islands is achieved mainly through imports. Vacation travelers should check out local beer Vailima, as well as a drink called 'Ava(not alcoholic, but produces a similar effect on the body).

Money

The official currency is the US dollar ( USD), equal to 100 cents. Banknotes from 1 to 100 dollars are used, as well as coins from 1 cent to 1 dollar.

American money can be purchased before the start of the trip, since it is one of the world's convertible currencies. In American Samoa, foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and at the airport.

Credit cards are accepted without any problems in the capital, but outside Pago Pago, especially on the outer islands, cash is preferred. There are not many ATMs. They are mainly located in bank branches.

Tourists and their fellow travelers can easily cash traveler's checks (of course, it is better to take them in American dollars) at any bank branch, in most hotels and shops, as well as at travel agencies.

What you need to know

Sights of American Samoa

There is not a single object from the list on the territory of American Samoa World Heritage UNESCO. However, while traveling around the country, vacationers can get acquainted with some attractions.

American Samoa National Park is located on three islands and is one of the main tourist sites in the country.
Oceanography Center ( National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa) in Pago Pago.
Ethnographical museum ( Jean P. Haydon Museum) on the island of Tutuila ( Tutuila) is a small museum where you can learn about Samoan culture and traditions.
Mount Matafao ( Matafao Peak), Rain Mountain ( Rainmaker Mountain) and Mount Alava - three picturesque volcanic peaks on the main island. These places are of great interest to lovers active rest and walking routes.
Aunuu Island ( Aunu'u) is a small volcanic island, famous for Maama Bay ( Ma'ama'a Cove) and Lake Pala ( Palalake).
Fogama Crater ( Fogama'a Crater) is one of the few evidence of the last eruption in Samoa.
Leala Beach ( Le'ala Shoreline) - a section of coastline in the western part of the main island with a very interesting geological structure.
Wayawa Strait ( Vai'ava Strait) is a narrow strait in the north of the main island, created by the surf in volcanic rock.
Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary ( Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary).
Leon Whalers Village ( Leone) with its Assembly House will be of interest to those who, on vacation, appreciate unusual architecture combined with picturesque views of nature.

Souvenirs of American Samoa

From a trip to American Samoa, tourists take home:

traditional clothing of the islanders;
all kinds of wooden souvenirs;
wicker bags, baskets and pandanus rugs;
products made from coconut shells.

American Samoa (American Samoa) - a state that consists of 7 islands of the Samoan archipelago - Aunuu, Tau, Tutuila, Ofu and Olosega (Manua Islands), Swains, Rose, located in the South Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and New Zealand. Actually American Samoa is governed by the United States, which enforces the constitution and protects the territory, but residents of the islands do not have American citizenship and cannot vote in US presidential elections.

American Samoa is a country of 7 islands

1. Capital

Capital of American Samoa- is city of Pago Pago, located on the island of Tutuila . Pago Pago is one of the most picturesque capitals in the world, which is included in the list of the deepest harbors in the South Pacific.

The main attraction of the capital is the spacious and superbly protected Pago Pago harbor. Today it is a rapidly developing industrial and residential center of the country, in which the headquarters of several banks are located.

2. Flag

Flag of American Samoa(USA) - adopted on April 24, 1960. On American Samoa flag depicts a white triangle starting on the right and extending to the middle flag. Background flag color- blue. The white triangle represents a bald eagle flying towards the pole flag. The eagle represents government relations with the United States. The eagle has in its talons the traditional symbols of power for Samoan leaders: a fly swatter and a war club. The fly swatter symbolizes the wisdom of the Samoan chiefs, and the club represents the power of the state.

American Samoa flag colors:

blue, white, red

3. Coat of arms

Coat of arms of American Samoa made in the form of a print. At the top of the seal is written the date Samoa was annexed by the United States of America: April 17, 1900. At the bottom of the coat of arms you can see the inscription: “Samoa Ia Muamua Le Atua”, which translated means “Samoa – First after God”.

Characters depicted on the coat of arms of American Samoa– this is a fue (fly swatter) symbol of wisdom; a staff, which is the personification of power and Tanoa (kava ball) is another Samoan symbol(orange drink).

4. Hymn

listen to the anthem of American Samoa

watch listen to the anthem of American Samoa

5. Currency

U.S. dollar is official currency of American Samoa. US dollar (USD, $), equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, coins - penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), half dollar (50 cents), as well as 2 and 1 dollar. The size of the coins does not depend on their denomination - the smallest American coin (10 cents) is significantly smaller in size than the one-cent coin.

Well US dollar to ruble or any other currency can be viewed on the currency converter:

Coins of American Samoa

American Samoa banknotes

Area of American Samoa: 199 km 2

American Samoa is part of the archipelago Samoa in the South Pacific, midway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The geography of American Samoa is extremely diverse. Samoa consists of five islands - Ofu, Olosega, Tau, known as the Manua group, Aunuu and Tutuila, as well as two atolls - Rose and Swains.

The main islands are volcanic in origin, with low coastal areas, distant reefs, and sandy beaches, where most of the villages are located. Deep into the islands the land rises sharply, forming high mountain ranges, with mountain peaks, reaching up to 900 meters in height. There is quite a lot of vegetation on the islands, and the mountain slopes are very wooded.

7. How get to American Samoa?

8. Things to see

Sights of American Samoa. The best landmark of American Samoa– this is, of course, amazingly beautiful nature, these places are also called “ little paradise on earth" The virgin nature makes you temporarily forget about the noise of cities and the hectic pace of life, and the beaches attract you with soft white sand.

American Samoa also known among fans of surfing and diving. Strong currents and winds make these places simply ideal for activities. aquatic species sports And also to sights we can safely include local fishing.

Here's a small one list of attractions, which you should pay attention to when planning excursions around American Samoa:

Samoa Archipelago
Swains Atholl
Pago Pago Harbor
Mount Lata
City of Pago Pago (capital)
Fagatele Bay
Historic whaling town of Leone
Judds Crater
Jane Haydon Museum
Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve
American Samoa National Park
Aunuu Island
Manu'a Islands
Tao Island
Tutuila Island

9. What’s the weather like here?

American Samoa has a tropical climate, hot. average temperature July +25 °C, February +27 °C. Maximum precipitation is 300-430 mm. The rainy season is from November to April. Quite frequent typhoons are observed in December-March. Due to the fact that the rivers here are short, many of them do not reach the sea coast and therefore there is a shortage of water. The best time The best time to visit the islands is the dry season between May and October, when the weather is mostly clear and warm and there is some rain for the most part in the evening or at night.

10. Population

American Samoa has a population of 56,900(as of February 2017). 89% of the inhabitants are Samoans (Polynesians), 2% are Europeans, 4% are Tongans, as well as people from other countries. The majority of the islanders (about 96%) live on Tutuila. People born on the islands are subjects but not citizens of the United States and do not vote in presidential or congressional elections.

11. Language

official languages American Samoa— Samoan(Polynesian subgroup) and English. Most islanders are bilingual.

12. Religion

Religion American Samoa. Main part population American Samoa- Christians (99.7%).

What should you wear?

What kind clothes you need to take it with you when you go to American Samoa? The sun on the islands is quite hot, so it is recommended to always wear sunglasses with special filters, hats (panama hats, hats, baseball caps, etc.) and light protective clothing, which should not be discarded when swimming, especially in the first days - thin a layer of water does not protect against ultraviolet radiation at all.

13. What about something to eat?

National cuisine American Samoa. Main ingredients of dishes Samoan cuisine are coconuts, colocasia, sweet potatoes, local vegetables and fruits, and various grains. The main component of local cooking is the coconut, which is used almost entirely and in all stages of maturity. The sheer variety of seafood has always been impressive - fish, sea snakes, lots of shellfish, sea cucumbers and even shark meat. The traditional method of preparation is to marinate finely chopped fish in a mixture of lemon juice, coconut milk and onions. After this, it is consumed either raw or grilled. The rest of the seafood is prepared using the same analogy.

Common drinks include coconut milk, strong cocoa and the “insidious drink” kava. For dessert, Samoans eat fresh fruit, all kinds of pastries, and the traditional sweet “fausi” made from baked pumpkin and coconut milk, served with caramel sauce.

14. Note to shopaholics

Visit stores in American Samoa an extremely entertaining event. The main place for shopping is the main island - Tatuila, where there are a lot of shops and markets that will surprise you with an abundance of souvenirs, crafts, flowers and fruits.

15. Rules of exemplary behavior

Peculiarities of behavior in American Samoa. When evening prayers are held on the island between 18.00 and 19.00, refrain from walking on the streets at this time. Samoans attend church on Sunday, so try not to make noise or celebrate something loudly. When entering a community house, be sure to take off your shoes.

16. Holidays:

National holidays of American Samoa

January 1 - New Year
Third Monday of January - Martin Luther King Day
January 20 - Inauguration Day
Third Monday of February - President's Day
April 17 - Flag Day
Last Monday in May - Remembrance Day
July 4 - Independence Day
First Monday of September - Labor Day
Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
November 11 - Veterans Day
Fourth Thursday of November - Thanksgiving Day
December 25 - Christmas

17. Flora and Fauna

The flora of the islands is quite diverse. Here you can find the following types of plants: orchids, vines, ferns, coconut palms and other plants that are exotic to us.

You will be pleasantly surprised that the islands are almost completely free of insects, so no one will bother you with their buzzing. In some places you can still find rats and bats. The country has a fairly large variety of birds, there are about 53 species, of which 16 are very rare, for example, the scalloped pigeon and some species of parrots. There are turtles, snakes, scorpions and spiders. Local waters are rich in fish, crabs, octopus, tuna and much more. Be careful, watch out for sharks.

18. Medicine

Medical service in the territory American Samoa quite high quality and relatively inexpensive. There are not many clinics, but in them you can get simple diagnostics and treatment and only pay for medications at low prices. Traditional medicine methods are extremely widely used. It is recommended to take out international health insurance.

19. "Danger to life"

Dangers that may be waiting for you in American Samoa:

high level of solar radiation. Recommendations: Wear sunglasses, hats and light protective clothing at all times.
tidal currents and ocean surf
coral masses, which can leave painful, long-healing wounds
sharks and sea urchins
falling coconuts

20. Souvenirs

Here is a small list of the most common ones souvenirs which tourists usually bring fromAmerican Samoa:

wooden weapon
handmade canoes
local craftsman clothing
pandan fiber rugs and baskets
all kinds of decorations made from coconut shells

21. "Neither nail or rod" or customs rules

Customs regulations American Samoa. Export and import of currency is not limited. You can import any amounts in cash and payment cards. Only amounts over $10 thousand are subject to declaration. Gold and jewelry are subject to mandatory declaration.
Duty-free import is allowed up to 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes, or 454 grams of tobacco, up to 4.5 liters or five bottles (1 US gallon) of spirits (for persons over the age of 21), plus a small amount of perfumes and perfumes.
Without special permission it is prohibited to export and import:

objects found at the bottom of the sea;
non-canned meat products;
objects and things that are of historical and artistic value;
products made from sea turtle shell, coral, feathers and skins of tropical animals and birds.

It is prohibited to transport: weapons, drugs, drug-containing drugs and toxic chemicals.

What about sockets?

American Samoa Electrical Grid Voltage: 100-127 V at frequency 60 Hz. Socket Type: Type A, Type B, Type F and Type I.

22. Telephone American Samoa code

Code of the country: +1 684
Geographic first level domain name: .as

Dear reader! If you have been to this country or have something interesting to tell about American Samoa . WRITE! After all, your lines can be useful and educational for visitors to our site "Across the planet step by step" and for all travel lovers.

THE BELL