American Samoa is a US territory in the South Pacific, comprising five volcanic islands and two coral atolls. It is the only US territory south of the equator and home to the National Park of American Samoa.
Geography & climate
American Samoa lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately -14.3°N, 170.7°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 199 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in American Samoa all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of American Samoa is Pago Pago, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Tafuna, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 45K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Status & relationship to the United States
American Samoa is a United States territory rather than a state. Residents are US nationals (and in most cases US citizens), but representation in Congress is non-voting and many federal programmes apply differently. Local government, courts and schools operate under territorial law in coordination with federal agencies.
Symbols & emblems
American Samoa is nicknamed “American Samoa”, with the state motto Samoa, Muamua Le Atua (Samoa, God Is First). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of American Samoa is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in American Samoa.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, American Samoa offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across American Samoa can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | AS | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Pago Pago | — |
| Largest city | Tafuna | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | 45K | people |
| Area | 199 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | American Samoa | — |
| Motto | Samoa, Muamua Le Atua (Samoa, God Is First) | — |
| Latitude | -14.3 | degrees |
| Longitude | -170.7 | degrees |
Did you know?
American Samoa is the only US territory south of the equator — its inhabitants are US nationals but not US citizens by birth.
