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WorldTeach American Samoa Country Information

American Samoa is an unincorporated U.S. territory and just one portion of the Samoan archipelago; it consists of 76.1 square miles of land (about the size of Rhode Island). It includes five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta’u) and two remote atolls (Rose, Swains). American Samoa is located 14 degrees south of the Equator, east of the International Date Line and Independent Samoa.

American Samoa is home to Pago Pago, one of the best deep water harbors in the South Pacific. The main islands are actually steep volcanic mountains that emerge from the sea floor with peak elevations of 3,710 ft on Ta’u Island (Lata Island) and 2,142 on Tutuila island (Matafao Peak). American Samoa has high levels of rainfall and a tropical climate. Its biodiversity is rich, especially in the surrounding reef environments. There is a long wet summer season (October – May) and a cooler and drier season (June – September), but the temperature generally remains in the 80’s throughout the year.

American Samoa boasts many natural wonders. At Pala lake on Aunu’u Island you will find gorgeous red quick sand. The lovely cascading ephemeral waterfalls at Amalau valley are an astonishing site. Some parts of the coastline include blow holes. It is an interesting experience to place coconuts in these openings and watch them rocket up towards the sky with the assistance of a nice big wave. Local tropical rainforests host wondrous creatures, such as the Samoan flying fox, a giant species of fruit bat and an integral component of the biosphere. There are numerous recreational activities to explore: the reefs abound with snorkeling opportunities, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and surfing.

The American government provides most of the operating budget of the territory. The other main economic activities are the local tuna cannery, and tourism.

Samoan is the vernacular language in American Samoa, but many people also speak English. Samoan is a rich language with several levels. There is a "high oratory" form that only matai, high talking chiefs understand, and lower levels ascribed to age or status.

Religion plays a central role in many peoples lives’ in American Samoa. Each village, regardless of size, has a minimum of three places of worship. Protestant, Catholic, LDS, and Bahai are the principle religious groups on the island. Sunday is a special day when people suspend all other activities in order to congregate for worship and To’ona’i, a large afternoon meal, with family.

Drinking kava remains an important part of community meetings in American Samoa. Kava, the root of a close relative of the pepper plants, grows abundantly throughout Polynesia. Pounded and mixed with water, the drink has a calming effect. It was traditionally used by high chiefs throughout the South Pacific. The drinking of kava is surrounded by important traditional protocol. Kava ceremonies often mark the beginning of important meetings or events such as births, marriages, deaths, welcoming guests, and village meetings.

Unique Challenges for American Samoa Volunteers

Community: While Samoan culture is built around the family and the community, volunteers sometimes find it difficult to penetrate the closely knit bond of the community.  People are very friendly, and will always greet you, but it is a much greater challenge to feel welcomed into a group and build deep relationships.  A great deal of initiative is required to break into the community life, and the volunteers who have had success say it largely came through their involvement with the church.

Transportation: Transportation can be very limiting on the island.  While the local buses are numerous and fantastic, they run limited hours, which makes transportation around the island in the evenings and on weekends a challenge.  Taxis are very expensive, especially on a volunteer budget.  Transportation to and from the outer islands can be unreliable, so preparing with adequate supplies is a challenge.  

Web Resources for American Samoa

• American Samoa Department of Education
• Government of American Samoa | Official Website
• The Samoa News | American Samoa's daily newspaper
• Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) | Great resources on American Samoa
• American Samoa Council on Culture, Arts and Humanities | Cultural resources including footage of American Samoan dancers performing at the 2004 Pacific Arts Festival in Palau.
• American Samoa Community College
• CDC | Health Information
• Secretariat of the Pacific Community | Socioeconomic statistics
• Samoan Sensation | links to more American Samoa-related websites