The islands of Tutuila and Aunu'u were annexed to the USA on
April 1900. In 1904 also the Manu'a archipelago was added.
In 1905 was instituited the territory of American Samoa with a governor. In 1925 Swains
island was also added to the territory. Later the territory became an important naval
base, the Samoans acquired the status of US nationals but without the possibility to vote
a own rappresentant in Washington.
Pago Pago, the
main town is situated in Tutuila island and 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, it's a strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean.
Population: 57,902 (July 2004
est.).
Ethnic groups: Samoan
(Polynesian) 89%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 4%, other 5%.
Religions: Christian
Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant and other 30%.
Languages: Samoan (closely
related to other Polynesian languages) and English, most people are bilingual.
Climate: tropical marine,
moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from
November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation.
Typhoons common from December to March.
Best period to visit: May to
October. |
