About American Samoa

History of American Samoa

Polynesians, possibly from Tonga, first settled in the Samoan islands about 1000 B.C. Samoa was explored by Dutch and French traders in the 18th century. Toward the end of the 19th century, conflicting interests of the U.S., Britain, and Germany resulted in an 1899 treaty that recognized the paramount interests of the U.S. in those islands west of 171°W (American Samoa) and Germany's interests in the other islands (Western Samoa). American Samoa was defined by a treaty in 1899 between the United States, Great Britain, and Germany, which gave the United States control of all Samoan islands east of 171°W. American Samoa was under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Dept. of the Navy until 1951, at which time administration was transferred to the Dept. of the Interior, which appointed the governor. In 1978 the first popularly elected Samoan governor was inaugurated. Tauese P. F. Sunia, first elected in 1996, died in 2003; Lieutenant Governor Togiola Tulafona succeeded him as acting governor, and was himself elected governor in 2004 and 2008.

Geography of American Samoa

American Samoa, located within the geographical region of Oceania, has a total land area is 76.8 square milesconsisting of five rugged, volcanic islands and two coral atolls. The five volcanic islands are: Tutuila, Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, and Tau. The coral atolls are: Swains, and Rose Atoll. Of the seven islands, Rose Atoll is an uninhabited Marine National Monument.The highest point of American Samoa is on Ta’u, Lata Mountain, at 966 m and the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean (0m). It has a coastline of 116 km.

Tourist Attraction in American Samoa

Tutuila is the largest and most populous island in American Samoa, home to 95 percent of the country’s population. Pago Pago is the biggest settlement on Tutuila. A hiking trail begins above the harbor and continues along the satellite islet of Aunu’u to a sandy beach on the opposite side of the island. The harbor is the focal point of the main city, which also features bustling markets and facilities for tourists. The sea cliffs of Ta’u also attract hikers. The Afono Pass between Maugaloa Ridge and Rainmaker Mountain is a famed scenic spot on Tutuila.

The outer islands of American Samoa, called the Manu’a Islands, are unspoiled and have a deserted island appeal. The three remote islands - Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u: are characterized by their extinct volcanic cones, dramatic cliffs and picture-perfect, beach-flanked lagoons For coral reefs and underwater adventure, American Samoa’s two coral atolls - Rose Island and Swains Island - are ideal destinations. Surfers will find many attractive spots, but one of the best-known is Ma’ama’a Cove on Aunu’u Island, which is also notable for the red quicksands at Pala Lake.

The National Park of American Samoa is home to over 800 native fish species and 200 corals, according to the National Park Service. Two marine sanctuaries, Fagatele Bay and Rose Atoll, are major draws for visitors. The still-flourishing 2,000-year-old culture of Samoa is the oldest in Polynesia, according to American Samoa Tourism. The population of the territory is over 90 percent Samoan, presenting the opportunity for visitors to experience many facets of the culture. There are over 600 important sites recorded by the American Samoa Historic Preservation Office, so history buffs will find no shortage of interesting spots. Take a tour of Government House, see the cultural and historic artifacts and regular exhibits at The Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo, or visit the US Naval Station Historic District in Fagatogo and Utulei.

Famous Hotels in American Samoa

Some of the most popular hotels of American Samoa are

Sadie’s by the Sea
Tradewinds Hotel
Sadie Thompson Inn
Turtle and Shark Lodge
Vaoto Lodge

American Samoa Cuisine

Samoan cuisine is fairly bland and varies little. Samoans eat two or three meals a day consisting of boiled taro or rice cooked with coconut milk, fresh fish, breadfruit, and usually some form of tinned or fresh meat. Fruit, although plentiful in the island, is seldom eaten during the mealtime. Raw Samoan cocoa—which for many visitors is an acquired taste—orange leaf tea, lemon grass tea, or coffee is usually served with meals. Some of the famous dishes of American Samoa are Lu'au or PalusamiLu'au, Taro root seasoned and baked, Oka I'a, Green Bananas cooked in an Umu and dipped in coconut cream, Fausi (dessert), Fresh papaya squeezed with lime, Taisi Moa, Faiai Fee, Lupe Tunuvilivili, Supasui

International and Domestic Airports in American Samoa

The important airports of American Samoa are:

Posted By : All Places Map Last Updated: August 08, 2015

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