American Samoa is a tropical island paradise in the heart of Polynesia, which has succeeded in keeping the traditional values of old Samoa. It comprises seven islands, including Ta'u, Olosega and Ofu, known as the Manu'a group, which are volcanic in origin and dominated by high peaks. The islands’ volcanoes, inactive since 1911, have left an intriguing land formation, including lava tubes to explore. Most people live in villages along the narrow coastal plains, living off the sea and cultivating agriculture in the plains and nearby hills. Half the island chain is still covered with tropical forests and woodlands that are home to wildlife and birds.
US interest in Samoa was prompted by the late-19th century search for a deep-water port in the South Pacific. Control of the islands was eventually divided between the USA and Germany. As Washington had no established apparatus for colonial Government, the US Navy was put in charge. Despite the US presence, island life remained largely unaffected until the 1940s, when American Samoa acquired great strategic importance in the course of the Pacific war and was subject to a huge influx of US Marines.
After the war, the Americans started to encourage the island towards self-government. In 1956, the first indigenous Samoan Governor was appointed, followed a decade later by a new constitution that sought to guarantee the rights of the local inhabitants in matters of land ownership and civil rights. The first full election for the post of Governor was held in 1977.
Traditional Samoan society is based on a chieftain system of hereditary rank, and is known as the Samoan way or fa'a Samoa. Despite the inroads of modern, Western civilization, local cultural institutions are the strongest single influence in American Samoa. The fa'a Samoa way of life stems from the aiga, the extended family with a common allegiance to the matai, the family chief who regulates the family's activities. Religious institutions are very influential in the community and the village minister is accorded a privileged position, equal in status to a chief.
Today, Samoa is still a land where status is more important than material possessions and travelers can be assured that they will feel most welcome.
Geography
American Samoa lies in the Pacific Ocean approximately 3,700km (2,300 miles) southwest of Hawaii. It comprises seven islands: Tutuila, the largest with an area of 137 sq km (53 sq miles); Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u, known as the Manu’a group; and Aunu’u, Rose and Swain’s. The Manu’a group is volcanic in origin and dominated by high peaks. Rose and Swain’s Islands are uninhabited coral atolls, located to the east and north, respectively, of the other two island groups.