American Samoa
American Samoa is an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States situated in the South Pacific Ocean within the Polynesia subregion. Current estimates show a population of approximately 45,300 people with a GDP per capita of 19,301 USD.
Where is American Samoa?
American Samoa
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- American Samoa
- Coordinates
- -14.33°, -170.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 45.3K
- Area
- 199 km²
- Density per km²
- 228 / km²
- Growth rate
- -1.60%
- Annual growth
- -726.09 people
- Daily growth
- -1.99 people
- World population share
- 0.00%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for American Samoa
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Pago Pago
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 199 km²
- Languages
- English, Samoan
- Currency
- United States dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-11:00
- UN Member
- No
Economy
The economy of American Samoa is largely defined by a GDP per capita of 19,301 USD, which ranks 77 of 212 globally and 7 of 19 within Oceania. Recent data indicates an annual GDP growth rate of 1.7%, supported primarily by the tuna canning industry and substantial financial transfers from the US federal government. Employment is heavily concentrated in the public sector and tuna processing, which together account for the majority of the territorial workforce. The territory maintains a strong economic standing in its subregion, holding the rank of 2 of 5 for GDP per capita in Polynesia.
Society
Social metrics for the territory include a life expectancy at birth of 73.0 years, which ranks 124 of 215 globally. The literacy rate is high at 97.3%, placing American Samoa 54 of 170 among nations and territories with reported data. Approximately 80.9% of the population lives in urban areas, as the steep volcanic terrain of the islands concentrates development along the narrow coastal fringes. Historical data reflects an internet users rank of 209 of 212, though infrastructure has expanded significantly since those early measurements.
Climate & Environment
American Samoa features a tropical marine climate with little seasonal variation in temperature, typically ranging from 24 °C (75 °F) to 31 °C (88 °F). The islands receive heavy rainfall throughout the year, though the period between December and March is often wetter and coincides with the tropical cyclone season.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- unincorporated unorganized territory of the US
- Independence
- null (null)
Geography
- Highest Point
- Lata Mountain (966 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 116 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in American SamoaExplore weather and climate data for cities in American Samoa
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Pago Pago
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 27days (327 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 25days (471 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 28°C / 26°C | 33°C / 30°C | 22days (191 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 30°C | 24days (177 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 22days (220 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June best | 27°C / 26°C | 30°C / 28°C | 21days (187 mm) Wet | 10.3h Excellent | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July best | 27°C / 26°C | 29°C / 27°C | 20days (140 mm) Wet | 10.3h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August best | 27°C / 25°C | 29°C / 27°C | 16days (85 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 80% Humid | Good | View Details |
| September best | 27°C / 25°C | 30°C / 27°C | 19days (110 mm) Wet | 11.2h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 27°C / 26°C | 30°C / 27°C | 22days (210 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 27°C / 26°C | 32°C / 28°C | 25days (238 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 26days (286 mm) Wet | 11.1h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 28°C / 26°C . Feb: 28°C / 26°C . Mar: 28°C / 26°C . Apr: 28°C / 26°C . May: 28°C / 26°C . Jun: 27°C / 26°C . Jul: 27°C / 26°C . Aug: 27°C / 25°C . Sep: 27°C / 25°C . Oct: 27°C / 26°C . Nov: 27°C / 26°C . Dec: 28°C / 26°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 327 mm. Feb: 471 mm. Mar: 191 mm. Apr: 177 mm. May: 220 mm. Jun: 187 mm. Jul: 140 mm. Aug: 85 mm. Sep: 110 mm. Oct: 210 mm. Nov: 238 mm. Dec: 286 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of American Samoa is approximately 45.3K (2024).
The capital of American Samoa is Pago Pago.
American Samoa's GDP per capita is $19.3K (2022).
Life expectancy in American Samoa is 72.99 years (2024).
American Samoa covers 199 km² (77 sq mi).
American Samoa is densely populated, with 228 people per km² — above the global average of 60.
American Samoa's population is shrinking at 1.6% per year — one of the few countries seeing sustained decline.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, American Samoa falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $19.3K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
American Samoa's intentional homicide rate is 25.5 per 100,000 people, among the highest reported globally.
American Samoa has 2 official languages: English, Samoan.
American Samoa uses the United States dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
American Samoa is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit American Samoa are June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
According to current estimates, the population of American Samoa is approximately 45,300 people. Recent data shows an annual population growth rate of -1.6%, placing the territory 202 of 215 globally in total population size. This declining growth rate is largely attributed to outward migration to the United States mainland.
American Samoa has an estimated GDP per capita of 19,301 USD. In global rankings, the territory holds the position of 77 of 212 for GDP per capita, making it the 2 of 5 wealthiest nations or territories in the Polynesia subregion. Its economy is largely driven by US federal aid and tuna exports.
The official languages of American Samoa are English and Samoan. While English is the primary language for government business and education, approximately 88.7% of the population identifies as Pacific Islander, primarily of Samoan descent. This bilingual environment helps preserve the indigenous Fa'asamoa culture alongside modern administrative and economic systems.
American Samoa covers a total land area of 199 km² (77 sq mi). The territory consists of 5 rugged volcanic islands and 2 coral atolls. With a population density of approximately 226.4 people per km² (586.4 people per sq mi), the majority of residents live on the main island of Tutuila.
American Samoa maintains a high literacy rate of 97.3%, which ranks 54 of 170 globally according to the latest available data. The education system is modeled after the United States, ensuring high levels of school enrollment and attainment. This strong educational foundation is a key factor in the territory's economic performance.
All Indicators
Explore American Samoa's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
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Environment
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Geography
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