American Samoa: Country Factfile

Overview Area
197 km 2

Population density
356.1 people/km 2

Currency
US dollar (US$ = 100 cents)

Location
American Samoa is a cluster of islands within the Samoan group, to the east of the state of Western Samoa. Apart from Tutuila, Tau, Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega and Rose, American Samoa includes the more northerly Swains Island, which is closer to Tokelau, a dependent territory of New Zealand. The climate is warm, with limited rainfall but occasional danger of cyclones. The capital is Pago Pago.

Head of state
Barack Obama (2009)

Head of government
Governor Togiola Tulafono (2003)

Ruling party
The parliament is run by non-partisans.

Political structure
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the US, whose executive authority rests in the Governor, elected by popular vote for a four-year term. The Legislature has two chambers. The House of Representatives has 21 members, elected for a twoyear term, 20 in single-seat constituencies and one by a public meeting on Swains Island. The Senate has 18 members, elected for a four-year term by and from the chiefs of the islands. One observer is sent to the US Congress in Washington.

Last elections
Elections to the Senate were last held in November 2006 when only non-partisans were elected. In gubernatorial elections held at the same time, Togiola Tulafono, an independent, was re-elected with 56.5% of the vote. Elections to the House of Representatives in November 2008 saw 20 seats go to non-partisans, with the remaining seat going to the non-voting delegate from Swains Island.

Political risk
With a modestly wealthy population and a stable political structure, American Samoa poses little risk to businesses and investors. However, the reorientation of US defence interests to focus on the war on terrorism and problems on the Korean peninsula raise doubts that Washington will continue to provide the islands with aid over the longer term. This could be problematic to a country highly dependent on the US. Rapid population growth poses additional economic problems.

International disputes
There are currently no international disputes.

Main industries
Tuna fishing and canning are the most important economic activities in American Samoa and constitute the main source of income. Fishing operations employ one-third of the workforce and account for more than 90% of all exports. Exports typically amount to US$350-400 million per year. One large cannery has been forced to close after damage from a tsunami and economic difficulties. The industry was in trouble before the tsunami because of a 2007 federal law mandating that the same minimum wage

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laws that apply to the continental states be enforced in the island. The law raises labour costs by more than 30%. There is some subsistence farming and light manufacturing. The main agricultural products are bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples and papayas; dairy farming is also important. More than 90% of the land is communally owned. With no natural mineral resources and limited scope for manufacturing exports, the country depends heavily on fishing and agriculture. The tourist sector has considerable potential but is underdeveloped. Foreign investors have recently built several new hotels and hope to attract more Japanese visitors. Travel alternatives to reach the islands are limited, however.

Economy
Real GDP growth in recent years has ranged between 1.0% and 5.0% per annum. Real GDP gains in 2009 were near the bottom of this range. Government activities make up around a third of all employment. Unemployment is thought to be in double digits and over half the population live below the poverty line. Labour force participation rates are very low. Per capita income is estimated to be around US$5,000. The islands are highly dependent on the US, which provides about one-third of the government's budget. Funds from Washington's fiscal stimulus will be used for road improvements. In 2009, several expansion projects by local businesses were put on hold owing to the recession. Credit available to the private sector has virtually disappeared. American Samoa receives certain tax advantages and some immunity from US import restrictions. Officials are trying to develop a more diversified economy but their efforts are constrained by the country's remote location, its limited transportation infrastructure and the constant threat of hurricanes. The system of land tenure also holds back development. Current laws prohibit the transfer of land (except freehold land) to any person who is less than one-half Samoan.

Energy
American Samoa has at least twice as much generating capacity as it actually needs. Apart from geothermal sources and natural resources such as timber, the country has ready access to oil supplies from the USA.

Statistical Summary
2004 Inflation (% change) Exchange rate (per US$) GDP (% real growth) GDP (national currency millions) GDP (US$ millions) Population, mid-year ('000) Birth rate (per '000) Death rate (per '000) No. of households ('000) Total exports (US$ millions) Total imports (US$ millions) Tourism receipts (US$ millions) Urban population ('000) Urban population (%) Population aged 0-14 (%) Population aged 15-64 (%) Population aged 65+ (%) Male population (%) Female population (%) Infant mortality (deaths per '000 live births) Adult literacy (%) 7.9 1.00 3.2 384.9 384.9 63.3 27.4 4.6 19.2 445.6 603.7 44.1 70.5 39.0 57.8 3.3 51.0 49.0 24.6 98.6 2005 3.1 1.00 1.0 435.4 435.4 64.8 26.9 4.4 20.0 373.8 520.0 45.7 71.4 39.0 57.7 3.3 51.0 49.0 23.9 98.6 2006 3.8 1.00 1.9 449.4 449.4 66.1 22.0 4.1 20.8 438.5 579.0 47.2 72.1 39.0 57.7 3.3 51.0 49.0 23.3 98.6 2007 6.0 1.00 5.3 544.2 544.2 67.5 21.5 4.1 21.5 450.0 650.0 48.6 72.8 39.1 57.7 3.3 51.0 49.0 22.6 98.7 2008 6.7 1.00 4.9 534.4 534.4 68.8 20.9 4.0 22.3 460.0 680.0 50.0 73.3 39.1 57.7 3.3 50.9 49.1 22.0 98.7 2009 5.3 1.00 1.0 569.4 569.4 70.1 20.2 4.0 23.0 530.0 600.0 51.3 73.8 39.1 57.6 3.2 50.9 49.1 21.4 98.8

Imports and Exports

Information not available

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