American Samoa. American (Eastern) Samoa: information about the country. “Neither nail nor rod” or customs rules

American (Eastern) Samoa.

American Samoa is an unincorporated US territory in the southern part Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and Hawaiian Islands. Consists of 7 eastern islands Samoan archipelago - Aunuu, Tau, Tutuila, Ofu and Olosega (Manua Islands), Swains, Rose. The closest neighboring countries are: in the west - Samoa, in the east - the Cook Islands ( New Zealand), in the north - the islands of Tokelau (New Zealand), in the southwest - Tonga (Tafahi Island), in the south - the island of Niue (New Zealand). The land area is 199 km². Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, located on one of the largest islands - Tutuila, which is administratively divided into eastern and western regions. The third area is the Manua group of islands (Olosega, Tau and Ofu islands).

One of the main attractions of the country is National Park American Samoa, created by a special resolution of the US Congress (1988). This park is located on three islands (Tau, Ofu and Tutuila). Of 36.5 sq. km of the total park area is approximately 27 sq. km are made up of relict tropical forests, which have almost disappeared on other islands in the region. Also under protection are the territories of the Swains Island Nature Reserve (158 sq. km, mostly marine waters), Territorial marine park Vaoto (Ofu Island, 0.5 sq. km), Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve (0.7 sq. km), Marine Turtle Sanctuary (entire area around the islands up to 5 km from the shore), Leone Wetlands , Nuuili Pala lagoon and about 10 sq. km of other areas of the sea.

At the same time, access to the territory of all protected areas of American Samoa is limited only to the basic obtaining of a license and sound adherence to environmental standards of behavior for tourists. Visitor Center National Park located at Pago Plaza in Pago Pago and is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The city of Pago Pago is one of the most picturesque capitals in the world and one of the deepest harbors in the South Pacific. The town has an excellent Haydon Museum (a wonderful collection of ancient decorative arts). And the main attraction of the capital is the vast and remarkably protected harbor of Pago Pago, glorified by Somerset Maugham and the events of the Second World War.

South of the airport in Fogagogo there is a pretty beach of the same name with the small resort of Maliu Mai. The coastal restaurant offers a beautiful panorama of the wild southern coast and many wave caverns. Almost at the very coastline lies the Vaitogi region, where a small tract of virgin tropical forest is protected, rising like a wall above the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the coast (you can only walk here) there is a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling. Another coastal road leads west to Vailoatai, also known as "Sliding Rock". The islands (Swains and Roses) are in turn divided into 66 village communities.

Square: 199 km 2

Currency: Dollar (USD)

Population: 57881 people

Domain: .as

Visa regime: A visa is not required to enter American Samoa directly for a stay of up to 30 days. To obtain a visa, you need a valid passport and proof of no immigration intentions. You can only get to American Samoa through New Zealand or the United States, so you will need a transit or regular visa from one of these countries.
There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign or local currency. The import of cash, payment cards and traveler's checks is not limited. Only amounts exceeding $10 thousand need to be declared. When importing gold and jewelry, a declaration is required.
Duty-free import is allowed up to 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes, or 454 grams of tobacco, up to 4.5 liters or five bottles (1 US gallon) of spirits (for persons over 21 years of age), as well as a reasonable amount of perfumes and perfumes. Personal items are not subject to duty.
It is prohibited to import drugs and drug-containing medicines, weapons and pesticides. It is prohibited to import and export without special permission objects and things of artistic and historical value, meat and non-canned meat products, as well as coral products, sea turtle shells, feathers and skins of tropical birds and animals.
When departing American Samoa by air, a $3 tax is charged (usually included in the ticket price).

The official name is Territory of American Samoa. Located in central Oceania. Area 199 km2, population of St. 70 thousand people (2003). The official language is English. Administrative center- Pago Pago city (4.3 thousand people, 2000). Public Holiday- Flag Day April 17 (since 1900). The monetary unit is the US dollar. Member of the Pacific Community (formerly UTK, since 1983).

American (Eastern) Samoa is located on 5 islands in the eastern part of the Samoan archipelago (the largest is Tutuila, 135 km2), separately standing island Rose and Swains Island from the Tokelau group of islands. Geographical coordinates: 14°20 south latitude and 170°00 west longitude.

The islands of the eastern part of the Samoan archipelago are volcanic with narrow plains along coastline. Its length is 116 km. The highest point is Mount Lata (966 m) on the island of Tau. Pago Pago has one of the best natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean. Fresh water sources are limited. Up to 70% of the territory is occupied by forests and shrubs. Animal world represented by rats and bats. The forests are home to pigeons, parrots and other birds. Turtles and crabs live in coastal waters. In the sea there are sharks, dolphins, different kinds fish (tuna, mackerel, swordfish, etc.).

Natural resources: tuna reserves within a 200-mile economic zone and minor deposits of pumice.

Sights of American (Eastern) Samoa

The population growth rate is 2.2% per year. 90% are Samoans, another 4% are from Tonga, 2% are Europeans. The social structure is traditionally Polynesian (consisting of large families); St. 90% of land is communally owned. The majority of the population is bilingual: Samoan is used in everyday life, and English is used on official occasions. 97% of the adult population is literate. Life expectancy for men is 71 years, for women - 80 years. Infant mortality 9.8 people. per 1000 newborns, one of the best indicators for developing countries.

Christianity dominates: approx. 50% of the population are Congregationalists, another 20-25% are adherents of other Protestant religions, and more than 20% are Catholics.

The first European to land on the island of Tutuile in 1787 was J. La Perouse. Since 1899, Eastern Samoa became the possession of the United States, and in 1900 it was formally occupied by them. In 1922 it received the status of an “unincorporated territory” of the United States. In 1948, the local Fono parliament (council of matai - chiefs) was formed, but without real legislative powers. They appeared after the adoption of the territory's Constitution in 1966.

American (Eastern) Samoa is an "unincorporated and unorganized" territory of the United States. Elects a delegate to the US House of Representatives (without voting rights). It is under the responsibility of the US Department of the Interior.

The head of state is the President of the United States. Executive power is exercised by the governor (T. Sunia) and the vice-governor (T. Tulafono). Since 1977, they (previously appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior) have been elected by direct universal suffrage for a 4-year term simultaneously with the election of the US President. Since April 2003, after the death of T. Sunia, the duties of governor have been performed by T. Tulafono. The governor appoints the government. Has the right to veto decisions of the Fono (legislative body), consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives: by popular vote, 18 senators are chosen from local chiefs (matai) for 4 years, and the House of Representatives - 20 deputies for 2 years, the member of the house from Swains Island is appointed without the right to vote.

Political parties: Democratic and Republican.

Defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of Washington.

American (Eastern) Samoa does not have diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.

GDP per capita is 8 thousand US dollars, very high for Oceania. The leading sectors of the economy are fish processing (tuna, supplied by foreign ships) and copra production. Fish processing employs 34% of the economically active population, 33% each in the public sector and in small private enterprises. Unemployment 6% (2000).

Canned meat is produced, crafts are developed, and pumice is mined on a small scale.

There are coconut palm plantations, the population grows taro, yams, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, pineapples, tropical fruits and vegetables. Cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and poultry are raised.

The length of roads is 350 km (150 km with hard surface). Basic sea ​​port- in Pago Pago. In addition to Tafuna International Airport (Pago Pago), there are 3 airports (two with paved runways) and 2 runways.

The development of tourism is hampered by the geographical remoteness of the territory.

The budget is more than 60% formed from grants provided by the United States.

Canned tuna accounts for up to 98% of exports. Exports almost entirely go to the USA. 60% of imports are materials for canning; food, fuel, and equipment are also imported. Import partners: USA, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji.

American (Eastern) Samoa has universal school education. Secondary specialized education can be obtained at a single college, and higher education can be obtained in Hawaii or on the mainland of the United States.

The Samoans have a unique culture of songs, dances, and clothing styles. Attention is paid to nature conservation: the National Marine Sanctuary and the National Park of American (Eastern) Samoa were created.

is a group of seven islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country has a population of about 58 thousand people, and total area The islands are 200 square kilometers. The official languages ​​are English and Samoan. One of the atolls of American Samoa, which is called Rose, is the most southern part USA. In fact, American Samoa is a territory of US jurisdiction, but Samoan citizens are not American citizens and do not have the right to vote in US presidential elections. American Samoa has the status of an unorganized and unincorporated territory of the United States. The President of the United States is the guarantor of the local constitution and has the right of sovereignty over the territory. In addition, American Samoa is administered by the United States Department of the Interior's Division of Insular Affairs. The protection of the islands is carried out directly by the US Armed Forces. American Samoa is governed by an elected governor.

American Samoa is best visited between May and September. It is at this time that the weather is clear and there is minimal precipitation. From December to March, powerful tropical cyclones often hit American Samoa, causing earthquakes and tsunamis. average temperature The air temperature stays at +26 C throughout the year.

The largest island in American Samoa is Tutuila, where 96% of the country's total population lives and the capital Pago Pago is located. This island is home to the American Samoa National Park, which is the main attraction of the country. It was opened in 1988 by a special resolution of the US Congress. The park is located on the islands of Tau, Ofu and Tutuila, and its total area is about 36 square kilometers. Most of the park is occupied by tropical relict forests, which have already disappeared on other islands. The park is home to several species of animals and birds, and there are also several coral reefs that require protection and close monitoring. In the center of the park is Mount Alava, whose height is 491 meters. However, the most high point American Samoa is Matafao Peak, whose height exceeds 650 meters. At its foot flows the amazingly beautiful Nuuili waterfall. American Samoa has other areas worth visiting, such as the picturesque Nuuili Pala Lagoon, the amazing Marine Turtle Sanctuary, the extraordinary Vaoto Marine Park, Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the private Swains Island Sanctuary. All these natural monuments are protected areas of national importance. American Samoa has very developed aquatic species sports Fans of windsurfing and diving from all over the world come to the country. You can ride the waves at famous beach Carter Beach and in Leone Bay and Alofai. And the best sandy beaches where you can sunbathe are the beaches in the village of Alega, which is located on the island of Tutuila. Undersea world American Samoa is very rich. Diving enthusiasts will be able to see more than 200 species of corals, about 890 species of fish and several species of mammals. Before diving, you must undergo detailed instructions, since the local waters are inhabited by sharks and poisonous fish, and you can get very seriously injured on the huge tracts of coral reefs. Fishing is also a popular activity for tourists. You can rent a fishing boat at your hotel or local travel agency. There is also a yacht club in the town of Utulei. Skipjack, marlin, wahoo, skipjack and yellowtail tuna can be caught in local waters. For lovers hiking You'll enjoy the network of low-difficulty trails developed by American Samoa National Park. They are located within the park itself, along Pago Pago Bay, as well as in the northwest of Tutuila Island. Tutuila also has a good golf club. For tennis lovers, several courts are open in hotels on the island. The capital, Pago Pago, is home to the Haydon Museum, which houses Samoan arts and crafts.

Every year in July, the country's authorities organize a tourism week. During the week, you can get acquainted with the achievements of the country's tourism industry, take part in sports competitions, numerous celebrations and watch the traditional Miss American Samoa competition. The national holiday of American Samoa is Flag Day, which is celebrated in the second half of April. The celebrations include a Samoan arts festival, canoe races, song and dance festivals, sports competitions and a fishing competition.

Before traveling to American Samoa, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, cholera, typhus, Japanese encephalitis and polio are also recommended. Every tourist should have protection against mosquitoes, as they are carriers of tropical fever. In general, the country is quite safe if you take basic precautions. Have a good holiday and great impressions!

Samoa American is an unincorporated unorganized territory and not included in the United States in the South Pacific.

Territorial maritime boundaries: With An independent state Samoa in the west, the kingdom of Tonga in the southwest, the territories of New Zealand - Tokelau in the north, Cook Islands in the east, Niue in the south.

The climate is tropical, hot; softened by breezes and southeast trade winds. The average temperature in July is +25°C, in February +27°C. Maximum precipitation is 300-430 mm. The rainy season is from November to April. Typhoons are frequent in December-March. The rivers are short, many do not reach sea ​​coast, there is a shortage of water.

Story

The islands were inhabited around 1000 BC, it is assumed that this occurred during the process of migration from South-East Asia. The next influx of settlers displaced the previous inhabitants, who settled on the islands east of Samoa.

The first Europeans appeared here in the 18th century. The Samoan archipelago was discovered in 1722 by the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen. In 1878, the United States received the rights to create naval base to Pago Pago and trade.

In 1889-1899 The islands were jointly administered by the United States, Germany and Great Britain. In 1900, the islands of Tutuila and Aunuu were ceded to the United States, and in 1904 the Manua group also ceded to the United States. In 1922, the island received the status of an unincorporated US territory. In 1960, a constitution was adopted giving the islands internal self-government.

Sights of Samoa American

Tutuila(Maouna) - main island American Samoa and the third largest in the group (141.8 km 2) - located in the very center of Samoa, approximately 70 km east of the island of Upolu (Independent Samoa) and 110 km west of the Manua group. Stretching from southwest to northeast for almost 31 km, it is formed by the slopes and ridges of a whole group of ancient volcanoes, the highest of which is considered to be the long-extinct Matafao (654 m), the most beautiful is Pioa (Rhinemaker, 523 m), and the most ancient - Alava (491 m, it is its destroyed caldera that forms the vast Pago Pago Bay). Low running in all directions mountain ranges have quite steep slopes, which are abundantly overgrown with tropical vegetation, abound in gorges and form many bays and bays along the entire perimeter of the island.

Town Pago Pago (local residents Pronounced Pango-Pango) is one of the most picturesque capitals in the world and one of the best natural deep-water harbors in the South Pacific. Pago Pago is actually the collective name of several villages stretching along the shore of the harbor of the same name, so it is customary to use this word to refer to the bay itself, the capital, and this entire area.

The main attraction of the capital remains the vast and superbly protected Pago Pago harbor, made famous by Somerset Maugham and the events of World War II. Jutting far into the southern coast and almost cutting the island in two, this collapsed volcanic caldera is one of the largest natural harbors in the South Pacific and the best anchorage in the region.

Mount Alava lies north of the shoreline of Pago Pago harbor. Hiking trails with a total length of about 10 km lead to its top (491 m), from where a majestic panorama of the bay and the surrounding areas opens up. And the mountain itself is the center American Samoa National Park(9.9 km 2). Until 1980, it was possible to climb to the top of the mountain by cable car, originating directly from the port area of ​​the harbor, but on April 14 of that year, an American plane, performing demonstrations in honor of Flag Day celebrations, damaged the power cable and crashed into the wing of the Rainmaker Hotel - one from the symbols of the country (currently being intensively reconstructed). And 7 km east of Pago Pago, the lowland part of the park, overgrown with forest, begins - the Amalau Valley, which can be reached along the road passing through the village of Afono and ending at the picturesque islet of Pola (the island itself can be reached by boat from the village of Vatia).

South of the airport in Fogagogo there is a pleasant beach of the same name with a small resort of Maliu Mai. The coastal restaurant offers a beautiful panorama of the wild southern coast and many wave caverns. Almost at the very coastline lies the Vaitogi region, where a small tract of virgin tropical forest is protected, rising like a wall above the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the coast lies a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling. Another coastal road leads west to Vailoatai, also known as " Sliding Rock"The nearby village of Alega is famous for its beach, perhaps the most picturesque on Tutuila, although the almost constant surf makes this place more suitable for surfers than swimmers. The village offers good conditions for swimming and diving.

Historic whaling town Leone surrounded by several ancient archaeological sites, including stone quarries in the hills above the city (the stone cut here was used to make various cutting tools) and several burial sites of Polynesian tribes. And in the city itself, the traditional Polynesian meeting house ("phale") and the small but very picturesque city cathedral are noteworthy.

Fagatele Bay, located at the southernmost point of Tutuila, is an underwater volcanic crater surrounded by steep cliffs and is currently designated as a National Marine Reserve. Here wonderful places for snorkeling or scuba diving, there are almost 200 species of coral, the population of which is now recovering from the massive attack of the crown of thorns starfish in the late 1970s, which destroyed up to 90% of the corals over a huge area. Tropical fish in these waters are also extremely diverse, and between August and November the bay is visited by herds of southern humpback whales, which spend their time here. the winter vacation". In the eastern part south coast The village of Sailele with its magnificent beach and the safe lagoon near the village of Amouli with its pyramidal volcanic island off the coast and excellent conditions for sea recreation are noteworthy.

Samoan American Cuisine

The main components used in national cuisine The most American - coconut, taro, sweet potato, rice and millet, a variety of fruits, and of course a huge amount of seafood.

Meat here was traditionally considered a festive dish; only a small amount of pork and poultry was present in the daily diet.

Supoesi(Supoesi) - a dish traditionally eaten for breakfast - hot soup made from papaya and coconut cream. Some people like it, some don’t, but nevertheless, many become real fans of this soup.

Supasuy(Supasui) - a stew originally borrowed from Chinese cuisine, but modified and taken root in Samoa. Made from beef marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic and onion. All this wealth is simmered with noodles and eaten with soy sauce.

Fauci(Fausi) is a traditional dessert made from baked taro or, in extreme cases, pumpkin. Served with caramel and coconut cream sauce.

Among the drinks the most popular " Well" (green coconut juice), cocoa (very strong) and " kava"("ava"). This drink is non-alcoholic, but is considered alcoholic. A paradox? Not at all. The fact is that traditionally it is made from the root of kava (yangon). The drink is so saturated with flavonoids that it has an effect similar to tranquilizers, but externally very similar to intoxication, so you should use it very carefully.

A territory extending its jurisdiction over the 7 eastern islands of the Samoan archipelago, stretching along latitude 14°S, longitude 170°W, in the South Pacific Ocean, southern Polynesia, east of Australia and northeast of New Zealand. Unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States.

The territory's borders are maritime: with the Independent State of Samoa in the west, the Kingdom of Tonga in the southwest, the territories of New Zealand - Tokelau in the north, the Cook Islands in the east, Niue in the south. Land area - 199 km². Population 61 thousand people. (2004).

The capital is Pago Pago (approx. 15 thousand inhabitants, 2001), located on the largest island - Tutuila, administratively divided into western and eastern (with the island of Aunuu) regions. The third area is the Manua group of islands (Tau, Olosega and Ofu islands). Particularly noteworthy are Rose Island (uninhabited) and Swains Island (privately owned). official languages- English and Samoan. Official holidays are April 17, Flag Day (the first raising of the US flag on the islands) and traditional holidays USA. The monetary unit is the US dollar.

American Samoa is an unorganized and unincorporated territory administered by the Department of Insular Affairs. The President of the United States has the right of sovereignty over the territory and is also the guarantor of the local constitution. The US government maintains custody of American Samoa. Residents of American Samoa participate in the primaries of the Republican and Democratic parties, but do not participate in the election of the President of the United States. Executive power on the islands is exercised by a governor elected for 4 years (since 2003 Togiola T. A. Tulafono), legislative power is exercised by a bicameral legislature (Fono). In the upper house there are 18 people elected from among the chiefs (matai) of the clans, in the lower house there are 20 elected deputies and one representative of Swains Island without the right to vote. American Samoa's nonvoting delegate is sent to the U.S. House of Representatives. Residents of American Samoa are considered Americans by nationality, but are not US citizens. Diplomatic relations are administered by the American government.

Ethnic composition: Samoans (Polynesian group) - 89%, Tongans - 4%, Europeans and Americans - 2%, others - 5% (2000). The population in 1980 was 32,297 people, in 1990 - 46,773, in 2000 - 57,291. The official estimate for 2004 was 61 thousand people. The official languages ​​are English and Samoan (one of the most archaic Polynesian languages). The majority of the population is bilingual. More than 50% of believers are Congregational Protestants, 30% are other Protestant denominations, and 20% are Catholics. Certain ritual practices of pagan origin are preserved. The islands have Catholic and Anglican church-administrative structures. The Council of Seventh-day Adventist Christian Churches operates.

The structure of reproduction typical for developing countries, with a significant migration influx: natural increase - 32.2 ‰ (birth rate - 37 ‰, mortality - 4.8 ‰), average annual migration increase - 19.3%, total increase - 22.5% (year 2000). About 85,000 Samoans live in the contiguous United States and Hawaii. The age structure is also typical for developing countries - a high proportion of children (0-14 years old) - 38.7%, a low proportion of working age (15-64 years old) - 58%, a very low proportion of old people (65 years old or more) - 3.3% (year 2000). The average age of the population is 21.3 years. Men predominate - 104.4 per 100 women. Average life expectancy is 75.5 years (men - 72, women - 79). Population density 286 people per square meter. km. (year 2000). The most densely populated island is Tutuila, especially its southwestern lowland part (440 people per km²). EAN - 30.8%, unemployment rate - 5.2% (2000). The population is employed in industry (mainly fish processing and fish canning, concentrating about 1/3 of the EAN) and the service sector (where a significant number of civil servants are allocated - also about 1/3 of the EAN). In 1995, the following employment structure was observed: agriculture, fishing and forestry - 2.3%, industry and construction - 36.1%, service sector - 61.6%, including social services - 21.3%, government management - 17.2% (total public sector - 38.5%).
The GDP of American Samoa is $0.5 billion (PPP, 2000). The monetary unit is the US dollar. In the service sector there is a significant share of public administration and social services, tourism is slightly developed. Three banks and 3 non-bank financial institutions. The main industry is fishing (processing of tuna, supplied mainly by American, South Korean and Taiwanese fishermen, and its canning; in large companies usually connected). Crafts are developed. Pumice is mined on a small scale. Pineapples, bananas, coconut palm(raw materials for copra production), vegetables, papaya, breadfruit. More than 90% of land is in communal use. Cultivated land - 5%, under temporary crops - 10%. Highway - 150 km, 200 km - secondary roads. Sea connections with ports of the USA, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. international Airport Tafuna (11 km from Pago Pago). 15,000 telephone lines (2001), satellite communication station.

Exports of American Samoa - $346.3 million (export quota - 69.3%), 96% - canned tuna, imports - $505.9 million, 44% (2000) - raw fish products (tuna), oil and petroleum products, food, clothing, vehicles. Negative trade balance. Foreign trade is focused on the United States (80% of trade turnover, 56% of imports and almost all exports), other important trading partners (by import volume) are Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, South Korea, Japan, China.

Average GDP per capita is $8,000 (PPP, 2000). 56% of families have income below the official poverty level in the United States.

Education: 97% of adults are literate. Compulsory 12-year education. 59 preparatory, 32 primary and 9 secondary schools (1996). One college is American Samoa Community College.

In accordance with traditional Samoan culture, the social structure is regulated by the fa'amatai system, in which the basis of the social structure is the aiga - clan, extended family, led by an ormatai or matai - chief, responsible for maintaining the continuity of generations, mythological conceptualization, relevance of customary law, preservation traditions. The tourism industry exploits a number of ritual vocal and dance practices of the Samoans.

Newspapers: government daily “News bulletin” (on English language, 1800 copies), “Samoa news” (in English and Samoan, 4500 copies, 5 times a week), “Samoa Journal and Advertiser” (in English and Samoan, 3000 copies, daily). Two radio stations, and one television company (18 hours of broadcasting daily in English and Samoan, on two channels).