American Samoa Geography
American Samoa Geography: A summary of information about American Samoa Geography, from government research data as well as independent research and other sources.
American Samoa: Geography
Location
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates
14 20 S, 170 00 W
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 199 sq km land: 199 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
116 km
Maritime claims
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate
tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain
five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Lata 966 m
Natural resources
pumice, pumicite
Land use
arable land: 5% permanent crops: 10% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 70% other: 15% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land
NA sq km
Natural hazards
typhoons common from December to March
Environment - current issues
limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water catchments and pipelines
Geography - note
Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean
