American Samoa, a
tropical island paradise in the heart of Polynesia, has succeeded in keeping the
traditional values of old Samoa. It is made up of 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.
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.
GeographyAmerican 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.
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