Introduction - American Samoa: |
Location - American Samoa: |
Location | Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and 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 | territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm |
|
Climate | tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to April), dry season (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 Mountain 964 m |
|
Natural resources | pumice, pumicite |
|
Land use | arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 15%
other: 75% (2005) |
|
Irrigated land | NA |
|
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 |
|
People - American Samoa: |
Government - American Samoa: |
Economy - American Samoa: |
Communications - American Samoa: |
Transportation - American Samoa: |
Military - American Samoa: |
This page was last updated on 16 September, 2007