Geography of American Samoa
This article describes the geography of American Samoa.
- Location:
- Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
- Geographic coordinates:
- 14 20 S, 170 00 W
- Map references:
- Oceania
- Area:
- Total: 199 kmē
- Land: 199 km²
- Water: 0 km²
- 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
- Island Names:
- Tutuila, Aunu'u, Ofo, Olosega, Ta'u
- 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 km²
- Natural hazards:
- Hurricane season from December to March; Hurricane Heta struck Tutuila and Manu`a Jan, 2004.
- Landslides
- Environment - current issues:
- Limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to expand well system, 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
See also: American Samoa
Categories: American Samoa | Geography by country