American Samoa is a US territory comprising five islands in the South Pacific. The spelling of the word "American Samoa" can be broken down into its individual sounds with the IPA phonetic transcription. This would be /əˈmɛrɪkən səˈmoʊə/ in American English. The first syllable "Ameri-" is pronounced with a schwa sound, and the stress falls on the second syllable "can". The "Samo-" in the second word is pronounced with a long "a" sound, and the final syllable "-a" is pronounced with a long "o" sound.
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean. Occupying five volcanic islands and two coral atolls, it is situated in the region of Polynesia. American Samoa is officially known as the Territory of American Samoa and is the southernmost territory of the United States.
Situated about 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, American Samoa covers an area of approximately 77 square miles. The major islands of American Samoa include Tutuila, the largest and most populous island, along with Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta'u. The two coral atolls are Rose Atoll and Swains Island.
The population of American Samoa mostly consists of Samoans, who are Polynesian people with a unique culture and language. The economy of American Samoa is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and government employment. The currency used is the US dollar, and English and Samoan are the official languages.
American Samoa operates under a political system of a constitutional democracy, in which the US federal government retains jurisdiction over defense, foreign affairs, and certain civil matters. The territory has its own governor and legislature, allowing for some self-governance.
Due to its tranquil beachfronts, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs, American Samoa is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the national parks, dive into crystal-clear waters, learn about the local culture, and experience the natural beauty that the islands offer.
The word "American Samoa" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The term "Samoa" originates from the Samoan language, which is spoken in the islands of Samoa, a Polynesian archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. "Samoa" itself means "sacred center" or "sacred sky" in the Samoan language.
The addition of "American" to Samoa comes from the fact that the islands of American Samoa are an unincorporated territory of the United States. American Samoa consists of five main islands and two coral atolls, collectively known as the Eastern District of Samoa. The term "American Samoa" is used to distinguish this group of islands from the neighboring independent country of Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa.