American Samoa, a territory located in the South Pacific Ocean, has not only beautiful landscapes and picturesque beaches, but also a unique population. A study of the ethnic composition of American Samoa reveals the amazing diversity in the region. This place attracts the attention of scientists and researchers for its special multi-ethnic environment, which greatly influences the culture and society of the region.
The population of American Samoa is approximately 55,000. Combined with its small area, this makes the area one of the most «densely populated» places in the world, based on the number of people per square kilometer. The majority of the population, approximately 92%, is found on Tutuila Island, the largest island of American Samoa. The rest are on the islands of Ofu, Oleni, Tau and the Manu’a group of islands.
The people of American Samoa are a unique combination of ethnic groups. The predominant group are Polynesians, who make up about 88% of the population. At the same time, there is also a significant number of Europeans, represented mainly by Latin Americans, and Asians. Thus, the local population combines different ethnic and cultural traditions, which is one of the characteristics of American Samoa.
general information
The ethnic composition of the population is represented by many groups, mainly Polynesians. Most of the population is made up of local Samoans, as well as Tongans, Filipinos, Chinese and others.
Christianity is the main religion in American Samoa. The majority of the population professes Protestantism and Catholicism.
American Samoa consists of five main islands: Tutuila, Tau, Ole, Rose and Aksa. The nature of American Samoa is impressive with its beautiful landscapes, including picturesque beaches, mountains and waterfalls.
Historical data
American Samoa has been inhabited for several thousand years. The first inhabitants of the islands were Polynesians who came to the region with their own language, culture and customs.
In the 18th century, European sailors began arriving in American Samoa. The first to reach the islands were Dutch and Spanish explorers.
In the mid-19th century, in 1856, a group of American Baptist missionaries came to the island of Tutuila and began to preach and change the local culture.
In 1900, American Samoa officially became a territory of the United States of America. During this period, the islands experienced significant changes in the political, social and cultural spheres.
During World War II, American Samoa played a strategic role in military operations in the Pacific. Military bases were built on the island of Tutuila, and American troops were deployed here.
Today, American Samoa continues to be an unincorporated U.S. territory and has a special status under American law.
Current Population
The population of American Samoa at the beginning of 2021 is estimated to be approximately 55,689. Compared to previous years, the population remains relatively stable.
Most of the population of American Samoa lives in urban areas, especially the capital Pagopago. This city is the largest and most populated city in American Samoa. However, a significant part of the island population still lives in rural areas, preferring a traditional way of life.
American Samoa has a diverse ethnic population. The majority of residents are Samoans, who make up about 91% of the population. Other groups include Europeans, Asians and other ethnic minorities.
The population of American Samoa is largely religious, with Christianity, including Sato, Protestantism and Catholicism, being the most common religions.
Thus, although American Samoa is a small territory, it has its own unique and diverse population, consisting of different ethnic groups and religious beliefs.
Cities of American Samoa
In American Samoa, the population is distributed among several cities. Main cities in the region:
Pagopago is the capital of American Samoa and the largest city in the region. Administrative and economic institutions are located here. The city is also famous for its beautiful bay, where you can enjoy a beach holiday and spend time actively in water sports.
Tafuna is the second largest city in American Samoa. There are commercial centers, shops, business facilities and numerous enterprises here. Also in Tafuna is the Faleolo National Airport, through which air travel to other regions and countries is carried out.
Onono is the third largest city in American Samoa. Onono has numerous restaurants and hotels that offer guests of the region comfortable accommodation and the opportunity to enjoy national cuisine and culture.
In addition to these cities, American Samoa also includes a number of small towns and villages where the local population lives.
Percentage of urban population
Although American Samoa consists of five main islands and many smaller islands, the urban population is concentrated primarily on the main island of Tutuila. It is home to the capital Pagopago, which is the largest city in American Samoa and the archipelago’s most populous settlement.
There is also a significant portion of the urban population living in the towns of Oyo, Fagatogo and Tafuna, which are important centers of activity, commerce and education in American Samoa. These cities offer a wide range of services, both public and private, and create favorable conditions for business development and education.
The cities of American Samoa are also where the majority of ethnic groups live, including the Samoan, European and American diasporas. The ethnic diversity of the urban population contributes to the formation of sociocultural centers and the enrichment of local culture and traditions.
Largest cities
American Samoa consists of several islands on which several large cities are located. Here are some of them:
Pagopago is the capital of American Samoa and the largest city on the island of Tutuila. Government offices, commercial centers and large retail facilities are located here.
Aua is the second largest city in American Samoa, located in the south of the island of Tutuila. One of the largest industrial enterprises in the state, Aua Tank Farm, is located here.
Malefa is the third largest city in American Samoa, located on the island of Tutuila. There are several active churches here, including the famous Latter Day Saints Church.
In each of these cities you can find modern residential areas, shops, restaurants and other amenities that serve the local population.
Ethnic composition
There is also a small number of Tongans in the region, making up about 2.9% of the population of American Samoa. Tongans are an ethnic group inhabiting Tonga and adjacent islands. They have their own unique culture and language, which is different from Samoan.
Despite the predominance of Samoans and Tongans, American Samoa is also home to other ethnic groups such as Europeans, Chinese and other Asian peoples. They all contribute to the diversity of cultures and traditions of this region.
The ethnic composition of American Samoa is unique and reflects the richness and diversity of this Pacific archipelago. The contact of different cultures and their mixing contribute to the unique cultural and national wealth of this territory.
Main ethnic groups
The rest of the population consists of various minority ethnic groups. One of them is the people of Micronesian origin, including groups such as Chuuk, Yap, Idelut. Their number is about 2% of the population. Also found in American Samoa are Polynesian ethnic groups such as Tongans, Fijians and Tuvaluans. These groups make up about 4% of the population.
Samoan culture plays an important role in the lives of all ethnic groups, uniting them in common traditions and values. However, each group also maintains its own uniqueness and traditions, making American Samoa a wonderfully diverse place.