Geography of 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 |