American Samoa is a tropical island paradise in the heart of Polynesia, which has succeeded in keeping the traditional values of old Samoa. It comprises seven islands, including Ta’u, Olosega and Ofu, known as the Manu’a group, which are volcanic in origin and dominated by high peaks.

The islands’ volcanoes, inactive since 1911, have left an intriguing land formation, including lava tubes to explore. Most people live in villages along the narrow coastal plains, living off the sea and cultivating agriculture in the plains and nearby hills. Half the island chain is still covered with tropical forests and woodlands that are home to wildlife and birds.

Traditional Samoan society is based on a chieftain system of hereditary rank, and is known as the Samoan way or fa’a Samoa. Despite the inroads of modern, Western civilisation, local cultural institutions are the strongest single influence in American Samoa.

The fa’a Samoa way of life stems from the aiga, the extended family, with a common allegiance to the matai, the family chief who regulates the family’s activities. Religious institutions are very influential in the community and the village minister is accorded a privileged position, equal in status to a chief.

Today, Samoa is still a land where status is more important than material possessions and travellers can be assured that they will feel most welcome.

201 sq km (77.6 sq miles).

57,794 (2006).

287.5 per sq km.

Pago Pago. Population: 55,000 (2005).

US External Territory (Unincorporated). Gained a measure of self-government in 1977.

Samoan, but many islanders speak English.

Half of the population are Christian Congregational. There are also Roman Catholics, Latter Day Saints and Protestants, amongst others.

GMT - 11.

Traditional Samoan society is still bound by very strict customs and, despite the younger generation’s dissatisfaction with the old values, they are very much adhered to. The government issues an official list of behaviour codes for both Samoas. Skimpy shorts or other revealing clothes should be avoided except when swimming or climbing coconut palms, although disapproval of shorts, if they are not too short, is on the wane. Samoan social behaviour conforms to strict and rather complicated rituals, to which the visitor will probably be introduced on arrival, and which should be respected. In the early evening hours, even if swimming offshore, be sure to avoid making any noise that could interrupt the Samoans’ prayer period. Usually three gongs are sounded. The first is the signal to return to the house, the second is for prayer and the third sounds the all-clear. In some villages, swimming and fishing are forbidden on Sunday. A visitor who happens to be invited to stay in a Samoan household should be mindful of these customs. On leaving, making a gift, a mea alofa (literally a ‘thing of love’) of shirts, belts or dress-length fabrics is most appreciated. Samoans are extremely hospitable and visitors may receive more than one invitation to stay with neighbours. However, it is inappropriate to leave your first hosts before a pre-arranged date.

110V AC, 60Hz. US-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Acting Governor Togiola Tulafono since 2003.

President George W Bush since 2001.