American Samoa Travel Guide
American Samoa is a territory of the USA, which is located
in the South Pacific Ocean. The most populated and biggest island is
Tutuila, along with Rose Atoll, Swains Island and Manu'a Island. Tutuila
Island's trademark in the Central Pacific is its wide, natural harbor which is
Pago Pago Harbor. Pago Pago is the mix of vibrant urban and semi-urban communities.
A harbor surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Pago Pago Harbor plunges almost straight
into the sea. Climbing to the top most part of Mt. Alava provides the hikers a
splendid first hand view of the harbor and town.
Rose Atoll, an uninhabited wildlife refuge, is also sometimes called the Rose
Island or Motu O Manu by the native people of nearby Manu'a Islands, is an atoll
owned by the U.S.
Swains Island is another atoll located in the Tokelau chain, which is the most
northern westerly island administered and controlled by American Samoa.
Culturally and traditionally a part of the Tokelau Islands, based on
political standards Swains Island is an unorganized territory of United States
of America. The Swains Island has been known as many names, such as; Olohega
Island, Gente Hermosa Island, Olosenga Island, Quiros Island and Jennings Island
throughout the history.
The tropical climate of American Samoa can be humid on the dates january 27
to july 25 and even more humid from november to april. Light clothing is advised
to be worn, due to the normally humid weather of the small country. However
jumpers should also be worn on occasions, such as night time from May to
September. The national language is Samoan, but English is also very widely
spoken. The currency of the country is United States Dollars. In American Samoa
ATM machines, EFTPOS and major credit card brands are accepted. The time zone in
American Samoa is 12 hours behind GMT (Samoa is the last country each day to
have sunset). The widely accepted electricity wattage is 110 volts AC and 2 pin
plugs for appliances. To be able to enter American Samoa, there are the same
entry requirements for USA. There is no money exchange at the airport, so
visitors must always bring American dollars. There are no luggage storages
available in airports, so be advised to carry what is comfortable and easy to
bring.
American Samoans love to sing and dance. It is a big part of celebrations
which take place throughout the year. A large population of the tourists has
seen the sasa, a local group that dances involving slapping, clapping and arm
and leg movements. Performed only on special occasions and only by women is the
Taualuga, which requires either specific sporty or graceful hand, arm and body
movements.
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