American Samoa Country Brief – June 2009
Introduction
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States. President Barack Obama is Head of State. Governor Togiola Talalelei Tulafono is Head of Government (since April 2003).
Political Overview
Government
Residents of American Samoa are not US citizens, but US nationals who can freely enter the US to work and reside. American Samoa has its own immigration laws, and entry into American Samoa by foreigners does not constitute entry into the US (in contrast to the US Pacific territory of Guam, where US immigration laws apply).
American Samoa follows the US State model of government, with an elected Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and legislature. The Governor and Lieutenant-Governor were appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior until 1977, when American Samoans began electing their own Executive. The current Head of Government is Governor Togiola Tulafono. He has held the post since 7 April 2003 following the death of Governor Tauese Sunia. The Lieutenant Governor is Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, the Territory’s Treasurer and the younger brother of the former Governor.
The American Samoa Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of a Senate of 18 members and a House of Representatives of 21 members. The Senators are matais or chiefs chosen by 12 county councils in accordance with Samoan custom and serve for four years. Twenty of the 21 Representatives are elected by universal suffrage to represent 17 districts for two-year terms. The remaining representative is an appointed, non-voting delegate from Swains Island.
American Samoa has an elected delegate to the US Congress. The delegate is a member of the US House of Representatives but does not have voting rights. Incumbent Democrat, Faleomavega Eni Hunkin, was returned as delegate in elections held in November 2008 and has held that position since 1989.
Economic Overview
American Samoa has a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. The population is 65,628 (May 2009 est.) with a GDP per capita of US$8,000 (2007 est.).
Economic activity is strongly linked to the United States with which American Samoa conducts most of its commerce. US Government funding constitutes approximately two thirds of government revenue.
Tuna processing plants largely supplied by foreign fishing vessels are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. Attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader economy are constrained by Samoa's remote location and limited transportation. Tourism is a promising developing sector.
Bilateral Relationship
Australia enjoys friendly relations with American Samoa based on shared membership of Pacific regional organisations. Australia does not have an aid program with American Samoa because of its status as a US territory.
Australia has no formal representation in American Samoa. The Australian High Commissioner in Samoa is responsible for the conduct of the full range of diplomatic business with American Samoa.
Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship
Australian exports to American Samoa in 2007-08 totalled $11.5 million (principally milk and cream, preserved meat and fish). Australian imports from American Samoa in the same period totalled $6 million (principally animal feed, animal oils and fats).
Visitor Information
Visitors do not require an entry permit if staying 30 days or less. Those intending to stay longer should apply for an entry permit prior to arrival. Intending visitors should obtain visa and other travel information from their travel agent or the US Embassy.
The American Samoa Government maintains a website at
Australians travelling to Samoa are advised to consult the Smartraveller travel advice.