Travel

American Samoa flagAmerican Samoa Country Brief – April 2008

Introduction

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.

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, President George W. Bush is Head of State. Governor Togiola Talalelei Tulafono is Head of Government.

Political Overview

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 isGovernor Togiola Tulafono. He has held the post since 7 April 2003 following the death of Governor Tauese Sunia. Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, the Territory’s Treasurer and the younger brother of the former Governor is Lieutenant 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. 20 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 on 7 November 2006 (next to be held in November 2008).

Economic Overview

American Samoa has a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned.  The population is 57,663 (July 2007 est.) with a GDP per capita of $5,800 (2005 est.).

Economic activity is strongly linked to the US 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 restrained by Samoa's remote location, its limited transportation. Tourism is a promising developing sector.

Bilateral Relationship

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 totalled around AUD$10 million in 2006-07. The main Australian exports were milk, cream and fish. American Samoan exports to Australia for the same period totalled about AUD$7.8 million, consisting largely of animal feed and electrical machinery.

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. 

Australians travelling to Samoa are advised to consult the Smartraveller travel advice.