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American Samoa's Geography | American Samoas Geography
 American Samoa MapLocation: 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 from November to April, dry season from 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 966 m Natural resources: Pumice, pumicite Land use: Arable land: 10% permanent crops: 15% other: 75% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km 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 Environment - international agreements: 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 |
