American Samoa, an unincorporated U.S. territory in the South Pacific, lies southeast of Samoa. Its location at 14.3°S 170.7°W places it east of the International Date Line, west of the Cook Islands, north of Tonga, and south of Tokelau. As the southernmost U.S. territory, it's one of two, alongside Jarvis Island, situated south of the Equator.
1900: Establishment of Land Ownership Categories
Starting in 1900, American Samoa implemented a system of land ownership that was categorized into three primary types: native, individual, and freehold. This system had implications for how land could be owned and utilized within the territory.
1900: Deed of Cession of Tutuila
The U.S. Navy secured a Deed of Cession of Tutuila in 1900 on behalf of the U.S. government, solidifying control over the island.
1900: U.S. Annexation of Tutuila
The United States formally annexed Tutuila in 1900, which became part of the eastern island group that would be known as American Samoa.
1904: U.S. Annexation of Manuʻa
The U.S. formally annexed Manuʻa in 1904, completing the acquisition of the eastern island group that would become American Samoa.
1904: Deed of Cession of Manuʻa
The last sovereign of Manuʻa, the Tui Manuʻa Elisala, signed a Deed of Cession of Manuʻa in 1904, following a series of U.S. naval trials.
May 1911: Request for Name Change
In May 1911, Governor William Michael Crose wrote to the Secretary of the Navy, conveying the desire of the people of Manuʻa to have their islands included in the territory's name.
July 7, 1911: Authorization for New Territory Name
On July 7, 1911, the solicitor general of the Navy authorized the governor to proclaim "American Samoa" as the new name for the territory.
July 17, 1911: Renaming of Territory to American Samoa
On July 17, 1911, the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila, which comprised Tutuila, Aunuʻu, and Manuʻa, was officially renamed American Samoa.
December 19, 1912: W. Somerset Maugham's Visit
On December 19, 1912, English writer William Somerset Maugham visited Pago Pago, American Samoa, a trip that inspired his renowned short story "Rain."
1918: Preventing Influenza Deaths
During the 1918 Great Influenza pandemic, American Samoa, under the leadership of Governor John Martin Poyer, successfully prevented any deaths from the virus through quick quarantine measures.
November 2, 1921: Death of Commander Warren Jay Terhune
On November 2, 1921, American Samoa's 13th naval governor, Commander Warren Jay Terhune, died by suicide in the government mansion.
June 8, 1922: First Bus Service
The first bus service on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa began operations on June 8, 1922.
August 17, 1924: Margaret Mead Arrives in American Samoa
On August 17, 1924, Margaret Mead arrived in American Samoa to begin fieldwork for her doctoral dissertation in anthropology.
1924: First Recorded Rugby Game in American Samoa
In 1924, American Samoa witnessed its first documented rugby game, marking the beginning of the sport's presence in the territory.
1925: Annexation of Swains Island
Swains Island was annexed by the United States in 1925, following the dissolution of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony by the United Kingdom.
1928: Publication of "Coming of Age in Samoa"
In 1928, Margaret Mead's influential and controversial book, "Coming of Age in Samoa," was published.
1929: Ratification Act
The Ratification Act of 1929 granted the President of the United States authority over American Samoa.
1930: Congressional Investigation and Mau Movement
In 1930, the U.S. Congress sent a committee to investigate the status of American Samoa, particularly in light of the suppressed American Samoa Mau movement, which sought greater autonomy for the territory.
1932: Frank Solomon: American Samoan Pioneer in New Zealand Rugby
Frank Solomon, an American Samoan born in Pago Pago, made history in 1932 by becoming the first American national of Samoan descent to play for a New Zealand rugby team. He scored a crucial try in the inaugural Bledisloe Cup match against Australia, which New Zealand won 21-13, solidifying his place as a Pacific pioneer in New Zealand rugby.
1938: Crash of the Pan American World Airways S-42 Samoan Clipper
In 1938, aviator Ed Musick and his crew died when the Pan American World Airways S-42 Samoan Clipper crashed over Pago Pago after experiencing trouble during a survey flight.
1938: Fair Labor Standards Act with Special Provisions
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, from its initial enactment, incorporated special provisions that applied to American Samoa. These provisions acknowledged the unique economic circumstances of the territory.
November 21, 1939: American Samoa's Last Execution
On November 21, 1939, American Samoa carried out its last execution when Imoa was hanged for the murder of Sema. The popular Samoan song "Fa'afofoga Samoa" is based on this event.
January 13, 1942: Japanese Submarine Attack
On January 13, 1942, a Japanese submarine fired shells at the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila. This was the only Japanese attack on Tutuila during World War II.
August 24, 1943: Eleanor Roosevelt Visits American Samoa
On August 24, 1943, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited American Samoa, inspecting the Fita Fita Guard and Band and the First Samoan Battalion of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
1943: Previous First Lady Visit
Prior to Lady Bird Johnson's visit in 1966, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited American Samoa in 1943.
1949: Defeat of Organic Act 4500
In 1949, the U.S. Congress considered Organic Act 4500, which aimed to incorporate American Samoa, but it was defeated due to opposition from Samoan chiefs.
1950: Department of the Interior Administration
The U.S. Department of the Interior began administering American Samoa in 1950.
1951: Delegation of Authority
In 1951, President Harry Truman delegated his authority over American Samoa to the Secretary of the Interior.
1956: First Locally Elected Governor
Peter Tali Coleman became the first locally elected governor of American Samoa in 1956, replacing the U.S. Navy-appointed governor.
1961: First High School Established
In 1961, the first high school in American Samoa was established, later known as Samoana High School.
June 21, 1963: First Secretary of Samoan Affairs Appointed
Paramount Chief Tuli Le'iato of Faga'itua was sworn in as the first Secretary of Samoan Affairs on June 21, 1963.
1964: Public Television Introduction
Governor H. Rex Lee introduced a public television system in American Samoa in 1964 as a cost-effective way to reform education.
January 1966: Utulei Beach Development Project
In January 1966, the dredge Palolo was brought in from Upolu to extract sand for the Utulei Beach development project in American Samoa. Ala Varone, a specialist in beach developments from the Army, supervised the project. The primary focus of the project was a 13-acre site at the entrance of Pago Pago Harbor.
October 18, 1966: President Lyndon B. Johnson's Visit
On October 18, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson visited American Samoa. Mrs. Johnson dedicated the "Manulele Tausala" Elementary School named after her. The territory's hospital was renamed LBJ Tropical Medical Center in honor of President Johnson.
1966: Ratification of American Samoa's Constitution
The constitution of American Samoa was ratified in 1966.
June 2, 1967: Revised Constitution of American Samoa
The Revised Constitution of American Samoa, promulgated by Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, took effect on July 1, 1967.
July 1, 1967: Effective Date of Constitution
American Samoa's constitution became effective on July 1, 1967, establishing a framework for self-governance.
1967: American Samoa's Constitution Comes into Effect
American Samoa's constitution, which was ratified the previous year, came into effect in 1967.
1967: Self-Governance and Constitution
In 1967, American Samoa adopted a constitution and became self-governing.
1968: Expansion of High Schools
By 1968, three new high schools were established in American Samoa to meet the increasing demand for secondary education.
November 1970: Pope Paul VI Visits American Samoa
In November 1970, Pope Paul VI made a brief visit to American Samoa.
1970: American Samoa Community College Founding
American Samoa Community College was founded in 1970 to provide post-secondary education in the territory.
1971: Mead Returns to American Samoa
Margaret Mead returned to American Samoa in 1971 for the dedication of the Jean P. Haydon Museum.
1972: Designation of National Natural Landmarks
In 1972, American Samoa's seven National Natural Landmarks (NNL) were designated. This program is administrated by the U.S. National Park Service and the areas contain unique ecological or geological features.
January 30, 1974: Pan Am Flight 806 Crash
On January 30, 1974, Pan Am Flight 806 crashed at Pago Pago International Airport, killing 86 people. The cause was attributed to poor visibility, pilot error, or wind shear.
1976: Western Samoa Joins the United Nations
Western Samoa became a member of the United Nations in 1976.
1978: Creation of Delegate's Office
The office of a non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives, specifically representing the interests of American Samoa, was established in 1978. This marked a significant step in providing American Samoa with a voice in the U.S. Congress, even without full voting representation.
1979: High School Enrollment
By 1979, there were 2,800 high school students attending six public and private high schools in American Samoa.
April 17, 1980: U.S. Navy P-3 Orion Crash
On April 17, 1980, a U.S. Navy P-3 Orion crashed after its vertical stabilizer was clipped by an aerial tramway cable. The accident killed all six crew members and one civilian.
1980: Creation of Department of Parks and Recreation and Parks Commission
American Samoa took a significant step in managing its natural resources and recreational areas by formally establishing the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Parks Commission through legislation in 1980.
1980: Court Ruling on Land Ownership Restrictions
In 1980, the Appellate Division of the High Court of American Samoa, in the case of Craddick v. Territorial Registrar, issued a ruling that upheld the constitutionality of American Samoa's laws that placed race-based restrictions on land ownership. The Court recognized that these laws established a classification based on race but determined that they did not infringe upon the guarantees of equal protection and due process as outlined in the U.S. Constitution and the Revised American Samoan Constitution.
1981: Educational Programming Decline
By 1981, only one series of 40-minute English language skill lessons remained on the public television system in American Samoa.
1981: Democrat Fofō Iosefa Fiti Sunia Takes Office
Democrat Fofō Iosefa Fiti Sunia assumed office as American Samoa's delegate to the United States House of Representatives in 1981.
1981: Fuga Tolani Teleso Appointed Director of Parks and Recreation
Governor Peter Tali Coleman appointed Fuga Tolani Teleso as the Director of Parks and Recreation in 1981, marking a key appointment in managing and developing the territory's parks and recreational resources.
1982: Diocese of Samoa-Pago Creation
The Diocese of Samoa-Pago, encompassing at least 18 churches and 29 parishes, was created in 1982 by Pope John Paul II.
1982: Hobie World Championship
The Hobie World Championship was held in Tahiti in 1982, where American Samoa emerged victorious against the Apia team by a narrow margin of half a point to win the Samoa Cup.
1983: Joining the Pacific Community
American Samoa became a member of the Pacific Community in 1983.
1983: Sporting Success for American Samoa
American Samoa saw significant sporting achievements in 1983. A women's volleyball team, coached by Adele Satele-Galeai, won the Regional tournament in Hawaii. The South Pacific Games in Apia saw American Samoa secure 13 medals: four gold, four silver, and five bronze. Additionally, three junior golfers from American Samoa qualified for the World Junior Golf Tournament in San Diego, California.
1983: Taxation Ruling
The use of citizenship in taxation by American Samoa was ruled unconstitutional in 1983.
May 25, 1984: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Eastern District Park
On May 25, 1984, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Onesosopo reclamation site to commemorate the commencement of work on the first park in the Eastern District of American Samoa.
1984: Introduction of bill to protect rainforests and flying fox megabat
In 1984, Congressman Fofō Iosefa Fiti Sunia introduced a bill to enter American Samoa into the Federal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. The purpose of the bill was to protect the ancient paleotropical rainforests and the Flying fox megabat.
July 1987: National Park Service begins establishing a federal park
In July 1987, the National Park Service began establishing a federal park, the National Park of American Samoa.
1987: American Samoa Joins International Olympic Committee
American Samoa was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1987, becoming its 167th member.
1987: New Zealand's First Rugby World Cup Victory
New Zealand secured their first Rugby World Cup title in 1987, marking a historic moment for the nation and the sport.
November 1, 1988: Establishment of American Samoa National Park
On November 1, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill establishing American Samoa National Park.
1988: End of Sunia's Term
Democrat Fofō Iosefa Fiti Sunia's tenure as American Samoa's delegate to the United States House of Representatives concluded in 1988.
1988: American Samoa's Rugby League Debut
The American Samoa national rugby league team made their debut on the international stage in 1988, participating in the Pacific Cup. Their first match was against Tonga, resulting in a 38-14 loss, marking the most significant defeat for an American Samoan rugby league side.
1989: Democrat Eni Faleomavaega Takes Office
Democrat Eni Faleomavaega commenced his service as American Samoa's delegate to the United States House of Representatives in 1989, succeeding Fofō Iosefa Fiti Sunia.
1989: Initial appropriation for National Park
An initial appropriation of $400,000 was made in 1989 for the National Park of American Samoa.
January 1990: First South Pacific Junior Tennis Tournament
The Tafuna courts hosted the inaugural South Pacific Junior Tennis Tournament in January 1990.
1990: Formation of American Samoa Rugby Union
The American Samoa Rugby Union, the governing body for rugby in the territory, was established in 1990. This marked a significant step in the development and organization of the sport in American Samoa.
September 19, 1991: Establishment of the National Park of American Samoa
On September 19, 1991, Governor Peter Tali Coleman and Department of the Interior secretary Manuel Lujan signed leases formalizing the establishment of the fiftieth U.S. National Park.
1992: Ban on fruit bat hunting
In 1992, the American Samoa Government banned the hunting of fruit bats to help their populations recover.
1992: American Samoa's Rugby League Participation
The American Samoa national rugby league team continued their involvement in international rugby league competitions by participating in the 1992 Pacific Cup.
1992: Ban on pigeon hunting
The local government banned all pigeon hunting in 1992.
May 1993: South Pacific Mini Games Bid Approval
In May 1993, American Samoa's bid to host the South Pacific Mini Games for 23 participating countries was approved.
January 1994: Games Preparations Task Force and Groundbreaking
In January 1994, Governor A. P. Lutali appointed a task force to oversee preparations for the South Pacific Mini Games, including the construction of a stadium, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium took place.
1995: Start of Samoa flying fox population study
From 1995 to 2000, the population of Samoa flying fox remained stable at about 900 animals on Tutuila, and 100 in the Manuʻa Islands.
July 1997: Western Samoa Changes Name to Samoa
In July 1997, Western Samoa officially changed its name to Samoa. This change had been reflected in the United Nations since Samoa joined the organization in 1976.
1997: South Pacific Mini Games
The 1997 South Pacific Mini Games, the largest international event ever held in American Samoa, took place.
1998: American Samoa in the Pacific Cup
American Samoa furthered their rugby league journey by competing in the 1998 Pacific Cup, demonstrating their dedication to the sport on the international stage.
1999: Merchant Marine
According to a 1999 estimate, American Samoa had no merchant marine.
2000: Tax Code Adoption
In 2000, the government of American Samoa adopted the U.S. tax code in effect in 2000 with certain modifications to tax the worldwide income of its residents.
2000: Estimate of Pacific flying fox and Samoa flying fox populations
As of the year 2000, scientists estimated that there are fewer than 5,500 Pacific flying foxes in American Samoa, and an estimated 900 or fewer Samoa flying foxes.
2000: Troy Polamalu's Tribute to Samoan Heritage
In 2000, Troy Polamalu, a prominent NFL player of Samoan heritage, decided to stop cutting his hair as a tribute to his cultural roots.
2002: Start of Population and GDP per Capita Analysis
This year represents the beginning of the period from 2002 to 2007 during which the population growth and real GDP per capita of American Samoa were examined.
2002: Start of Real GDP Growth Analysis
This marks the beginning of the period from 2002 to 2007 during which the real GDP of American Samoa was analyzed for its growth patterns.
2003: American Samoa Competes in World Sevens Qualifiers
In 2003, the American Samoa national rugby league team broadened their international experience by competing in the World Sevens qualifiers, aiming for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
2004: Jerome Kaino's Debut for New Zealand
Jerome Kaino, another American Samoan born in Faga'alu, debuted for the New Zealand national rugby team in 2004 at the age of 21. He made an impressive start by scoring a try in his first match against the Barbarians, contributing to New Zealand's 47-19 victory and earning the man of the match award.
2004: American Samoa's Rugby League Triumph
The American Samoa national rugby league team achieved their largest victory in 2004, defeating New Caledonia with a score of 62-6. This year also marked their participation in the Pacific Cup, showcasing their competitive spirit.
2005: American Samoa's Continued Pursuit in World Sevens
The American Samoa national rugby league team persisted in their pursuit of international success by participating in the World Sevens qualifiers in 2005, showcasing their commitment to the sport.
2005: Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in American Samoa was 29.8% in 2005.
2007: Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 was passed in 2007, increasing the minimum wage in American Samoa by 50¢ per hour in 2007 and another 50¢ each year until it equals the federal minimum wage.
2007: Minimum Wage Debate
The Samoan economy and the implications of the upcoming minimum wage increases became a subject of discussion in the U.S. Congress in early 2007. Eni Faleomavaega, the Samoan delegate to the United States House of Representatives, raised concerns about the potential negative effects of these increases on the Samoan economy.
2007: End of Population and GDP per Capita Analysis
This year marks the end of the period from 2002 to 2007, which was used to analyze the population growth and real GDP per capita of American Samoa.
2007: End of Real GDP Growth Analysis
This year signifies the end of the period from 2002 to 2007 during which the real GDP of American Samoa was analyzed for its growth patterns.
2008: Highway Mileage
In 2008, American Samoa had an estimated 150 miles of highways.
September 28, 2009: 8.1 Magnitude Earthquake and Tsunami
On September 28, 2009, an 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of American Samoa, triggering a tsunami that killed over 170 people in the Samoa Islands and Tonga. Waves up to 20 feet high caused significant damage.
2009: Chicken of the Sea Plant Closure
In 2009, the Chicken of the Sea tuna canning plant in American Samoa was shut down in response to the minimum wage increase, resulting in the layoff of 2,041 employees.
2009: Closure of Samoa Packing
Samoa Packing, a subsidiary of the tuna packing company Chicken of the Sea, closed its operations in 2009. The company attributed the closure to a combination of factors, including the increases in the minimum wage and growing competition from foreign entities.
January 17, 2010: American Samoa's Football Culture Featured on 60 Minutes
American Samoa's strong football culture was highlighted in a segment aired on the renowned news program 60 Minutes on January 17, 2010.
July 22, 2010: Detective Lieutenant Lusila Brown Fatally Shot
On July 22, 2010, Detective Lieutenant Lusila Brown was fatally shot, marking the first time in over 15 years that a police officer in American Samoa was killed in the line of duty.
August 2010: StarKist Begins Layoffs
In August 2010, StarKist, a major tuna canning plant in American Samoa, began laying off workers due to minimum wage increases and rising operation costs. They planned to lay off a total of 800 workers.
November 8, 2010: Hillary Clinton Visits American Samoa
On November 8, 2010, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a stopover in American Samoa and was greeted with a traditional kava ceremony.
2010: Religious Affiliations
In 2010, sources estimated that 98.3% of the population in American Samoa was Christian, with other religions and unaffiliated individuals accounting for a small percentage.
2010: Unemployment Rate Improvement
The unemployment rate in American Samoa improved to 23.8% in 2010.
2010: Rejection of Constitutional Amendments
In 2010, voters in American Samoa rejected a series of amendments to the territorial constitution. One of the key proposals that was rejected would have restricted the eligibility for U.S. citizens to serve as legislators only if they had Samoan ancestry.
2011: Jerome Kaino's Key Role in Rugby World Cup 2011
Jerome Kaino played a pivotal role in New Zealand's Rugby World Cup victory in 2011. He participated in every match of the tournament, scoring four tries and showcasing his exceptional skills, leading to New Zealand's 8-7 win over France in the final.
2012: Lawsuit for Birthright Citizenship
In 2012, a group of American Samoans initiated a lawsuit against the federal government, seeking acknowledgment of birthright citizenship for individuals born in American Samoa. This case, known as Tuaua v. United States, brought to light the unique legal status of American Samoa and its residents.
2012: Expensive Internet in American Samoa
In 2012, a study found that American Samoa had the most expensive internet of any U.S. territory, with speeds only slightly better than dial-up in the 1990s, making it unaffordable for many residents.
2012: Calls for Autonomy or Independence
In 2012, both the Governor of American Samoa and the territory's delegate to the U.S. Congress, Eni Faleomavaega, urged the populace to think about moving towards greater autonomy or even complete independence. This call received a varied response from the people.
2012: American Samoa Rugby Union Joins IRB
In 2012, the American Samoa Rugby Union achieved international recognition by becoming affiliated with the International Rugby Board (IRB), connecting American Samoa to the global rugby community.
2013: Agricultural Production and Trade Balance
In 2013, data indicated that the ratio between imports and exports in American Samoa was relatively balanced. The agricultural production in the territory primarily served to meet domestic needs, with only a small portion of fruits and vegetables being exported.
January 2014: Documentary about Pan Am Flight 806 Crash
Filmmaker Paul Crompton visited American Samoa in January 2014 to interview locals for a documentary about the 1974 Pan Am Flight 806 crash.
2014: Next Goal Wins Documentary
The 2014 British documentary film "Next Goal Wins" brought international attention to the American Samoa national football team. The film chronicled their journey during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, including their momentous first international victory.
June 2015: Court Affirms Exclusion of Birthright Citizenship
In June 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld the ruling that the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantees of citizenship did not extend to individuals born in unincorporated territories, including American Samoa. This decision further solidified the distinction between U.S. citizenship and U.S. national status.
August 2015: American Samoa Rugby Union Appoints Leota Toma Patu as Coach
In August 2015, the American Samoa Rugby Union Board selected Leota Toma Patu, from the village of Leone, to coach the Talavalu 15 men's team, representing American Samoa in the Ocean Cup 2015 held in Papua New Guinea.
2015: Republican Aumua Amata Radewagen Takes Office
Republican Aumua Amata Radewagen took on the role of American Samoa's delegate to the United States House of Representatives in 2015, marking a shift in the territory's representation.
2015: American Samoan Athletes in the NFL
By 2015, American Samoa had made a significant contribution to American football with thirty players in the National Football League (NFL) and over 200 participating in Division I NCAA Football.
2016: GDP per Capita
American Samoa's GDP per capita (PPP) was $11,200 in 2016.
2016: American Samoa: "Greatest Exporter of NFL Players"
At the 2016 Republican National Convention, the American Samoan delegation proudly proclaimed their homeland as the "greatest exporter of NFL players."
April 2017: Vice President Mike Pence Visits American Samoa
Vice President Mike Pence made a stopover in Pago Pago in April 2017, becoming the third sitting U.S. vice president to visit American Samoa.
June 3, 2017: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Visits Pago Pago
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Pago Pago on June 3, 2017.
2017: GDP Decrease in American Samoa
The GDP of American Samoa experienced a decline of 5.8% in 2017.
2018: GDP Increase in American Samoa
American Samoa saw a 2.2% increase in its GDP in 2018.
December 2019: Judge Rules on Birthright Citizenship
In December 2019, U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups issued a ruling that declared 8 U.S.C. § 1408(1) as unconstitutional on its face. This ruling asserted that individuals born in American Samoa are indeed citizens of the United States by virtue of the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision challenged the long-standing legal interpretation of citizenship rights in U.S. territories.
2020: GDP
American Samoa's GDP was $709 million in 2020.
2020: Census
The 2020 census counted 49,710 people in American Samoa, with 97.5% residing on the largest island, Tutuila.
2020: Language Demographics
The 2020 census reported that 87.9% of the population spoke Samoan at home, while 47.2% spoke English at home or "very well".
July 20, 2021: American Samoa Legislature Supports Court Decision
On July 20, 2021, the Legislature of American Samoa unanimously passed a resolution in support of the 10th Circuit Court's decision to reverse the District Court's judgment on birthright citizenship for those born in American Samoa. This resolution reflected the complex legal and political landscape surrounding the issue of citizenship in U.S. territories.
2021: High Military Enlistment Rate
In 2021, the local U.S. Army recruiting station in Pago Pago, American Samoa, ranked first in recruitment, highlighting the territory's high military enlistment rate.
2022: Official Languages Designation
In 2022, Samoan and English were designated as the official languages of American Samoa.
2022: Population and Demographics
As of 2022, the population of American Samoa was approximately 45,443, with the vast majority being indigenous Samoans. Most residents were bilingual, speaking both English and Samoan fluently.
2022: Population Estimate
As of 2022, the population of American Samoa was estimated to be around 45,443 people.
April 2023: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership
As of April 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website claimed a membership of 16,512, nearly 30% of American Samoa's population.
2023: Feature Film Adaptation of Next Goal Wins
A feature film adaptation of the documentary "Next Goal Wins" was released in 2023, directed by Taika Waititi. The film continued to share the story of the American Samoa national team's inspiring journey.