Backpacking in American Samoa

The Territory of American Samoa (AS) smacked right at the heart of Polynesia is a group of islands that features volcanic scenery, tropical lushery, soporific villages, and underwater beauty. American Samoa is the world’s most obese nation, according to the CIA World Factbook. With food in the islands so good and fresh, no wonder almost three-quarters of the population overindulge. Witness the pristine marvel that is the underrated, overly spectacular American Samoa.

GEOGRAPHY

American Samoa (14 20 S, 170 00 W) is a group of five volcanic islands and two coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean. With a total of just 199 km2, American Samoa is one of the world’s smallest countries. The landscape of American Samoa is speckled with limited coastal plains and rugged peaks. The highest point is the Lata Mountain, 964 m high.

CLIMATE

The tropical marine climate in American Samoa allows for two seasons: dry season (May-October) and a rainy season (November-April). Although there is little temperature variation, the best time to visit American Samoa is certainly during the dry season. Still, most rainfall occurs at night anyway. Keep in mind, the peak season in the islands is around December to January.

PEOPLE

The population of American Samoa is estimated at 68,061 (July 2012). More than 90% of American Samoans are native Pacific Islanders. There also are a small population of Asians and White, while the rest are mixed ethnicities.

LANGUAGE

Majority of Samoans are bilingual. SAMOAN is the official language of American Samoa, spoken by more than 90% of the population. Samoa is a language that’s closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages. ENGLISH is also spoken but by a smaller population. Others, on the other hand, speak other Pacific Islander languages.

RELIGION

American Samoa is mainly Christian in belief. The population of Christians is 98.3% according to the World Christian Database. Around half of the population are Christian Congregationalist. Protestants comprise 30% of the population while 20% are Roman Catholic.

ATTRACTIONS

Volcanic, rugged, and breathtaking are words that typically represent American Samoa. Though this tropical Shangrila may appear off limits, as indicated by names of places like Forbidden Bay or sacred sites as Ta’u Island, the birthplace of the Polynesians, American Samoa ever

welcomes tourists in its arms. Whether it is for diving in Fagatele Bay, surfing in Alofay Bay, or game fishing for marlin and yellow fin tuna, no one discriminates.

Beyond the beauty of American Samoa coast and coral atolls as in white-sand Tula Village, the culture of the islands is overwhelmingly rich. Feasting is a priority as you’ll find in one of many fia fia. There also are other interesting traditions as the Vaitogi where the customary “turtle and shark” legend are performed in its fine-talc sandy beaches. The harbor of Pago Pago, a crater of an extinct volcano, might also be of great interest as one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific.

FOOD

Food is a celebration here in American Samoa, just like during the fia fia, mother of all meat feasts, of tender suckling pig, chicken, and fish with breadfruit, coconut, bananas, lime, and mango cooked in a pit oven called uma. Although this Polynesian feast-slash-meal is scrumptious to the bone, a variety of cuisines are offered including American, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. Enjoy all kinds of fare in the islands. After all, as the world’s most obese nation, they must have and love good food.

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