Geography of American Samoa

This article describes the geography of American Samoa.

Related Topics:
Geography - American Samoa

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; Location:

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: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

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; Geographic coordinates:

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: {{coor dm|14|20|S|170|0|W|}}

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; Map references:

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: Oceania

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; Area:

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:* Total: 199 km²

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:* Land: 199 km²

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:* Water: 0 km²

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:* Note: Includes Rose Island and Swains Island

Related Topics:
Rose Island - Swains Island

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; Area - comparative:

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: Slightly larger than Washington, DC

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; Land boundaries:

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: 0 km

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; Coastline:

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: 116 km

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; Maritime claims:

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:* Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (370.4 km)

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:* Territorial sea: 12 nm (22.2 km)

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; Climate:

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: 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

Related Topics:
Trade wind - Rainy season - Dry season

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; Island Names in order of size:

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: Tutuila, Ta'u, Ofu, Olosega, Aunu'u, Swain's, Rose

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; Terrain:

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: Five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

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; Elevation extremes:

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:* Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

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:* Highest point: Lata 966 m

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; Natural resources:

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: Pumice, pumicite

Related Topics:
Pumice - Pumicite

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; Land use:

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:* Arable land: 5%

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:* Permanent crops: 10%

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:* Permanent pastures: 0%

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:* Forests and woodland: 70%

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:* Other: 15% (1993 est.)

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; Irrigated land:

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: NA km²

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; Natural hazards:

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: Hurricane season from December to March; Hurricane Heta struck Tutuila and Manu`a January, 2004.

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: Landslides

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; Environment - current issues:

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: Limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to expand well system, improve water catchments and pipelines

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; Geography - note:

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: 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

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MapQuest zoom level 4 shows the location with respect to the state of Samoa.

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