American Samoa Flag Meaning

Symbolism

History

1. 1000-1300 AD: Polynesian settlers arrived in Samoa, establishing the rich cultural traditions that continue to define Samoan identity today.
2. 1899: Tripartite Convention divided the Samoan islands between Germany (Western Samoa) and the United States (American Samoa), with Britain withdrawing claims.
3. April 17, 1900: United States formally took possession of American Samoa, with local chiefs signing the Deed of Cession transferring sovereignty while maintaining traditional authority structures.
4. 1929-1951: U.S. Navy administered the territory, building infrastructure and establishing the foundation for American Samoa's unique political status.
5. April 27, 1960: Current flag officially adopted, symbolizing the unique relationship between American sovereignty and Samoan cultural autonomy.
6. 1978: First popularly elected governor took office, marking increased self-governance while maintaining territorial status under U.S. federal authority.

Trivia

• American Samoans are U.S. nationals but not automatically U.S. citizens, creating a unique legal status among American territories.
• The territory operates on Samoa Standard Time, making it one of the last places on Earth to see each new day due to its location near the International Date Line.
• American Samoa has produced more NFL players per capita than any U.S. state or territory, with Samoan culture emphasizing physical strength and athletic achievement.
• The fa'a Samoa (Samoan way) traditional culture system operates alongside American law, with traditional chiefs (matai) maintaining significant authority in village governance.
• Pago Pago Harbor is one of the finest natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific and served as a crucial U.S. naval base during World War II.
• American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator, giving it a unique geographic position in American territorial holdings.
• The territory's economy relies heavily on tuna fishing and canning, with the largest tuna cannery in the world located in the capital.
• Traditional Samoan architecture features open-sided houses called fale, designed for the tropical climate and communal island lifestyle.
• American Samoa participates separately from the United States in some international organizations, including having its own Olympic team.
• The islands are home to unique wildlife including the Pacific flying fox (pe'a) and the only land mammal native to Samoa.
• Traditional Samoan tattoos (tatau) originated in these islands and gave the English word 'tattoo' to the world through early European contact.
• American Samoa's minimum wage is lower than the federal U.S. minimum wage due to special economic considerations for the territory.
• The territory has no military draft, but American Samoans serve in the U.S. military at higher rates per capita than most U.S. states.