Basic moments

The total area of \u200b\u200bAmerican Samoa is almost 200 km². On the tropical Islands More than 65 thousand people live, 89% of which are self-sufficants, 4% - tongans, 2% - Europeans and Americans, 5% - immigrants from other countries.

Although Samoa's archipelago was populated over 3 thousand years ago, the Europeans "opened" him only in the 18th century. At the end of the 19th century, Samoa was divided into two parts, and the United States absorbed his eastern part. So, the territory of the American Samoa includes the islands of Aunuu, Tau, Tutuil, IPU and Olosseg and two coral Atoll - Rose Islands and Sueins. The capital of Pago Pago is located on the largest area and the population of the island of Tutuil.

Weather

Travelers are able to fully enjoy the tropical paradise from May to September, at this time the least falls will fall, and clear weather prevails on the islands. In addition, the dry season undergo the main holidays and festivals. The most unfavorable time to visit the American Samoa - from December to March, since strong tropical cyclones come here, capable of causeing earthquakes and tsunami. Air temperature throughout the year consistently holds at +26 C.

Rules of entry

You can get to the American Samoa by 2 ways: through New Zealandor through the USA, which means you will need a transit or ordinary visa of one of these countries. Flight from the Hawaiian Islands is 5 hours, and from Samoa - only half an hour.

However, if you intend to stay on American Samoa for a period of less than 30 days, the visa will not need. For entry into the country there will be a valid passport and confirmation of the absence of immigration intentions.

On the American Samoa is prohibited from importing and exporting objects and things that represent artistic and historical value, meat and non-confined meat products, as well as products from coral, shell sea turtle, feathers and hooks of tropical birds and animals.

Upon departure from the American Samoa by air, a tax of $ 3 is charged. As a rule, it is included in the ticket price.

Security

Before visiting the country, you must make a vaccination from the yellow fever. We also recommend vaccinations from hepatitis B, cholera, typhus, Japanese encephalitis and poliomyelitis. It is recommended to have a means of protection from mosquitoes with you, as they are pedestrians tropical fever. In general, the American Samoa is enough safe CountryIf you follow the elementary precautions.

sights

The main attraction of the country is considered to be the National Park of the American Samoa, located on the islands of Tau, IPU and Tutuil. Park area is about 36 km2. On most National Park Tropical relict forests grow, which have already disappeared on other islands. Rare types of animals and birds live in the park, and there are also picturesque coral reefs that are protected and close observation. In the center of the park there is a mountain of Alawa height of 491 meters. On the territory of the National Park of American Samoa, a network trail is laid by a low category, ideal for walking. They are located within the park itself, along the Pago Pago Bay, as well as in the north-west of the island of Tutuili. The island also has a good golf club and several tennis courts. In the capital of Pago Pago, you can visit the Haydon Museum to get acquainted with the subjects of the decorative and applied art of the self-sustain.

Samoa high point American Samoa is the 650-meter peak of Matafo. His foot will flow a stunning Nuwili waterfall. American Samoa has other attractions worthy of tourists: Nuwili Laguna Pala, Amazing Marine Reserve Turtles, unusual marine Park Waoto, National Marine Bay Reserve Fagatel and Sueins Private Island Reserve. All these natural monuments are protected areas of national significance.

Lovers water species Sports must be worth visiting the American Samoa, because lovers of windsurfing and diving from around the world come to the country! You can ride the waves on the famous Carter Beach Beach and Leone Bay and Alohai Bay. And the best sandy beaches where you can get a bronze tan, the beaches of the village of Allegia, located on the island of Tutuil.

Travelers are recommended to get acquainted with the underwater world of American Samoa. Here you can see more than 200 types of corals, 890 species of fish and several types of mammals. Fishing is also especially popular. You can rent a fishing boat at the hotel or a local travel agency, or go to the yacht club in the town of Utulei. In local waters, you can catch a striped tuna, Marlin, Wahu, Skipjek and a yellow tuna.

Events

Every July on American Samoa passes a week of tourism. During this week, you can get acquainted with the achievements of the country in the field of tourism, take part in sports, numerous holidays and see the traditional contest "Miss American Samoa".

The national holiday of American Samoa is the Flag Day, which is celebrated in the second half of April. The celebration program includes the festival of self-art art, race for canoes, song and dance festivals, sports and fishermen competitions.

We are confident that every traveler will get a lot of impressions and bright emotions in a tropical paradise!

Mastered already to the X B. BC e. Samoa islands served one of the centers of formation of Polynesian culture, where did the development numerous islands and the atolls of the central part Pacific Ocean. Manua Islands (IPU, Olosseg and Tau) are one of the legendary "source islands" of Polynesians who have retained their importance and independence even during the expansion of the Tongans, who subordinate to their power almost the entire region. By the middle of the XVII century, these exotic islands turn into a major shopping center, connecting Polynesian region populated and actively penetrating European researchers in the waters of the Great Ocean. Most of the early contacts have surrendered to the bloody clashes between the aliens and the inhabitants of the islands, so the self-sustainers earned the reputation of hostile and aggressive warriors.

Numerous disputes of European powers around the question of possessing by these strategically important islands were settled in accordance with the agreements of 1899, thanks to which Germany and the United States divided the Samoan archipelago among themselves. In 1900, the United States formally takes possession of a smaller eastern part of this island group with an excellent Pago Pago harbor. The last sovereign Manua - Tui-Manu Alisala - was forced to sign a number of concessions to the American authorities, and the islands were completely under the control of the United States. During the Second World War, the contingent of American marines exceeded the local population, while having a huge cultural and material impact on all aspects local life, and young self-suicans served in the army and the US fleet. After the war, the efforts of Samoan tribal leaders, headed by the Tuiaosopo, Mariot received some of the rights of autonomy (first of all, it was expressed by the replacement of the Governor's US Navy for the local leader, elected on the general election), and the islands received the status of a self-governing area with its own constitution that entered into force July 1, 1967

Island Tutuil

Tutuil (Maown) - chief Island American Samoa and the third area in the group (141.8 sq. Km) - located in the very center of Samoa, approximately 70 km east of the island of Pokola (independent Samoa) and 110 km of the west of Manua. From the southwest to the northeast almost 31 km, it is formed by the slopes and ridges of the whole group of ancient volcanoes, the most high of which is considered long ago Matafo (654 m), the most beautiful - Pioa (Rhinemeaker, 523 m), and the most Ancient - Alava (491 m, it was his destroyed caldera forms the extensive Pago Pago Bay). The low mountain ranges running in all directions have a fairly steep slopes that rolled up with tropical vegetation abundantly, abounding the gorges and form many bays and bays along the entire perimeter of the island.

Extensive area of \u200b\u200bplains - Tune is located on southwest coast Islands. This is the youngest in geological terms Education of Tutuili - the age of it is hardly 20 thousand years old, while framing it from the north mountain country Over two orders of magnitude. The coastline of the tutuils is strongly cut and replete with rocks, steep cliffs, crumbling islands, capes and small bays. And around all the coast, extensive shallow shallow shallow stretches with depths of up to 60 m (however, at a distance of about 300 meters from the shore, the bottom starts to quickly fall, and 10 km from the island, the depth already reaches 5 km), three times superior the island itself.

Pago Pago

Page Pago ( local residents This name is pronounced as Pango Pango) - one of the most colorful capitals of the world and one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean. Pago Pago is actually a collective name of several villages stretching along the shore of the same name harbor, so it is customary to call this word and the bay himself, and the capital, and the whole area. The government offices themselves and most commercial institutions are focused in the village of Fagatt, also part of this "loose conglomerate" settlements.

The capital is a fairly charming combination of embedded houses-boxes and charming buildings in the local style. At the same time, the harbor of Pago Pago is quite contaminated, everywhere a large number of The garbage and, perhaps, the "worst of all the vices" of the capital is a complete mess. Although recently has great efforts to bring the capital in God's appearance, it will take a few more generations, before his reputation will disappear, "the worst hotel of southern Pacific Ocean" will disappear. Pago Pago, as a hundred years ago, remains small settlement (about 4500 inhabitants) with several banks, shops, restaurants, with an excellent museum of Heidon (the excellent assembly of the ancient self-art items of decorative and applied arts) and a large number of various departments, including, among other things, the headquarters of the country's national parks and tourist officeLocated next to the yacht club in Utulei, close to the office of the governor.

And the main attraction of the capital remains extensive and excellent protected harbor Pago Pago, illustrated by Somerset Moem and the events of World War II. Far-out-in south coast And almost cutting island into two parts, this destroyed volcanic caldera is one of the largest natural harbors in the southern part of the Pacific and the best anchor parking in the region.

There are enough places around the capital who deserve a separate mention. Mount Alava lies north of the coastal feature of Pago Pago's harbor. Pedestrian trails of a total length of about 10 km are on its vertex (491 m), from where the majestic panorama of the bay and the areas adjacent to it are located. And the mountain itself is the center (9.9 square meters km). Until 1980, it was possible to rise to the top of the mountain on the funicular, taking the beginning directly from the port zone of the harbor, but on April 14, that year, an American plane, which made demonstration performances in honor of the celebration of the flag Day, damaged the feed cable and crashed into the Rainmaker's wing - one From the symbols of the country (currently it is currently reconstructed). And 7 km to the east of Pago Pago, the Led International Party - the Amalau Valley, which can be found along the road passing through the Athon village and resting in the picturesque island of the floor (on the island itself you can get on the boat from the Vatia village).

Just a few hundred meters of the north of the hotel "Rainmakeker" is located traditional for the Polynesian Islands "Mound of the Star". These ancient cult sites in abundance are dispersed throughout the territory of both Samoa and many other islands of the region, and although they are easily interesting (star-like low mound from coral and volcanic rubble), their cultural significance is undoubtedly. Nearby, the peak of Matafo is treated - the highest point of the American Samoa (654 m) with beautiful waterfall Nuwili not far from the foot.

South of the airport in Froagogo The pleasant eponymous beach with a small resort of Malio-Mai begins. The coastal restaurant offers a beautiful panorama on the wild south coast and many wave cavities. Almost at the coastal trait is the Vaitoga District, where a small array of virgin rainforest is guarded, standing over the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the shore (you can only walk here on foot) a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling spread out. Another coastal road leads to the west, to Vailoatia, also known as the "sliding rock". Lying nearby village Alega It is famous for its beach, perhaps - the most picturesque on Tutuil, although almost permanent surf makes this place suitable, rather, for surfers than for swimmers. In the village you can find good conditions for swimming and dives, as well as the Bar Tisa "Sbarfoot Bar known to the entire district, which is a thriving nightclub from Thursday to Saturday and silent Mesal Rest in the rest of the week.

The historic city of Kitoboev Leone Surrounded by several ancient archaeological sites, including stone careers in the hills above the city (the stone burned here came to the manufacture of various cutting tools) and several funeral places of the Polynesian tribes. And in the city itself, the traditional Polynesian meeting house ("FALE") and a small, but very picturesque urban cathedral are deserved.

Bay FagatelLocated in the southernmost point of the Tutuil, is an underwater volcanic crater, surrounded by steep cliffs, and currently has the status of the National Maritime Reserve. Here are the wonderful places for immersion with a tube or aqualung, almost 200 varieties of corals, the population of which is now restored after the massive attack of the sea star "Ternist Crown" in the late 1970s, which destroyed up to 90% of corals on a huge area. Tropical fish in these waters are also extremely diverse, and in the period between August and November, the herds of southern whale humpbars conducted here " the winter vacation"In the eastern part of the southern coast, the village of Saylele with a magnificent beach and a safe lagoon near the village of Armali with her pyramidal volcanic island near the shore and excellent conditions for the maritime rest are deserved.

Next to the east, the coastal road passes in the direct visibility of cute island Auunuuwhere you are located "the most Polynesian village of Samoa" - Aunuu, an unusual swampy lake Pale and Lake Red Lake, which is crater extluous volcano. Tiny and quiet aunuu is a fairly easily accessible alternative to Chaos Pago Pago. And in the easternmost part of the island there is a sleepy village Tula. With a good sandy beach (coloring him gives a snow-white sand strip, framed by almost gray "frame" of volcanic rocks lying a little further into the sea) and a meteorological center on the Matatul Peninsula. High Rocks and Numerous hiking trails Matatul neighbor here with turtle beaches and the wall of reefs protruding from the water during the period of popular.

North coast Relatively increasingly - here there are only three roads, and two of them are the end points of the Western and Eastern branches of the southern coastal highway, and only one comes from Pago Pago to the Bay of Fagas Bay and the town of the same name in the very center of the Northern Coast. The main attractions of this region are the picturesque Bay of Watia with its same name of the village and the wall of volcanic peaks in the heart of the National Park, Rocky Polast-Island, Forbidden Bay Bay (one of the most beautiful in the southern Pacific) and colorful villages Aasu.

Islands Manua

Manua Islands Group includes volcanic islands OFU (4.9 square meters), Olosseg (3.9 square meters km), Tau (39 square meters km) and a small island of Nutelle (1.08 square meters).

Islands-twin Ofu (in the West) and Olosseg (in the east) formed by two destroyed volcanoes, which explains their characteristic appearance. Steep slopes and rocks with a height of up to 600 meters form the southern and northern shores of these islands, which are hollowing to the narrow Sprild of ASAG, separating them from each other. The landscape of the islands has a clear bias on the West (OFU) and the East (Olosga), while the highest point of the IP - Mount Tumu (494 m) lies within mountain Ridge Leolo, and the most big Mount Olosga - Puimafua (639 m) is located at the intersection point of already two ridges - Alya and Matahaala, which is quite unusual for such a small islands. Both islands are surrounded by a common reef and have a rather complicated nature of the coastal bottom, which makes them enough an unusual place For dives.

These islands are poorly inhabited - in each of 5, their villages live only by several hundred people. The only point of attraction to the OFU, except, of course, his amazing landscape is Ofu National Park (part of the American Samoa National Park), which includes a beautiful sandy beach longer than 5 km long and the coral reef adjacent to it is considered one of best places For snorkeling in the region (however, all equipment for dives will have to carry with them). On Oloseg, all entertainment are walking on unusual mountainous areas Islands and in bathing on its small and mostly isolated beaches.

Island Tau - The largest and most western of Manua islands, lies at the very east of the Samoan archipelago, 10 km south-east of the Olosseg and 110 km east of Tutuil. This is the second largest island of American Samoa and the fourth largest in the Samoan archipelago.

Almost rectangular in the plan, Tau stretches for 10 km from the east to West with a width of 6 km. Like other islands of the region, it is the fruit of volcanic activity - Tau is the northern slope of the colossal ancient volcano Lata, which proof is the arcogo southern bank of the island - the northern part of the ancient caldera. The surface of the island is gradually rising from relatively low southern Shore, forming a number of flat terraces, known as Liu-Bench, to the high northern slope reaching a height of 966 meters in the peak of Lata - the highest point of the American Samoa, which is located in the eastern end of the Mataalaosagamai mountain range. Most of the coast of the island is one extended cliff, places (usually in the southern part) tapering and forming small coastal plains. A narrow strip of coral reefs is framed East, Western and North Tau.

Tau Island - In the past, part of the historic island empire Manuaexisting in these waters until the XVII century AD. Tau was the spiritual capital of Polynesia to Western colonization. The island has many traditionally visited tourist sites, including the grave of the last Tui Manua (title of the Supreme Lord of these Islands), the Holy Plot Saua, considered the place of birth of Polynesian civilization as such (local legends attribute to this area and the very creation of people of people, such a Polynesian Eden) and stunning natural attractions - numerous rocks, beautiful reefs and excellent shores.

The main natural attraction of Tau - occupies the whole of his southeast part (almost 50% of its territory) American Samoa National Park. Here you can see a relict rainforest, an excellent colony of birds and incredibly beautiful coastal rocks, towering more than 800 meters above sea level and populated by thousands of birds. Also interesting volcanic crater Juds, attracting tourists with a six-hour walk. In the near future, the National Park administration plans a permanent path to Krastra, which will make the excursion easier, but will significantly reduce the number of adventures behind which tourists and seek this unique place.

Sueins Island

SUNES Private Island lies 350 km north-west of Tutuil and 177 km south tokelau. The tiny (only 3.25 square meters) of the land ring surrounding the salt lagoon, culturally and geographically belongs to Tokelau Islands, the political status of it to the end is not defined. In the early 1990s, the Government of Tokelau threatened to "declare US War" for this block of land and even start a peculiar "canoe invasion" (most tourists and seek here only in order to look at a sort of "miracle").

The atoll consists of a low-live coral ring surrounding a small and extremely salty central lagoon that has no connection with the ocean. The outer perimeter of the atoll (approximately 13 km in the circumference) consists of flat coral reefs, which during the tide is almost completely hidden under water, and the island itself is a narrow ring between the lagoon and external reefs. Almost all the endemic vegetation of the island has long been replaced with coarse palm trees, and the only one affordable way pastime here is a vacation on a narrow ring local beaches or swimming with a tube or aqualung in the waters surrounding it (the lagoon itself shallow and the desert).

The state of American Samoa occupies seven islands of Samoa archipelago in the south-west of the Pacific. Rights with New Zealand territories - in the north with Tokelau Island, in the East - with the island of Cook, in the south - with Niue, in the West there is a border from Samoa. The capital of the country is Pago Pago. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands reaches 199 square meters. km.

Population of American Samoa

About 70 thousand people live in the country, most of indigenous population (Self-caulders): 83% of them, tongans - 3%, Europeans - 2%, Asians - 2%.

Nature of American Samoa

On the territory of the state, the mountain relief is common, since most of the islands are vertices of the ridge hidden under water. The highest point of the American Samoa is silisyli, a mountain of 1858 meters high. Many rapid rivers flow from her vertices. The tropical forests of the islands of the islands, Tau and Tutuil are the place of nesting of many bird species.

Climatic conditions

The wet tropical climate is dominated on the territory of the American Samoa, average temperature It is about + 27 ° C, both in winter and summer. Frequent phenomenon here are tropical hurricanes. The average annual precipitation ranges from 3000 to 7000 mm.

American Samoa language

In the country two state language: Local Samanev and English.

Kitchen American Samoa

The most common products in the country, the batt and coconut are eaten almost at all stages of ripening. Also in cooking there are many roots, vegetables and grain. A lot of dishes are prepared from seafood and fish, sometimes they are consumed in a half-form. Popular "Oka" - marinade from coconut milk, lemon juice, onions and salt, on its basis all meat dishes and marine exotic are preparing: shark meat, octopus meat, mollusks, sea snakes and crustaceans. The table is served "Pepee" - onion sauce and coconut milk.

Religion

In the territory of the American Samoa, Christianity, Protestants make up 48%, Catholics - 46%, there are followers of Mormons.

Holidays of American Samoa

On June 1, Independence Day is celebrated in American Samoa, May 10 - Mother Samoa Day. December 26, the Samoans call the day of gifts. On the first weekend of November, the Day of the Woods and the whole country on this day puts trees. April 25 is celebrated the Day of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

American Samoa's currency

The monetary unit adopted in the country is the US dollar (USD code).

Time

By time, American Samoa lags behind Moscow for 15 hours.

Master resorts

The tourist sphere of American Samoa is successfully developing, its share in the country's total income is 25%. On the Islands of Manua, Aunuu, Carter Beach, Olosseg, Alohy, Leone Beach Lack of expensive fashionable hotels with a loyalty pays off by the home comfort of small hotels, well-groomed, drowning in vegetation by beaches, great conditions for diving, excellent trekking routes and the possibility of long-lasting bicycle walks . In the capital of Pago Pago popular Moz It is the Rainmaker Hotel, which meets all international standards and has remarkable water entertainment conditions.

Attractions of American Samoa

Tourists travel to the islands of American Samoa to plunge into exotic and escape from civilization, and the attractions of the country fully satisfy such desires. For example, in the city of Leone preserved ancient ruins With the funeral altar of Polynesian tribes.

The main natural attraction of the country is considered national Reserverelicting relict vegetation and its inhabitants on the islands of Tutuil, IPU and Tau. Access to the territory is possible for a special permit and involves compliance with the rules of stay. Tau Island is sacred Moz For the indigenous population, since Polynesian raus originated according to legend.

American (Eastern) Samoa (American Samoa).

American Samoa - not included in the territory of the United States in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and Hawaiian Islands. Consists of 7. eastern Islands Samoa Archipelago - Aunuu, Tau, Tutuil, IPU and Olosseg (Islands Manua), Sueins, Rose. Nearest neighboring states are: in the West - Samoa, in the East - Cook Islands (New Zealand), in the north - Toklau Islands (New Zealand), in the south-west - Tonga (Tafahi Island), in South - Island of Niue (New Zealand) . Sushi area is 199 km². Pago Pago - the capital of American Samoa, located on one of the largest islands - Tutuil, which is administratively divided into Eastern and Western regions. The third district is the group of Islands Manua (Olosseg, Tau and IC island).

One of the main attractions of the country is the American Samoa National Park, created by the Special Resolution of the US Congress (1988). This park is located in the territory of the three islands (Tau, ofu and Tutuil). Of 36.5 square meters. km of full park square about 27 square meters. The CM are relict tropical forests that almost disappeared on other islands of the region. Also, under guard are the territory of the Sueins Island Reserve (158 square meters. Km, for the most part of the marine water area), the territorial Marine Park Waoto (ISL OFU, 0.5 square meters), the National Marine Bay Reserve Fagatel (0.7 square meters) , Skores Marine Reserve (the entire water area around the islands at a distance from the coastal line to 5 km from the coast), the wetlands of Leone, Laguna Nuwili-Pala and about 10 square meters. km of other seats.

At the same time, access to the territory of all protected areas of the American Samoa is limited only to the elementary obtaining license and common observance of environmental norms of tourist behavior. The Visitor Center of the National Park is located on Pago Plaza in Pago Pago and is open on weekdays, from 8.00 to 16.30.

Page Pago is one of the most colorful capitals of the world and one of the deepe-water harbors in the southern part of the Pacific. The city has an excellent Hadon Museum (the excellent assembly of ancient objects of decorative and applied art). And the main attraction of the capital is an extensive and wonderfully protected harbor of Pago Pago, glorified by Somerset Moem and the events of World War II.

Siptogenous Beach with a small resort Malio-Mai begins to the south of the airport in Fogagogo. The coastal restaurant offers a beautiful panorama on the wild south coast and many wave cavities. Almost at the coastal trait is the Vaitoga District, where a small array of virgin rainforest is guarded, standing over the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the shore (you can only walk here on foot) a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling spread out. Another coastal road leads to the west, to Vailoatia, also known as the "sliding rock". Islands (Sueins and Roses), in turn divided by 66 village communities.

Square: 199 km 2

Currency: Dollar (USD)

Population: 57881 people.

Domain: .as.

Visa regime: Visa for entry directly to American Samoa for up to 30 days is not required. For registration of a visa, a valid passport is needed and confirmation of the lack of immigration intentions. To get to the American Samoa is possible through New Zealand or through the United States, so you will need a transit or ordinary visa one of these countries.
There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign or local currency. Importing cash, settlement cards and traveler checks is not limited. It is necessary to declare only amounts exceeding $ 10 thousand. When importing gold and jewelry, the declaration is required.
A duty-free import to 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes, or 454 grams of tobacco, up to 4.5 liters or five bottles (1 American gallon) of strong alcoholic beverages (faces over 21 years old), as well as a reasonable amount of perfumes and perfumery. Personal use of duty are not subject.
It is forbidden to import drugs and drug-containing medicines, weapons and pesticides. It is forbidden to import and exportes without special permission objects and things representing artistic and historical value, meat and unknown meat products, as well as coral products, a seaside turtle armor, feathers and hooks of tropical birds and animals.
Upon departure from the American Samoa by air, a tax of $ 3 is charged (usually included in the ticket price).