Agriculture and food in American Samoa

Agriculture in American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Samoa. American Samoa consists of five main islands and two coral atolls. The largest and most populous island is Tutuila, with the Manu'a Islands, Rose Atoll, and Swains Island also included in the territory. American Samoa is part of the Samoan Islands chain, located west of the Cook Islands, north of Tonga, and some 300 miles (500 km) south of Tokelau. To the west are the Wallis and Futuna Islands. The 2010 census showed a total population of 55,519 people. The total land area is 199 square kilometers (77 sq mi), slightly more than Washington, D.C. American Samoa is the southernmost territory of the U.S. and one of two U.S. territories south of the Equator, along with the uninhabited Jarvis Island. Tuna products are the main export and the main trading partner in Australia. American Samoa has been a member of the Pacific Community since 1983. American Samoa is notable for having the highest rate of military enlistment of any U.S. state or territory. As of September 9, 2014, the local U.S. Army recruiting station in Pago Pago was ranked first in production out of the 885 Army recruiting stations and centers nationwide. The territorial capital of Pago Pago is located on the island of Tutuila. Manu'a, an uninhabited group of three islands about 75 miles (120 km) east of Tutuila, is included in the territory. Rose Atoll, an uninhabited atoll about 200 miles (320 km) east of Tutuila, is also part of American Samoa. All land and coasts are owned by the U.S. federal government, but about 99% of the terrain is undeveloped National Park land administered by the National Park Service or US Fish and Wildlife Service. About 70% of American Samoa is covered by tropical rainforest, and the remaining land consists of grassland, scrubland, and coral reefs. American Samoa is home to two national parks: American Samoa National Park and National Park of American Samoa. Tutuila Island is home to most of the population, while the eastern part of the archipelago, which includes Manu'a, Rose Atoll, and Swains Island, is far less populated. Tutuila is the largest island in American Samoa and the site of the main harbor, Pago Pago Harbor. Pago Pago Harbor is the largest natural harbor in the South Pacific Ocean and is sheltered from wind and waves. The harbor entrance is flanked by two volcanic peaks, Rainmaker Mountain and Mt. Alava, and the harbor area includes Pago Pago International Airport. Tutuila is connected to the eastern part of American Samoa by a narrow causeway called the Afono Pass. American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Samoa. American Samoa consists of 5 main islands and 2 coral atolls. The largest and most populous island is Tutuila, with the Manuʻa Islands, Rose Atoll, and Swains Island also included in the territory. American Samoa is part of the Samoan Islands chain, located west of the Cook Islands, north of Tonga, and some 300 miles (500 km) south of Tokelau. To its west are Wallis and Futuna and to its east is Tuvalu. American Samoa has a total land area of 76.8 square miles (199 km2), slightly larger than Washington, D.C. Tutuila, the largest island in American Samoa and the site of the territory's capital Pago Pago, is about 100 miles (160 km) from western Samoa and 20 miles (32 km) from eastern Samoa. Rose Atoll is an uninhabited coral atoll lying 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Tutuila. Swains Island is also uninhabited, lying about 200 miles (320 km) northwest of Tutuila. American Samoa's 5 main islands are Tutuila, Aunuu, Ofu-Olosega, Ta‘ū, and Rose Atoll. Tutuila is the largest and most populous island, with nearly three-quarters of the territory's population. Aunuu is the second largest island, followed by Ofu-Olosega, Ta‘ū, and Rose Atoll. American Samoa's coral atolls are Swains Island and Rose Atoll. Swains Island is located about 200 miles (320 km) northwest of Tutuila, while Rose Atoll is located about 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Tutuila. American Samoa is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including many endemic species. The island's forests are dominated by Samoa's national tree, the coconut palm, which is also an important source of food and income for local communities. Other common trees include breadfruit, papaya, and mango. The islands' reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and rays. American Samoa's waters are also important breeding grounds for humpback whales. The Samoan Islands are home to a number of endangered species, including the Samoa Flying Fox, the Samoa Petrel, and the Samoan Starling. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these and other vulnerable species. American Samoa's biodiversity is an important part of the island's culture and economy. Local communities rely on natural resources for food, income, and traditional medicine. The Samoan government is working to protect the country's unique ecosystems and ensure they are managed sustainably for future generations. The economy of American Samoa is based on fishing and canning, tourism, light manufacturing, and remittances from family members working in the U.S.The government is the largest employer in American Samoa, followed by the tuna canneries. Tourism is also a significant contributor to the economy, with about 100,000 visitors annually. Other industries include agriculture, construction, and retail. The United States is the largest trading partner of American Samoa. Two-way trade totaled $1.3 billion in 2016. Exports from American Samoa include tuna products, apparel, and canned coconut milk. Imports to American Samoa include petroleum products, food, and clothing. The American Samoa government has been working to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on tuna canning. The development of a deepwater port and an international airport are key components of this effort. In addition, the government is encouraging investment in other industries such as agriculture, information technology, and renewable energy. The unemployment rate in American Samoa was 8.6% in 2017. The median household income was $49,441 in 2016. About 21% of the population lives below the poverty line. continually improved since 2010 when it was only $17,334. Income inequality is high, with the top 20% of earners taking home more than 50% of the total income. This is likely due to the fact that most tuna cannery jobs are low-wage positions. The American Samoa government is working to reduce poverty and improve economic opportunities for its citizens. One initiative is the “Livelihood Enhancement through Agricultural Development” program, which provides training and support for small farmers. The agriculture of American Samoa is based on a subsistence economy, with most residents relying on locally grown crops and seafood for their sustenance. However, due to the island's isolation, agricultural production is often limited by a lack of resources and knowledge. This has led to a dependence on imported foodstuffs, which often come at a high cost. Despite these challenges, the American Samoa government has been working to improve the agricultural sector through initiatives such as the development of agricultural extension services and the provision of subsidies for farmers. The main crops grown in American Samoa are coconuts, breadfruit, taro, yams, and bananas. Coconut production is the most important agricultural activity in the territory, with nearly 80% of all farmland dedicated to coconut cultivation. The majority of coconuts grown in American Samoa are used for copra, which is then exported to countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia for processing into oil and other products. Breadfruit, taro, yams, and bananas are also staples of the local diet and are grown for both home consumption and sale at local markets. Livestock production is another important part of the American Samoa agricultural sector. Pigs and chickens are the most common farm animals, with beef cattle being raised on a smaller scale. Most of the meat consumed in American Samoa is imported, although some pigs and chickens are slaughtered for local consumption. The American Samoa government has been working to improve the agricultural sector through initiatives such as the development of agricultural extension services and the provision of subsidies for farmers. However, the sector faces challenges such as a lack of resources and knowledge, which often limit production. Additionally, the high cost of imported foodstuffs remains a significant issue for many residents. Despite these challenges, the American Samoa government is committed to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring that its residents have access to affordable, quality food. American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean. The culture of American Samoa is a reflection of the history and traditions of the Samoan Islands. The Samoan islands were first settled by Polynesians over 3,000 years ago. The culture of these early settlers was very different from that of the indigenous people of Samoa today. The early settlers were warlike and had a strong warrior culture. This is reflected in the traditional Samoan tattoo, which was a mark of distinction for warriors. Today, the culture of American Samoa is a blend of Polynesian and Western influences. The traditional Samoan way of life is still evident in many aspects of Samoan culture, but Western influences are also evident. American Samoa is a very diverse culture, with people from all over the world living and working in the territory. The Samoan language is a Polynesian language spoken by the majority of the population of American Samoa. English is also widely spoken in American Samoa and is the language of government and education. American Samoa has a rich musical tradition. Samoan music is very rhythmic and features a lot of percussion instruments. Samoan dance is also very popular and is often performed at festivals and other special occasions. The traditional Samoan diet consists mainly of fish, fruits, vegetables, and coconuts. Samoan food is usually cooked in an underground oven called an umu. Samoan cuisine has been influenced by the cuisine of other Polynesian cultures, as well as by Western cuisine. American Samoa is a very family-oriented culture. Family is extremely important in Samoan culture and families are typically large. Samoan families are also very close-knit and supportive of one another. Samoans place great importance on respect, loyalty, and obligation. These values are evident in many aspects of Samoan culture, including the way that families interact with one another and the way that people treat their elders. Religion plays an important role in the lives of many American Samoans. Christianity is the predominant religion, with almost two-thirds of the population identifying as Christian. The next largest religious group is those who practice either no religion or do not identify with any particular religion, accounting for about one-quarter of the population. There are also small numbers of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and other religious groups represented. American Samoa is home to a number of Christian denominations, including Roman Catholicism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Samoan Methodist Church, and the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. There is also a small Muslim community. Religion plays an important role in American Samoa's culture and society. Christian churches are involved in a variety of social service and community development programs. They also provide education and training opportunities for American Samoans. The Constitution of American Samoa guarantees freedom of religion. There is no state religion, and all religious groups are treated equally under the law. While religion is an important part of American Samoa culture, it is not always easy to practice one's faith. American Samoa is a very diverse place, and people of different religions often have different values and beliefs. This can sometimes lead to conflict. However, American Samoans generally respect and tolerate the religious beliefs of others. There is a strong sense of community in American Samoa, and people of different religions often work together for the common good.