American Samoa

Year

COUNTRY CONTEXT

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Department of Health
Pago Pago, American Samoa
98799
Tel:(684) 633 4606
Fax:(684) 633 5379

WHO Representative to Samoa
Ioane Viliamu Building
Beach Road, Apia, Western Samoa
P.O. Box 77 Apia, Samoa
Tel:(685) 23756
Fax:(685) 23765
who@sma.wpro.who.int

Demographics

In 2007, American Samoa had an estimated population of 68 200, 92% residing in urban areas. Based on 2007 population estimates, around 34% of the population is below 15 years of age, while 5% is above 65 years. Life expectancy at birth for men is estimated to be 72 years, while for women it is 80 years. The crude birth rate dropped from 30.0 per 1000 population in 2000 to 21.6 per 1000 population in 2007. The crude death rate in the same year was 4.0 per 1000 population.

Political situation

American Samoa was defined by an 1899 treaty between the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Germany, which gave the United States of America control of all Samoan islands east of 171ºW. In 1978, the first popularly elected Samoan governor was inaugurated. There is a bicameral legislature (Fono), consisting of a senate (18 members chosen by county councils) and a house of representatives (20 members elected by popular vote, plus one non-voting member from Swains Island, which is privately owned). There is also an independent judiciary.

Socioeconomic situation

American Samoa is a small developing economy that depends on two main sources of income: the United States Government and tuna canning. Federal expenditures and the canning business together account for 93% of the economy. The remaining 7% comes from the small tourism industry and the service sector. Transfers from the United States Government add substantially to the country’s economy. Annual budget revenues of US$ 121 million comprise grants from the United States of America (63%) and local revenue (37%). The United States is the main trading partner. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (goods and services) was estimated at US$ 8052 in 2003.

Water supplies and sanitation systems are well organized and maintained, and 99% of the population have access to safe water. Water is increasingly supplied from deep bores, with a smaller portion from reservoirs, and is chlorinated. However, although 99% of the population have adequate excreta disposal facilities, solid waste disposal is still a problem. Waste collection systems have improved significantly, but space for solid waste landfill operations is very limited.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.


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