Introduction
The Island of American Samoa lies south of the equator in the Pacific Ocean. As far as beauty is concerned, the island consists of dense tropical forests and hilly landscapes that create a magnificent view of the island. It also comprises a wide range of volcanic features, wildlife and rare plant species. The population in American Samoa is warm and friendly to all the visitors. The island boasts of a wealth of its culture as a result of its diverse community. These attributes make it the perfect location for holiday and educational tours.
Why American Samoa?
I chose to write about this topic because most people do not know much about the Island of American Samoa. We hear a lot about Tahiti, Hawaii or New Zealand; rarely there is some mention about the City of Pago Pago, the capital city of American Samoa. The island is a combination of six other islands that occur in the Pacific Ocean; they are Tutila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u.
It is a beautiful place with wonderful climate, and the inhabitants are very friendly. It makes the perfect holiday destination. In addition to a special weather, cheap lifestyle and a great opportunity to relax, there is no hassle in getting into the country as there are no visa requirements. You only need a staying permit if you wish to be in the country for longer than one month.
The islands were created due to the volcanic activity that occurred thousands of years ago. As a result, there are many geographical features that have emerged, such as atolls and natural harbors. The dense tropical forests and exotic wildlife are also a sight to behold. The place makes a perfect destination for an educational trip.
I felt that if I wrote about the island, then I would make people aware of it and they would want to visit it, either for vacations or for educational tour.
Brief Statement about the Topic
The Island of American Samoa forms the most southern tip of the United States. It is a combination of five other Polynesian islands. The total land area is approximately 76 square miles (Ipacific, 2010, par.1). The population of the country is about 55 000 people. This is according to the latest census carried out in the year 2010. Out of these, the greatest part of the island’s inhabitants are natives of Samoa. Although most of the population in the island comprises native Samoans, it is generally a cosmopolitan nation and accommodates people of other races, such as Asians, Caucasians and others. This has made the island a hub of culture due to its diverse populace.
Autonomy
The island of American Samoa is considered an independent state. In the early 19th century, the island had been a part of the USA territory until it gained self-governance in1929. The head of the nation is a governor who is assisted by a Lieutenant Governor. The country operates under its own Constitution. This defines the system of administration in American Samoa and validates the operation of other laws in the state. The nationals of the island are not considered American citizens unless one of their parents was — at the time that person was born — an American citizen.
Weather and Climate
The island of American Samoa lies close to the equator. As a result, it receives the tropical type of climate. This implies that the whether there is warm throughout the whole year. Annual temperatures can go as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result of the equatorial climate, the island is marked by two seasons, the hot and wet season and the cool and dry one. Afternoon showers are also typical for this region.
During the hot season, there are cool breezes from the ocean that help lower the daily temperature.
Tourist Attractions
American Samoa is characterized by tropical rain forests. It has a great variety of flora and fauna. The fauna is well allocated amongst the five volcanic islands, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta’u, and Tutuila. These forests are home to a lot of plants and animal species, such as land snails, fruit bats and land birds. This striking combination of flora and fauna undoubtedly contributes to the attraction of the tourists (Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, 2006). The city of Pago Pago located on the island of Tutuila offers a spectacular view for watching the ocean, forest regions, city life and any other corner of the island (Am Samoa Tourism, 2009, par. 8). It also boasts of a flea market that attracts many tourists.
Culture
The most outstanding feature of the Samoan culture is the folk tales that are the basis and center of the Samoan lifestyle. The natives tell tales about their origin, beauty and other interests. They lead a communal lifestyle and execute all their duties as a social group. Their traditional system of governance is hierarchical in nature; the elders are the final word of authority in any matter. Majority of the Samoans have embraced Christianity as their religion (American Samoa, 2007, par 1). The rest have either maintained the traditional beliefs or adapted other religions.
Conclusion
The Island of American Samoa may not stand out as the most popular place of interest; but it remains a source of a unique culture for those who call it home. Its diverse flora and fauna set it apart as one of the most beautiful islands all over the world. It offers a remarkable holiday experience that can be utilized for education purposes.
References
American Samoa: American Samoa Culture. (2007). Web.
Am Samoa Tourism: American Samoa Fact Sheet. (2009). Web.
Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. (2006). A Comprehensive Strategy for Wildlife Conservation in American Samoa (American Samoa CWS). Web.
Ipacific: Amerika Samoa. (2010). Web.