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Right in the heart of the
South Pacific, to the north of Tonga and 2300 mi (3700km) south-west of
Hawaii, lie the five islands and two atolls of American Samoa. Just west
of the nearby 171st meridian lie the islands of Independent Samoa
(formerly Western Samoa), with which American Samoa shares a long history,
traditional beliefs and a love/hate relationship. The bulk of the land
area of American Samoa is held by the main island of Tutuila, which, along
with the other islands in the group, is a wildly steep, perfect example of
a volcanic remnant.
Most of the surface area is covered by lush
rainforests, though on the higher parts of Ofu, Olosega and Ta'u Island,
there are temperate forests featuring ferns, grasses and mosses. The
rainforests are a natural apothecary, containing 75 plant species used by
traditional healers. Western medicine has identified six pharmacologically
active compounds, including prostratin, which prevents the reproduction of
the HIV-virus in human cells. Although rapid modernisation is putting
pressure on the environment of American Samoa, the 10,000 acre (4000ha) National
Park of American Samoa is a major contribution to the ecological
health of the region. Because of its distance from continental landmasses,
few animal or bird species have inhabited American Samoa. Two species of
flying fox, a bat species and the Polynesian rat are the area's only land
mammals (aside from people). You might also stumble upon a few skinks,
geckos, turtles and harmless boas, but otherwise, the islands belong to
humans.
Lying just south of the equator, American Samoa
shares all of the expected tropical weather traits. It's hot and humid all
year round, with average temperatures ranging from 65°F to 90°F (18°C
to 32°C). There is a wet season (summer) between November and April and
dry season (winter) from May to October. If you're visiting the harbour
area on Tutuila, you'll almost inevitably get wet: the nearby Rainmaker
Mountain regularly lives up to its name and dumps over 200in (5000mm) of
rain per year on the capital, Pago Pago (pronounced 'Pango Pango'). For
more general information
on Samoa, go to: |
