FACTS

Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Area (only Total) total: 199 sq km

Climate : Tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: Five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

Population: 64,827 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Samoan 90.6% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 2.9%, Tongan 2.4%, other Pacific islander 2.1%, other 2%

Government type: Islamic republic

Capital (Name): Pago Pago

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Independence: None (territory of the US)

National holiday: Flag Day, 17 April (1900)