American Samoa is a
United States territory in the South
Pacific Ocean. Settled as early as
1000 BC, Samoa was "discovered" by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the
19th century were settled by an
1899 treaty in which
Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of
Pago Pago - the following year. (see
History of Samoa for more.)
American Samoa was organized as a territory of the United States on February 20, 1929.
See: List of American Samoa Governors
Curious facts:
- Made in the USA - Goods manufactured in territories or protectorates of the United States can be labeled 'Made in the USA'
- Not to be confused with the adjacent nation of Samoa.
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