10th Festival of Pacific Arts | About Pago Pago
Pago Pago (pronounced pango pango ) is truly is one of the most spectacular harbours in the world, all that remains of the volcanic crater that created the island Tutuila. There are times when it looks extraordinarily beautiful, such as when mist rolls across its steep forested peaks in a way that makes it look like it's seeping up from between the trees.
The islands of American Samoa have a total land area of 76 square miles. Tutuila contains about two thirds of the total area and is home to 95% of the 65,000 islanders. American Samoa is located 14 degrees south of the equator, and 172 degrees meridian west, and is the center of Polynesia. Located 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii and 1,600 miles northeast of New Zealand, it forms a strategic midpoint on vital shipping and air routes.
American Samoa and its small group of islands were first settled by the Polynesians some 3,000 years ago. In 1722 they were discovered by Jacob Roggeveen, a Dutch explorer. In 1900 it became an unorganized U.S. territory, and in fact, it's today the only U.S. territory located south of the Equator. While there is a strong American influence in the islands, American Samoans proudly retain their cultural heritage. During the months of July to September is the heart of the dry season.
