Jennifer Martin, age 15, of Bessemer, Ala., for her question:
HOW WAS AMERICAN SAMOA ESTABLISHED?
American Samoa is a United States territory that is located about 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii. American Samoa is made up of seven islands with the largest and most important named Tutuila, where the territory's capital, Pago Pago, is located.
Samoa has been occupied by Polynesian people for at least 2,000 years. They most likely migrated from eastern Malanesia. European explorers first reached the islands in 1722.
In 1872, the Samoans agreed to let the United States use Pago Pago Bay as a naval coaling station. Later, the U.S. was given trading rights in all of the islands.
In 1899, the U.S. and Germany signed a treaty dividing Samoa between them. Germany took control of the western islands in 1900. The U.S. took control of Tutuila, Aunuu and Rose Islands the same year and the Manua group in 1904. Swains Island was annexed in 1925.
The islands were administered by the U.S. Navy until 1951, when they were transferred to the Department of the Interior. In 1976, American Samoans voted to elect a governor and a lieutenant governor. The election was held after the adoption of a new constitution.
American Samoa's 40,000 people are nationals, but not citizens, of the United States. They may freely enter the U.S. at any time. Many Samoans live in Hawaii and the continental U.S.
Samoan, a Polynesian dialect, is the main language, but many persons speak English. Most American Samoans are Christians.
In 1960s, the U.S. started an economic development program that brought sweeping changes to American Samoa. Many people left their villages to take jobs in growing industries around Pago Pago. Thatch roofed houses called "fale" were replaced by hurricane proof buildings made of concrete.
Many new schools have been built in recent years. Teaching by television has also been introduced. Now all children from 6 to 18 years of age must attend school.
The leading industry in American Samoa is tuna canning. Fish products make up over 96 percent of all exports. Other exports include handcrafts and copra.
A jet airport and a luxury hotel were built in the 1960s and tourism has been increasing during recent years.
American Samoa has a total land area of only 76 square miles but less than a third can be cultivated. The rest of the land consists of coral. Coconuts, bananas and taro are grown but agriculture has declined in importance as better paying jobs have become available.
The territory's legislature has two branches: a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Senate has 18 members chosen by county councils to serve two to four year terms. The House of Representatives has 20 members elected by the people to two year terms. American Samoans who are 18 years old or older may vote.