The following map depicts the relative geographic location of American Samoa in the South Pacific. The territory of American Samoa is a group of islands in the South Pacific at 14ºsouth lattitude by 170ºwest longitude. The Island group is comprised of seven main islands, including Tutuila, Ta'u, Ofu, Olosega, Aunu'u, Nu'utele, Swain's and Rose Islands, and several tiny,lesser islands. The Island of Tutuila is the main island of the group with Pago Pago being the capital of the territory. The island is home to approximately 55,000 friendly polynesian inhabitants. Long known for its natural deep water harbor, Pago Pago is famous for its sheer forested volcanic mountains surrounding the deep blue and turquoise water that has been a shelter in a storm for many a sailing and fishing vessel. American Samoa has an excellent infrastructure system, servicing the territory's diverse economic development requirements. Territorial ports and harbours: Pago Pago harbor is one of the finest all weather, deep draft harbors in the pacific. The main dock is 1000 feet long, handling ships of up to a 32 foot draft. Pago Pago harbor provides the full complement of equipment and facilities and has a ship repair facility with a 3000 ton marine railway.the port provides full service port facilities,containerized cargo holding, warehousing, transshipment operations and tug boat services. Airport The Pago Pago international airport is an international class airport with the capacity to accomodate any size commercial aircraft. Traffic control is maintained by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. It has two paved runways. The recently built, modern terminal complex houses several passenger service buildings, a comprehensive fire/crash station, shops, a restaurant and an extensive lounge and administrative area. Airfreight and hangar space is available for lease. Shipping and Transportation: American Samoa has excellent shipping to the U.S. West Coast, Honolulu, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the regional pacific island countries. Air transportation Hawaiian Air presently provides direct air service to Honolulu. Polynesian Airlines, Air New Zealand and Air Pacific provide regional air service to Aew Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, New Caledonia, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. Utilities Electricity: The American Samoa Power Authority has a total of 31 megawatts of capacity, about double current peak loads. The current rate is $0.1371 per kilowatt hr plus a $0.00720 per kilowatt hr fuel surcharge that is based on the changes in the cost of diesel to the territory. Water: The government owned water system extends to 90% of the territory with the remaining being serviced by outer village systems. The daly capacity of the water system is 8.0 million gallons/day from high quality ground water and surface sources. Water rates are $1.25 per 1000 gallons. Sewer System:The Pago Pago bay area, the Tafuna industrial park and the Nu'uuli-Tafuna area is serviced by the government owned and operated sewer system. Fuel:Fuel supplies are delivered by chartered vessel. The principal supplier is Pacific Resources Inc with a monthly delivery schedule. From 3 to 5 million gallons are delivered each trip-60% diesel,28% jet fuel and 12% gasoline. All fuel comes from the U.S. and the prices reflect those on the mainland, which are the cheapest in the South Pacific. Transportation:American Samoa has maintained its traditional quaint family owned bussing business. For 25cents, you can ride an "aiga" bus from nearly anywhere on the island into PagoPago, and connections to other parts of the island cost an additional 25 cents. The buses are painted in fun colors and each is its owner's pride and joy. Many have superb stereo systems and some even show videos during your ride into town. Not only a ride, but an experience to talk about!   Updated: July 7, 1997