AMERICAN SAMOA
A. THE TERRITORY
Territory of American Somoa is an archipelago in the Polynesian Pacific.
As an U.S. unincorporated territory, all rights of U.S. citizens are
bestowed except ability to vote in U.S. elections.
Tuna fishing and canning dominate the economy. Its remoteness and
devastating hurricanes limit economic development. Remittances sent
by Samoans abroad also contribute to the economy.
B. THE PEOPLE
The population is ~69,000 and official languages Samoan and English.
~92.9% are Polynesian, ~2.9% Asian, ~1.2% Caucasian (Americans).
C. RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY/PENTECOSTALISM
~95.1% claim to be Christian, ~2.5% Non-religious, ~1.5% Baha’i,
~0.77% Buddhist, ~0.13% Chinese.
In the Christian category:
~56.75% are Protestant, ~18.98% Catholic, ~3.81% Independent, ~0.25%
Anglican.
Evangelicals represent ~21.3% of the population.
Charismatics represent ~17.5% and of those ~15.1% are Pentecostals.
Mormonism is growing with ~15,500 affiliates.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are growing with ~800 affiliates.
Donna Siemens
References:
Operation World, Jason Mandryk. Colorado Springs: Biblica Publishing, 2010