American Somoa Business Etiquette - World Travel Guide -

American Samoa is a tropical island paradise in the heart of Polynesia, which has succeeded in keeping the traditional values of old Samoa. It comprises seven islands, including Ta'u, Olosega and Ofu, known as the Manu'a group, which are volcanic in origin and dominated by high peaks.

The islandsÌ volcanoes, inactive since 1911, have left an intriguing land formation, including lava tubes to explore. Most people live in villages along the narrow coastal plains, living off the sea and cultivating agriculture in the plains and nearby hills. Half the island chain is still covered with tropical forests and woodlands that are home to wildlife and birds.

Traditional Samoan society is based on a chieftain system of hereditary rank, and is known as the Samoan way or fa'a Samoa. Despite the inroads of modern, Western civilisation, local cultural institutions are the strongest single influence in American Samoa.

The fa'a Samoa way of life stems from the aiga, the extended family, with a common allegiance to the matai, the family chief who regulates the family's activities. Religious institutions are very influential in the community and the village minister is accorded a privileged position, equal in status to a chief.

Today, Samoa is still a land where status is more important than material possessions and travellers can be assured that they will feel most welcome.