Pago Pago, Capital city in Maoputasi County, American Samoa
Pago Pago sits along a natural harbor on Tutuila Island, where mountains reach down to the water and buildings spread along the shoreline. The development concentrates on the flat coastal strip, while steep slopes behind remain mostly forested and give the town its sheltered character.
The United States established a naval coaling station here in 1872 after an agreement with local chief Mauga. The facility remained an important base until 1951 and shaped the later development of the town as administrative center of the territory.
The Matai system shapes daily life here, with family chiefs making decisions in open meetings. These gatherings typically take place in traditional fale, round houses without walls, where anyone can follow the discussions.
Visitors reach the area through the international airport, built partly on a coral reef and offering connections across the South Pacific. Most facilities lie along the coastal road, where shops, offices and services can be reached within a short walk.
The harbor processes around 200 million dollars worth of tuna each year, making it the highest value fish landing point among all US territories. Fishing fleets from several countries use the facilities to unload and process their catches.
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