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American Samoa
Flags, Symbols & Currency of American Samoa

Flags, Symbols & Currency of American Samoa

The Flag of American Samoa features a blue background with a white isosceles triangle edged in red containing a bald eagle

The National Flag of American Samoa was officially adopted on April 17, 1960. The flag has been designed by Fareti Sotoa.

The National Flag of American Samoa features a blue background with a white isosceles triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side of the flag. A brown and white American bald eagle flying towards the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of Authority: a war club (uatogi) held by the upper left talon, and a coconut fiber fly whisk (fue) held by the lower right talon. The war club represents the power of the state and the fue represents the wisdom of the traditional chiefs of Samoa. The combination of blue, white, and red colors and the bald eagle symbol reflects the relationship between the United States and American Samoa. The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 10:19.

History of the Flag of American Samoa

When the Europeans first landed on the Islands, flags were introduced. On April 17, 1900, the US flag was flown for the first time. It remained the only official flag for the next 60 years. In the 1950s, the local government decided in favor of having a local flag. As per the flag designs submitted by the Samoans, The US Army Institute Heraldry and the local leaders together created the modern flag. The modern flag was officially adopted on April 27, 1960.

Symbols of American Samoa

The Seal of American Samoa

The Seal of American Samoa features a fly switch (fue), a staff (To’oto’o), and a tanoa (kava bowl). The staff (To’oto’o) represents the state authority, the fly switch represents the wisdom of the traditional chiefs of Samoa. The tanoa (kava bowl) symbolizes the service to the chief. On the top of the Seal, the date of the first hoisting of the US flag on the islands (17 April 1900) is written, besides the words: Seal of American Samoa. Below the Seal, the national motto of Samoa: “Samoa Muamua Le Atua” (“Samoa, Let God be First”), is inscribed in bold letters.

National Motto

“Samoa Muamua Le Atua” (“Samoa, Let God be First”)

National Anthem

Being an unincorporated territory of the United States of America, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the official national anthem of American Samoa.

However, a regional anthem titled "Amerika Samoa" is used in American Samoa. The music of the anthem have been composed by Napoleon Andrew Tuiteleleapaga. The lyrics of the anthem is based on the national anthem of Zimbabwe and has been authored by Mariota Tiumalu Tuiaso Sopo. The regional anthem was adopted in 1950.