| Location |
Oceania,
group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the
way from Hawaii to New Zealand |
| Geographic
coordinates |
14 20 S, 170
00 W |
| Map
references |
Oceania |
| Area |
total: 199 sq
km
land: 199 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island |
| Land
boundaries: |
0 km |
| Coastline |
116 km |
| Maritime
claims |
exclusive economic
zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm |
| Climate |
tropical marine,
moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages 124 inches;
rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October;
little seasonal temperature variation |
| Terrain |
five volcanic
islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls
(Rose Island, Swains Island) |
| Elevation
extremes |
lowest point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Lata 966 m |
| Natural
resources |
pumice, pumicite |
| Land
use |
arable land:
5%
permanent crops: 10%
permanent pastures: 0%
forests and woodland : 70%
other: 15% (1993 est.) |
| Irrigated
land |
NA sq km |
| Natural
hazards |
typhoons common
from December to March |
Environment
current issues |
limited
natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government
has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water
catchments and pipelines |
Environment
international agreements |
party to: NA
signed, but not ratified: NA |
| note |
Pago Pago has
one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean,
sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains
from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean |