Pago Pago - a different view of the world

Quite often, when planning a vacation, vacationers think about what it would be nice to visit some exotic place. One option is American Samoa and its administrative center - Pago Pago. It is located on the largest island of Samoa - Tutuila.

Historical reference

The first settlements here arose even 1000 years before our era. But the indigenous people felt at ease until 1722, when Jacob Roggeven first sailed to the islands. However, for another century the Christian missionaries did not dare to land ashore and establish relations with local residents because of their belligerence. But in 1878, the leaders of Samoa allowed the Americans to use the Pago Pago as a parking lot for ships.

Until 1951, there was an American naval base, and the island of Tutuila was subordinated to the military. Since 1977, residents can choose their own governor. However, the supreme authority is still the US president, although Samoans do not have the right to take part in the presidential elections.

Device and population

In fact, Pago Pago is not one city, but the aggregate name of several settlements that lie along the shore of the harbor with the same name. That is why the harbor, the bay, the capital, and the whole region are called so. In fact, three villages are the main ones in the region: Pago Pago proper, Fagotogo and Utulay. The population in all three settlements in the total, according to the 2010 census, did not exceed six thousand people. At the same time, about a third of the residents work at a huge factory for the production of canned tuna. The rest of the people are involved in tourism. We can say that Fagotogo is considered to be the center of financial and political life. It is here that the largest number of banks, government and commercial institutions are concentrated.

Two opposites

In general, the capital of American Samoa is quite a charming place. If you look at the images of Pago Pago, the photos show an unusual combination of neglect and local color, poor, boring buildings and lovely houses with interesting architecture. Of course, not too pleased with the abundance of garbage in the streets, a complete mess and a fairly dirty harbor. However, the authorities are doing everything possible to bring the capital into a divine appearance, although this will certainly take a lot of time.

By the way, the harbor, despite all the shortcomings, is really an amazing place. This volcanic caldera practically "cuts" the island into two parts. At the same time, it is perfectly protected and is an excellent anchorage for ships, as well as one of the largest harbors in the South Pacific.

Where to go and what to do

Another attraction worth seeing is the Jane Heydon Museum (wives of Governor John Haydon) in Fagotogo. Here are collected various artifacts of antiquity, ancient national products of arts and crafts, historical books, three moonstones brought from the Earth satellite - a gift from President Richard Nixon.

A unique collection of rare books, magazines and black and white photographs illustrating the life of American Samoa is kept in the public library.

Interesting and informative is a visit to the nearby villages of Waitoga and Aoloau Fow. Their inhabitants make utensils and household items from plants.

Many tourists are attracted to other treasures of Pago Pago. To such it is possible to carry mountains and the most beautiful lagoons. Interesting for tourists is Mount Alava, located in the State Park. The view from this peak is mesmerizing. Well, lovers of luxuriate under the sun will find the charming harbor of Pago Pago. In search of the cleanest beaches it is better to go to the neighborhood of the city. It's worth visiting the Strait of Fagas and watching the migration of dolphins or surfing in the Pola Strait. In general, you will not have to miss Pago Pago, but after visiting there, you will see the world from an entirely different angle.