Explanation: The source indicates American Samoa is located in the South Pacific Ocean, not the North Pacific Ocean.

Explanation: To distinguish it from the sovereign nation of Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), American Samoa is sometimes referred to as *Eastern Samoa*.

Explanation: American Samoa comprises the inhabited volcanic islands of Tutuila, Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta'ū, along with the uninhabited Rose Atoll and Swains Island.

Explanation: The total land area of American Samoa is approximately 77 square miles, which is only slightly larger than Washington, D.C., not significantly larger.

Explanation: American Samoa is the southernmost territory of the United States, situated 2,200 miles southwest of Hawaii.

Explanation: A significant earthquake measuring 8.1 in magnitude occurred off the coast of American Samoa on September 28, 2009.

Explanation: The tsunami generated by the 2009 earthquake produced waves that reached heights of 15 to 20 feet on Tutuila, not up to 50 feet.

Explanation: American Samoa possesses a tropical climate year-round, characterized by a wet season (December to March) and a dry season (April to September).

Explanation: The Pago Pago area receives significantly more rainfall, averaging approximately 200 inches (5,100 millimeters) annually due to its mountainous terrain catching trade winds.

Explanation: The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S., not the smallest.

Explanation: Megabats, specifically the Pacific flying fox and the Samoa flying fox, are indeed the only native mammals found in American Samoa.

Explanation: Sixteen of the Samoan Islands' 34 bird species are endemic, signifying they exist exclusively within this region.

Explanation: American Samoa is situated in the Polynesia region of the South Pacific Ocean.

Explanation: Savai'i is the largest island of the independent nation of Samoa, not part of American Samoa, which includes Tutuila, Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta'ū, Rose Atoll, and Swains Island.

Explanation: The total land area of American Samoa (approximately 77 square miles) is slightly larger than that of Washington, D.C.

Explanation: An earthquake measuring 8.1 in magnitude struck off the coast of American Samoa on September 28, 2009.

Explanation: The tsunami waves generated by the 2009 earthquake reached approximately 15 to 20 feet high upon striking Tutuila.

Explanation: The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is significant as the largest U.S. marine sanctuary, protecting diverse coral species, including some of the largest and oldest globally.

Explanation: Megabats, including the Pacific flying fox and the Samoa flying fox, are the only native mammals indigenous to American Samoa.

Explanation: The Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen is credited as the first European to sight the Samoan Islands in 1722.

Explanation: During Lapérouse's 1789 visit to Tutuila, an attack by Samoans resulted in the deaths of several crew members, leading him to name the area Massacre Bay, not 'Paradise Island'.

Explanation: Missionary efforts in the Samoas commenced in late 1830 under the leadership of John Williams of the London Missionary Society.

Explanation: Due to proactive measures taken by Governor John Martin Poyer, American Samoa successfully avoided significant deaths during the 1918 influenza pandemic, making the statement false.

Explanation: The Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen was the first European documented to have sighted the Samoan Islands in 1722.

Explanation: During Lapérouse's visit, an altercation with Samoans led to the deaths of his second in command and several crew members, resulting in the area being named Massacre Bay.

Explanation: Governor Poyer proactively requested quarantine ships from the U.S. mainland upon learning of the influenza outbreak, effectively preventing pandemic deaths in American Samoa.

Explanation: The 1899 Tripartite Convention resulted in the eastern islands becoming a U.S. territory (American Samoa) and the western islands becoming German Samoa, contrary to the statement.

Explanation: Following the 1899 convention, the United States formally annexed Tutuila in 1900 and the Manu'a Islands in 1904.

Explanation: Rear Admiral Benjamin Franklin Tilley served as the inaugural Governor of American Samoa from 1900 to 1901.

Explanation: Samuelu Ripley was a leader of the American Samoa Mau movement, which sought greater autonomy for the territory following World War I.

Explanation: Swains Island was annexed by the United States in 1925 through Public Resolution 68–75, following the dissolution of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate by the United Kingdom, not a French Protectorate.

Explanation: The 1949 attempt to incorporate American Samoa via Organic Act 4500 was defeated, largely due to opposition from Samoan chiefs, not their support.

Explanation: Following the rejection of the 1949 Organic Act proposal, efforts by Samoan chiefs led to the establishment of the American Samoa Fono, the territory's legislative body.

Explanation: American Samoa is classified as an unincorporated territory, meaning the U.S. Constitution does not apply in its entirety, contrary to the statement.

Explanation: The Ratification Act of 1929 explicitly grants the President of the United States ultimate authority over American Samoa, encompassing all civil, judicial, and military powers.

Explanation: In 1951, President Truman delegated authority over American Samoa to the Secretary of the Interior, not the Secretary of Defense.

Explanation: While promulgated on June 2, 1967, the Revised Constitution of American Samoa became effective on July 1, 1967.

Explanation: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa are elected by popular vote on the same ticket for a four-year term, not by the territorial legislature.

Explanation: The President of the United States serves as the head of state for American Samoa, and the Secretary of the Interior oversees the territory's governmental functions.

Explanation: The American Samoa Senate is composed of chiefs elected by the islands, while the House of Representatives has popularly elected members.

Explanation: Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, individuals born in American Samoa are classified as U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens at birth.

Explanation: American Samoan nationals are restricted from voting in U.S. federal elections unless they become naturalized U.S. citizens.

Explanation: American Samoa has its own distinct immigration law, separate from the mainland United States, although U.S. nationals may reside there freely.

Explanation: International rivalries concerning the Samoan Islands were settled through the 1899 Tripartite Convention, which partitioned the archipelago between Germany and the United States.

Explanation: Rear Admiral Benjamin Franklin Tilley served as the inaugural Governor of American Samoa from 1900 to 1901.

Explanation: Samuelu Ripley, a leader of the Mau movement, was prevented from disembarking upon his return to American Samoa and was subsequently exiled.

Explanation: Samoan chiefs largely opposed the 1949 Organic Act proposal, fearing it would erode their cultural practices and traditional land ownership systems.

Explanation: The American Samoa Fono, the territory's legislative assembly, was established subsequent to the defeat of the 1949 Organic Act incorporation attempt.

Explanation: U.S. law classifies American Samoa as an unincorporated territory, meaning the U.S. Constitution does not apply in its entirety.

Explanation: The Ratification Act of 1929 designates the President of the United States as the holder of ultimate civil, judicial, and military authority over American Samoa.

Explanation: In 1951, President Truman delegated administrative authority over American Samoa to the Secretary of the Interior via Executive Order 10264.

Explanation: The Revised Constitution of American Samoa, promulgated on June 2, 1967, officially became effective on July 1, 1967.

Explanation: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa are elected together as a ticket through popular vote for a four-year term.

Explanation: The President of the United States holds the position of head of state for American Samoa.

Explanation: The Senate of the American Samoa Fono is composed of 18 members who are elected by and from the traditional island chiefs.

Explanation: Individuals born in American Samoa are considered U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens at birth, according to the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Explanation: Unlike most other U.S. jurisdictions, American Samoa maintains its own distinct immigration law.

Explanation: The Samoan name for American Samoa is *Amerika Sāmoa*, and the name 'Samoa' itself is believed to mean 'Holy Center', derived from the Samoan words *sa* (sacred) and *moa* (center).

Explanation: Post-WWII emigration patterns show American Samoans moving to Hawaii and the U.S. mainland adopting American football and baseball, while those emigrating to New Zealand favored rugby.

Explanation: In 1999, American Samoa officially recognized both Samoan and English as its official languages, not English as the sole language.

Explanation: Concerns regarding the preservation of unique cultural and land ownership systems are primary drivers behind opposition to birthright citizenship in American Samoa.

Explanation: Over 90% of land in American Samoa is under native communal ownership, not individual private ownership.

Explanation: American Samoan law prohibits the transfer of native communal land to individuals with any non-native blood, contradicting the statement.

Explanation: In the 2020 census, 89.4% reported having at least partial Samoan ethnicity, and 83.2% reported solely Samoan ethnicity. The figure for 'at least partial' is just under 90%.

Explanation: American Samoa is widely known as the 'Football Islands' due to the disproportionately high number of its male residents who play professionally in the National Football League (NFL).

Explanation: The 'fa'a Samoa' encompasses Samoan language and customs, while 'fa'a matai' specifically relates to the protocols of the chief system (*matai*) and councils (*fono*).

Explanation: The Samoan *'aiga* represents an extended family unit, a fundamental social structure, differing significantly from the Western concept of a nuclear family.

Explanation: The *matai* (chiefs) and the *fono* (council of *matai*) hold significant responsibilities, including the distribution of family exchanges and the management of communal lands.

Explanation: The name 'Samoa' is believed to signify 'Holy Center', derived from the Samoan words *sa* (sacred) and *moa* (center).

Explanation: Following WWII, American Samoans emigrating to Hawaii and the U.S. mainland gravitated towards American football and baseball, whereas those migrating to New Zealand predominantly embraced rugby.

Explanation: American Samoa officially designated both Samoan and English as its official languages in 1999.

Explanation: Opponents of birthright citizenship in American Samoa express concern that it could jeopardize the territory's unique land ownership customs and political structure.

Explanation: Native land, constituting over 90% of the territory's total landmass, is held under communal ownership by families (*'aiga*).

Explanation: American Samoan law strictly prohibits the transfer of native communal land to any individual possessing any degree of non-native blood.

Explanation: According to the 2020 census data, 83.2% of American Samoa's population reported solely Samoan ethnicity.

Explanation: American Samoa is widely known as the 'Football Islands' due to the disproportionately high number of its male residents who play professionally in the National Football League (NFL).

Explanation: The term '*fa'a Samoa*' encompasses the traditional Samoan language and customs that are integral to the cultural identity of the territory.

Explanation: In Samoan society, the *'aiga* refers to the extended family unit, a fundamental social structure.

Explanation: Pago Pago Harbor was primarily valued in the late 19th century as a strategic refueling station for coal-fired shipping and whaling operations, not for agricultural development.

Explanation: Tuna canning serves as the principal economic activity in American Samoa, generating substantial employment and revenue for the territorial government.

Explanation: The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 contributed to increased operational costs, leading to the closure of the Chicken of the Sea tuna plant in 2009.

Explanation: The U.S. federal government does not impose federal income tax on income generated in American Samoa by its residents, with the exception of U.S. government employment income. The territorial government levies taxes on worldwide income.

Explanation: American Samoa functions as an independent customs territory, imposing a general import tax of 8%, distinct from U.S. federal customs regulations.

Explanation: Internet speeds in American Samoa have been characterized as significantly slower than those in most major U.S. cities, often lagging behind even some Eastern European countries.

Explanation: The maximum speed limit on highways in American Samoa is 30 miles per hour, not 55 miles per hour.

Explanation: The territory is served by three airports: Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila, Ofu Airport on Ofu island, and Fitiuta Airport on Ta'ū island.

Explanation: Samoa Packing cited increased foreign competition and minimum wage hikes as primary reasons for its closure in 2009.

Explanation: Pago Pago Harbor was valued by international vessels in the late 19th century primarily as a crucial refueling station for coal-fired shipping and whaling operations.

Explanation: Tuna canning serves as the principal economic activity and forms the backbone of the American Samoa economy.

Explanation: The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 led to the closure of the Chicken of the Sea plant and significant layoffs within the tuna industry, including at StarKist.

Explanation: The U.S. federal government does not levy federal income tax on income earned by residents in American Samoa, excluding U.S. government employment income. The territorial government assumes this taxation responsibility.

Explanation: American Samoa imposes a general import tax rate of 8%.

Explanation: Internet speeds in American Samoa have been characterized as slower than those in many Eastern European countries and only marginally better than 1990s dial-up speeds on the U.S. mainland.

Explanation: The maximum legal speed limit on highways within American Samoa is 30 miles per hour.

Explanation: Pago Pago International Airport, situated on Tutuila island, is the primary airport serving American Samoa.

Explanation: The significant presence of U.S. Marines during World War II, at times outnumbering the local population, exerted a notable influence on American Samoan culture.

Explanation: The source material indicates that astronaut crews from Apollo 10, 12, 13, 14, and 17 were recovered near American Samoa and transported to Pago Pago International Airport.

Explanation: American Samoa is listed by the United Nations among 'non-self-governing territories', a classification that territorial officials dispute, considering themselves self-governing.

Explanation: The substantial deployment of U.S. Marines during World War II, whose numbers sometimes exceeded the local population, exerted a significant influence on American Samoan culture.

Explanation: Astronaut crews from Apollo missions 10, 12, 13, 14, and 17 were recovered near American Samoa and subsequently transported to Pago Pago International Airport.