American Samoa Country Summary

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Information for the United States may be included below:

FATF Status

The U.S.A. is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The latest follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the USA was undertaken by in 2024. According to that Evaluation, the USA was deemed Compliant for 9 and Largely Compliant for 23 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 4 and Substantially Effective for 4 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

American Samoa, as an unincorporated territory of the United States, is part of a broader context where the US faces significant challenges from various criminal markets, including human trafficking, arms trafficking, drug trade, and cyber crimes. Vulnerable populations are often targeted, and criminal networks, including foreign groups, exert considerable influence across these markets. Despite these challenges, the US has shown resilience through international cooperation, a robust legal framework, and efforts to support crime victims, although issues like political polarization and public trust in law enforcement remain concerns.

American Samoa's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, tuna canning, and government services, with the tuna canning sector being particularly susceptible to economic changes. As of 2022, the territory's GDP was estimated at $709 million, with a per capita GDP of approximately $11,200, and it faces high unemployment rates, primarily due to a workforce concentrated in the public sector and the remaining tuna cannery.

The investment climate in American Samoa is shaped by its status as a U.S. territory, which offers federal protections and funding opportunities. However, potential investors face challenges such as a limited local market, high operational costs, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, there are unique investment opportunities in the underdeveloped tourism sector and sustainable fisheries, bolstered by the territory's strategic location and rich marine biodiversity.