Facts about Am Somoa
American Samoa became a U.S. Territory in 1900, and is the only U.S. Territory south of the equator. It is geographically and culturally part of the Samoan Islands, most of which are part of the independent country of Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa. The natural history of Samoa is fascinating, and provides many opportunities for original research. For example, corals are far more diverse in the Samoan Islands than in the Hawaiian Islands, yet much less research is done there than in Hawai'i. Thus American Samoa provides a logical location for coral scientists and students, especially those based in Hawai'i, to conduct research projects. Furthermore, the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group encourages and facilitates coral-related research.
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