American Samoa vs United States
American Samoa has a population of 50K, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 6841.9 times more populous than American Samoa. United States covers 9,525,067 km², 47864.7 times larger than American Samoa's 199 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 5.5 years higher than American Samoa's 72.9 years.
American SamoaUnited States| Population | -100.0%50K | +684090.3%340.1M |
| Area | -100.0%199 km² | +4786365.8%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | — | $28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.1%72.9 yrs | +7.6%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | — | 5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 4.2% |
| Capital | Pago Pago | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Oceania | Americas |
| Languages | English, Samoan | English |
| Currencies | USD ($) | USD ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
United States is 6841.9 times more populous than American Samoa, with 340.1M residents compared to 50K. American Samoa is a nation of 50K people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, American Samoa averages 250 people per km² (dense), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While American Samoa has grown at -1.27% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
American Samoa is classified as a low-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. United States's GDP stands at $28.75T. GDP data is not available for American Samoa. Economic indicator data is not available for American Samoa. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in American Samoa is 72.9 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 5.5 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while American Samoa (72.9 years) is 0.9 years above the global average of 72 years. United States's infant mortality rate is 5.5 per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality data is not available for American Samoa.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 47864.7 times larger by land area than American Samoa (199 km²). American Samoa shares borders with 0 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. American Samoa spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. American Samoa lies in Oceania, while United States is located in North America. American Samoa is categorized within the Oceania region (Polynesia), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between American Samoa and United States is in land area: American Samoa's 199 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between American Samoa and United States is in population: American Samoa's 50K compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between American Samoa and United States is in life expectancy: American Samoa's 72.9 years compared to United States's 78.4 years represents a 7% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between American Samoa's low-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
American Samoa is 7.0x more densely populated than United States (250 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 5.5 years longer than those of American Samoa (78.4 vs 72.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Travel Comparison
American Samoa vs United States for Families
For family travel, American Samoa generally edges ahead due to stronger economic indicators and more developed tourism infrastructure. United States offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though American Samoa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
American Samoa vs United States for Budget Travelers
American Samoa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in American Samoa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
American Samoa vs United States for Retirees
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. American Samoa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
American Samoa vs United States for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between American Samoa and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. American Samoa spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, American Samoa or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to American Samoa's 50K. United States is 6841.9 times more populous than American Samoa.
Which country has a higher GDP, American Samoa or United States?
GDP data is not available for American Samoa. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between American Samoa and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to American Samoa's 72.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.5 years. American Samoa's life expectancy is 0.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, American Samoa or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to American Samoa's 199 km². United States is 47864.7 times larger than American Samoa.
What languages are spoken in American Samoa and United States?
American Samoa recognizes the following languages: English, Samoan. United States recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, American Samoa or United States?
Inflation data is not available for American Samoa. United States's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is American Samoa or United States better for a family holiday?
For family travel, American Samoa generally edges ahead due to stronger economic indicators and more developed tourism infrastructure. United States offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though American Samoa's...
Is American Samoa or United States cheaper to visit?
American Samoa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in American Samoa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United S...
Is American Samoa or United States better for retirement?
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. American Samoa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ...
Is American Samoa or United States better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between American Samoa and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. American Samoa spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. B...