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Location:
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Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand
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Geographic coordinates:
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14 20 S, 170 00 W
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Map references:
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oceania
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Area:
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total: 199 sq km
note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island
water: 0 sq km
land: 199 sq km
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Area - comparative:
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slightly larger than Washington, DC
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Land boundaries:
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0 km
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Coastline:
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116 km
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Maritime claims:
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territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
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Climate:
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tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation
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Terrain:
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five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Lata 966 m
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Natural resources:
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pumice, pumicite
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Land use:
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arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 15%
other: 75% (2001)
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Irrigated land:
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NA sq km
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Natural hazards:
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typhoons common from December to March
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Environment - current issues:
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limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water catchments and pipelines
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Geography - note:
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Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean
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