Symbolism
White represents purity and the coconut palm's blossoms. Red represents blood shed by Samoan warriors and the sacred earth. Blue represents freedom, loyalty, and the Pacific Ocean. The bald eagle clutching war clubs and a fly whisk reflects American sovereignty and Samoan chiefly authority.
History
Adopted on April 27, 1960, by order of the territory's first elected governor, Peter Tali Coleman. The design replaced earlier colonial flags and has remained unchanged since American Samoa became a U.S. Territory.
Construction
A 10:19 ratio. A white triangle edged in red and blue pointing to the hoist, with a bald eagle holding a war club and fly whisk on the white field.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Continent
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Pacific
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- AS
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- April 27, 1960
- Proportions
1:2
- De Jure Ratio
- 10:19
- Total Colors
- 3
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Animal
Influences
Flags with resemblance
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The eagle emblem must appear in the lower hoist
- Must not be flown above the United States flag on territory grounds
Practice
Think you know the flags of Oceania? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.