Most people live in villages along the narrow coastal plains, living off the sea and cultivating agriculture in the plains and nearby hills. Half the island chain is still covered with tropical forests and woodlands that are home to wildlife and birds. While there is a strong American influence in the islands, American Samoans retain our cultural heritage. Extended family groups, known as aiga , are the central unit. Each aiga is led by a matai.
Visitors are welcome to attend services.
Traveling through an American Samoan village means traveling through a barrage of colors as Samoans pride in their gardens and cultivate many different plant life. Fale - thatched, open sided and floored with sturdy mats. Each aiga has a meeting fale where the matai discusses matters with the aiga. Economic activity is strongly linked to the United States, which is American Samoa's main trading partner. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private sector and employ a third of the people.