Alao, American Samoa
Alao | |
|---|---|
Village | |
  Alao | |
| Coordinates: 14°16′3″S 170°33′49″W / 14.26750°S 170.56361°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| Territory |  American Samoa |
| County | Vaifanua |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.56 sq mi (1.45 km2) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 275 |
| • Density | 490/sq mi (190/km2) |
Alao is a village on the narrow east coast of Tutuila Island, American Samoa. It is located close to the island's easternmost point, just to the north of Aunu'u Island. Alao is home to white sand beaches, and is one of the oldest settlements in all of American Samoa.[1] It is located in Vaifanua County, American Samoa.[2][3]
The village gained international attention in 2005 when the village council moved to ban Asian-owned businesses within village boundaries. Its ranking chief, Sogimaletavai Leo, told reporters that the village wanted to protect small Samoan-owned businesses. He also explained that it has been an increased number of Asian-owned stores popping up in neighboring villages on the island's east end.[4]
Olomoana Hill behind Alao is one of very few places in Tutuila where trachyte occurs.[5]
A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is located in town.
Demographics
| Population growth[6] | |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 275 |
| 2010 | 495 |
| 2000 | 528 |
| 1990 | 463 |
| 1980 | 274 |
| 1970 | 390 |
| 1960 | 386 |
| 1950 | 324 |
| 1940 | 195 |
| 1930 | 138 |
Geography
Alao is situated near the southeastern tip of Tutuila Island, where the hamlet of Utumea is located.[7] There is a white sand beach that stretches the whole length of the village of Alao.[8]
References
- ^ Goodwin, Bill (2006). Frommer’s South Pacific. Wiley. Page 401. ISBN 9780471769804.
- ^ Tu’u’u, Misilugi Tulifau Tofaeono (2002). History of Samoa Islands: Supremacy & Legacy of the Malietoa (na Fa'alogo i Ai Samoa). Tuga'ula Publication. Page 427. ISBN 9780958219914.
- ^ Krämer, Augustin (2000). The Samoa Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Page 424. ISBN 9780824822194.
- ^ "American Samoa village bans Asian-owned businesses". 28 January 2005.
- ^ Whistler, W. Arthur (2002). The Samoan Rainforest: A Guide to the Vegetation of the Samoan Archipelago. Isle Botanica. Page 98. ISBN 9780964542631.
- ^ "American Samoa Statistical Yearbook 2016" (PDF). American Samoa Department of Commerce. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
- ^ Krämer, Augustin (2000). The Samoa Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Page 432. ISBN 9780824822194.
- ^ Clayville, Melinda (2021). Explore American Samoa: The Complete Guide to Tutuila, Aunu'u, and Manu'a Islands. Page 49. ISBN 9798556052970.