Flag of American Samoa

Design and main elements

The flag shows a white isosceles triangle with a narrow red border pointing toward the hoist (flagpole). The rest of the field is a dark blue, divided into two triangular areas above and below the white wedge. Centered in the white triangle is a depiction of the American bald eagle clutching two traditional Samoan items.

• The eagle: Represents the relationship with the United States and the protection of the territory.
• Traditional objects: The eagle holds a war club (uatogi) and a fly-whisk (fue), symbols associated with Samoan chiefly authority and cultural wisdom.
• Colors: Red, white, and blue echo the palette of the U.S. flag while also providing contrast and visibility.

History and development

The flag’s central motif derives from the territory’s seal and was introduced in the mid-20th century as a distinct emblem for American Samoa. It was formally adopted as a territorial flag in 1960 to provide a local symbol that acknowledges both Samoan tradition and the territory’s political ties to the United States.

Use, protocol and notable facts

In practice the American Samoa flag is displayed alongside the United States flag; federal protocol gives precedence to the U.S. flag, but territorial law and custom frequently require both to be visible at public institutions. The combination of an American bald eagle with Indigenous Samoan insignia is a notable feature that sets this flag apart among U.S. territorial flags.

For a concise official overview and illustrations, see the Flag of American Samoa reference entry.