PAGO PAGO (RNZ Pacific/Pacnews) — The population of American Samoa has dropped by more than 600 continuing a trend of population loss in the U.S territory.
Data released by the American Samoa Commerce Department shows the population in the middle of the year is just over 51,000, which is slightly lower than the 2021 estimated mid-year count.
The department’s report shows that the population count as of 01 July is estimated at 51,269.
It believes that is due “mainly because of the continued net-migration and much lower fertility.”
There were 7,804 mid-year arrivals and 8,449 departures resulting in a net travel of minus-645.
The report also states that there were only 713 births for the period covered.
“American Samoa is showing very low fertility that warrants immediate attention to policy assessment and population impact implications,” the report said.
The U.S Census Bureau released last year shows the population count in 2020 decreased by 10.5% from the 2010 Census.
