9 Aug 2006

American Samoa's population increasing steadily

7:12 pm on 9 August 2006

The American Samoa population is growing at a rate of 2.3 percent, with nearly 10,000 more people living in the territory now compared with six years ago.

The population is estimated to have reached nearly 67,000.

There were just over 1,700 births last year but the Department of Commerce says fertility rates are in decline with more women entering the workforce or moving off island for further education.

The data does not include migration figures.

Since 2002 the statistical division has not received any data on arrivals and departures but according to DOC, there's a constant influx of migrants from Asia and Pacific island countries.