PAGO PAGO

formerly Pango-pango, port and administrative capital (since 1899) of American Samoa, on the south shore of Tutuila island, southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is situated at the head of a densely wooded and steep-sided inlet forming a deeply indented, landlocked harbour. The site was chosen in 1872 by Commander R.W. Meade, who negotiated facilities for a coaling station for the U.S. Navy from the Samoan high chief Mauga. It remained an active naval base from 1900 to 1951 and is now a regular port of call for all types of vessels. Canned tuna is the dominant export. Pago Pago International Airport (formerly Tafuna), built partly on a fringing reef, opened in 1964 and has stimulated tourist traffic. Pago Pago is no longer the shabby place depicted by Somerset Maugham in his short story Rain but has assumed a modern look, with new homes, roads, and other amenities. It has worldwide radio and telegraph communications. Pop. (1985 est.) 3,400.