Swains Island Is a Privately Owned Atoll Within American Samoa

Unique among US territories, this remote island has been under the ownership of the Jennings family since the 19th century, creating a fascinating blend of private governance and US territorial law, with a tiny, self-sufficient population.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swains_Island

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Published: March 30, 2026
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American Samoa Geography History Weird Swains Island Private Ownership Atoll Us Territory Remote Island

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