The bald eagle and the blue, white and red colors symbolize the country's ties to the United States.

[2] According to the flag's designer, Uinifareti Rapi Sotoa, the white section represents the Manuʻa District.

[4][6] As a result of an agreement with the high chiefs of the island of Tutuila, the United States took control over easternmost Samoa on April 17, 1900, and raised their flag that same day.

[11] The flag consists of a large white triangle, pointed towards the hoist, bordered in red and charged with an eagle, all on a blue field.

The red, white and blue represent the colors traditionally utilized by both the United States and Samoa.

[16] The symbols are a uatogi (a war club, epitomizing the government's power) and a fue (a fly-whisk, representing the wisdom of traditional Samoan leaders).