Overview of Guam

Profile

Combining lush tropical forests and white sand beaches, Guam offers year-round swimming opportunities. The economy relies on tourism and U.S. military base-related industries, with numerous short-haul routes from Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries. The official languages are English and Chamorro, with Chamorro culture's festivals and cuisine remaining prominent. Prices are in U.S. dollars, with distribution and infrastructure close to mainland standards. The terrain features limestone plateaus in the north and volcanic hills in the south, with Mount Lamlam at 406m as the highest point. The average annual temperature is around 27°C, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Official name: Territory of Guam
Common name: Guam
Numeric code: 316
Alpha-3 code: GUM
Alpha-2 code: GU
Population: Approximately 170,000 (2023)
Population density: About 310 people/km2
Primary languages: English, Chamorro
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic)
National anthem: Fanohge Chamoru (Stand Ye Guamanians)
Calling code: +1-671
Internet TLD: .gu

History

After Spanish, American, and Japanese occupation, the Organic Act of Guam was established in 1950, making it a self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States.

Magellan arrived in 1521 and it became a Spanish outpost. In 1898, it became a U.S. territory after the Spanish-American War. From 1941 to 1944, it was occupied by Japan and renamed "Omiya Island," but was recaptured by U.S. forces in the Battle of Guam. The 1950 Organic Act transferred civil administration, and the direct election of the governor was introduced in 1968. Residents do not have voting rights in presidential elections, and it is still listed as a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations. Tourism development accelerated from the 1970s, and in recent years its role as a strategic base has increased with plans like the relocation of Okinawa Marines.

Geography & climate

The north features limestone plateaus from uplifted coral reefs, while the south has volcanic hills, with freshwater rivers threading through the center. Reefs and white sand beaches encircle the entire island.

Boundary between tropical monsoon climate (Am) and tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: Oceania / 549 km²
Capital: Hagåtña
Largest city: Dededo
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Coral reefs, Coconut, Banana, Mango, Tropical timber, Groundwater, Limestone, Volcanic soil, Tuna and fishery resources, Tourism landscape, Tidal energy, Bamboo forests, Tropical flowers

Politics

Government: Unincorporated organized territory of the United States

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Chamorro

Time zone: Chamorro Standard Time (ChST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Chamorro, Filipino, Caucasian (mainly U.S. mainland), Micronesian Carolinians, Korean, Chinese

Life expectancy

79 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, American Football, Beach Volleyball, Judo, Triathlon