A Closer Look at Guam
Guam Flag
Guam Formation Date
August 1, 1898
Guam Capital Name
Hagåtña
Guam Neighbours
Exploring Guam
Introduction
Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States, is a small island located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago and has a rich history and culture that is influenced by its diverse inhabitants. The name Guam is derived from the indigenous Chamorro word "Guahan" which means "we have" or "we are all". This reflects the island's welcoming nature and inclusive community.Key Takeaways
- Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean.
- The name Guam is derived from the Chamorro word "Guahan".
- The island has a diverse history and culture influenced by its inhabitants.
Geography
Guam covers a total area of 210 square miles and is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and stunning cliffs. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and has a diverse range of flora and fauna. Its natural resources include fish, timber, and arable land. The climate in Guam is tropical with warm temperatures year-round and high humidity. The island experiences frequent typhoons during the rainy season from July to November.Physical Features
- 210 square miles in total area.
- Beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and stunning cliffs.
- Surrounded by coral reefs.
Natural Resources
- Fish, timber, and arable land.
Climate and Weather Patterns
- Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
- High humidity.
- Frequent typhoons during the rainy season from July to November.
Origin and History
Guam has a long and rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 4,000 years. The island was originally inhabited by the indigenous Chamorro people who were skilled seafarers and farmers. In the 16th century, Guam was colonized by Spain and remained under Spanish rule until 1898 when it was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War. During World War II, Guam was occupied by Japan but was later liberated by American forces. In 1950, Guam became an unincorporated territory of the United States.Ancient Civilizations
- Evidence of human habitation dating back over 4,000 years.
- Inhabited by the indigenous Chamorro people.
- Skilled seafarers and farmers.
Modern History
- Colonized by Spain in the 16th century.
- Ceded to the United States in 1898 after the Spanish-American War.
- Occupied by Japan during World War II.
- Liberated by American forces.
- Became an unincorporated territory of the United States in 1950.
Government and Politics
Guam has a democratic political system with a governor as the head of government and a legislature consisting of 15 senators. The island is divided into 19 municipalities and has a non-voting delegate in the US House of Representatives. Guam also has a close relationship with its neighboring countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.Political System
- Democratic political system.
- Governor as the head of government.
- Legislature consisting of 15 senators.
Administrative Divisions
- 19 municipalities.
Foreign Relations
- Close relationship with neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Commerce and Economy
The economy of Guam is primarily driven by tourism, with over 1.5 million visitors each year. The island also has a strong military presence, with several US military bases located on the island. Other economic sectors include agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing. The official currency of Guam is the US dollar.Economic Sectors
- Tourism.
- Military presence.
- Agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing.
Currency
- The official currency of Guam is the US dollar.
Demographics
Guam has a population of approximately 170,000 people and is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures. The majority of the population is Chamorro, followed by Filipino, White, and other Pacific Islander ethnicities. The median age in Guam is 31 years old.Population Distribution
- Approximately 170,000 people.
- Melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures.
Ethnicity
- Chamorro - majority.
- Filipino, White, and other Pacific Islander ethnicities - minority.
Age Statistics
- Median age is 31 years old.
Culture
The culture of Guam is a blend of indigenous Chamorro traditions and influences from Spanish, American, and Asian cultures. The island has a vibrant arts scene, with traditional dances, music, and crafts still being practiced today. Some popular festivals and traditions in Guam include the Chamorro Month celebration in March and the annual Liberation Day festivities in July.Art
- Blend of indigenous Chamorro traditions and influences from other cultures.
- Vibrant arts scene.
Music
- Traditional dances and music still practiced today.
Festivals and Traditions
- Chamorro Month celebration in March.
- Liberation Day festivities in July.
Languages and Religion
The official languages of Guam are English and Chamorro, with Chamorro being the most widely spoken language. There are also several regional dialects spoken on the island. The majority of the population is Catholic, with a significant number of Protestants and other Christian denominations.Dominant Languages
- English - official language.
- Chamorro - official language, most widely spoken.
- Regional dialects also spoken.
Religion
- Catholic - majority.
- Protestants and other Christian denominations - significant minority.
Education and Healthcare Systems
Guam has a well-developed education system with a high literacy rate. There are several academic institutions on the island, including the University of Guam. The healthcare system in Guam is also well-established, with both public and private hospitals and clinics. The government has implemented various public health initiatives to improve the overall health of the population.Structure
- Well-developed education system.
- High literacy rate.
- University of Guam and other academic institutions.
Healthcare System
- Well-established healthcare system.
- Public and private hospitals and clinics.
Public Health Initiatives
- Government implemented initiatives to improve overall health of the population.
Sports and Recreation
Sports are an integral part of the culture in Guam, with baseball, basketball, and soccer being the most popular sports. The island has produced several world-class athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Maria Dunn. Other popular recreational activities include hiking, diving, and snorkeling.Popular Sports
- Baseball, basketball, and soccer.
National Achievements
- Olympic gold medalist Maria Dunn.
Tourism
Guam is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture. Some must-see attractions include Tumon Bay, Two Lovers Point, and the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. The island also has a well-developed tourism infrastructure with a variety of accommodations and transportation options.Tourist Attractions
- Tumon Bay.
- Two Lovers Point.
- War in the Pacific National Historical Park.
Infrastructure and Transportation
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure.
- Various accommodations and transportation options.
Travel Information for Foreign Visitors
If you are planning a trip to Guam, here is some important information to keep in mind:Visa Requirements
- US citizens do not need a visa to enter Guam.
- Other nationalities may require a visa - check with your embassy or consulate for more information.
Health and Safety
- No major health risks in Guam.
- Take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Exercise caution during typhoon season.
Local Customs and Etiquette
- The Chamorro culture values respect and hospitality - be polite and courteous.
- Avoid wearing revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated in restaurants and for tour guides.
Currency and Payment Methods
- The official currency of Guam is the US dollar.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Sources
Exact Details, Statistics, and Examples
- Guam has a total land area of 210 square miles.
- The island has a population of approximately 170,000 people.
- The official languages are English and Chamorro, with Chamorro being the most widely spoken.
- Guam's economy is primarily driven by tourism, with over 1.5 million visitors each year.
- The median age in Guam is 31 years old.
- Guam has a high literacy rate of over 99%.
- The island has a well-developed education system with several academic institutions, including the University of Guam.
- Sports are an integral part of the culture in Guam, with baseball, basketball, and soccer being the most popular sports.
Quotes
"Guam is not just a beautiful island, but it also has a beautiful culture." - Maria Dunn
Conclusion
In conclusion, Guam is a small but vibrant island with a rich history and culture. From its ancient civilizations to modern-day developments, Guam has something for everyone. Its stunning natural beauty, diverse population, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination. As the island continues to develop and grow, it will surely become an even more popular tourist destination in the future.Guam Highest Point Name
The highest point in Guam is Mount Lamlam, which stands at an elevation of 1,332 feet (406 meters). It is located on the southwestern coast of the island near the village of Agat.
Guam Capital Longitude
The capital of Guam is Hagåtña and it is located at 13.479556 degrees north latitude and 144.760167 degrees east longitude.
Guam Capital Latitude
The capital of Guam is Hagåtña and its coordinates are 13.4757° N, 144.7397° E.
Guam Official Languages
Guam has two official languages, English and Chamorro.
Guam Ethnic Groups
Guam is home to various ethnic groups primarily of Pacific Islander, Filipino, and Chamorro descent. Additionally, the military presence on Guam has brought Filipino, Korean, Japanese, and American people into the population. The Chamorros are the indigenous people of Guam, with roots tracing back thousands of years. Filipino settlers have been known to inhabit Guam since the late 1800s, and today make up the largest ethnic group on the island. Pacific Islanders of many cultural and language backgrounds make up a significant portion of Guam's population, including those of Palau, Marshall Islands, and Micronesia. The diversity of Guam is further enhanced as individuals from all regions of the world come together to form a vibrant community.
Guam Religions
Religion plays an important role in Guam's culture. The Catholic Church is the predominant religion in Guam and a majority of the population are Roman Catholic. Protestant denominations such as Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal make up some of the other main religions on the island. Additionally, there is also a small population of Buddhist and Hindu adherents. Guam also has a significant number of traditional folk religions such as bird worship, shamanism, belief in spirits, and sorcery. There is also a growing community of adherents to the Bahá'í Faith.
Guam Total Area
The total area of Guam is estimated at 549.3 square kilometers (212.0 square miles).
Guam Land Area
Guam has a total area of 210.01 square miles (544.3 km2), making it the 32nd largest island of the United States and the largest and most populous island in Micronesia.
Guam Water Area
According to the United Nations Statistics Division, the total water area of Guam is 3,326 sq km.
Guam Total Population
The total population of Guam is 162,742 as of July 2020, according to the World Bank.
Guam Currency Name
The official currency of Guam is the United States Dollar (USD).
Guam Currency Code
The currency code for Guam is USD (United States Dollar).
Guam Currency Symbol
The currency of Guam is the United States dollar (USD), with the symbol $.
Guam Time Zones
- UTC+10:00
Guam Standard Time is UTC+10. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not observed in Guam.
Guam Calling Code
+1-671
Guam Internet TLD
www.aveholidays.gu
How to Say "Guam" In Different Languages?
- French
- Guam (fr-CA)
- French
- Guam (fr-FR)
- German
- Guam (de-DE)
- Spanish
- Guam (es-HN)
- Hindi
- गुआम (hi-IN)
- Bahasa
- Guam (id-ID)
- Italian
- Guam (it-IT)
- Japanese
- グアム (ja-JP)
- Luxembourgish
- Guam (lb-LU)
- Spanish
- Guam (es-ES)
- Dutch
- Guam (nl-NL)
- Tagalog
- Guam (tl-PH)
- Polish
- Guam (pl-PL)
- Romanian
- Guam (ro-RO)
- Afrikaans
- Guam (af-ZA)
- Spanish
- Guam (es-ES)
- Chinese
- 關島 (zh-TW)
- Thai
- กวม (th-TH)
- English
- Guam (en-GB)
- Vietnamese
- Quảng Đông (vi-VN)
Guam Popular Holidays
- New Year's Day
- 1 January
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 16 January
- Presidents' Day
- 20 February
- Guam Flag Day
- 9 March
- Good Friday
- 30 March
- Easter Sunday
- 1 April
- Memorial Day
- 31 May
- Independence Day
- 4 July
- Liberation Day
- 21 July
- Pleasure Craft Day
- 20 August
- Labor Day
- 2 September
- Indigenous People's Day
- 1 October
- Columbus Day
- 13 October
- Christmas Eve
- 24 December
- Christmas Day
- 25 December
- New Year's Eve
- 31 December