Guam

Guam is an island that is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Hagåtña, and the most populous village is Dededo. As the westernmost point of the United States, Guam holds special importance geographically. It is the largest island in Micronesia and the southernmost of the Mariana Islands.

The Chamorro people are the largest ethnic group on Guam, with roots tracing back thousands of years. They settled the island around 3,500 years ago and have a unique language that stands apart from many of their neighbors. The island was first visited by European explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and later colonized by Spain. In 1898, during the Spanish–American War, the United States captured Guam, and it has remained a U.S. territory since.

Today, Guam's economy is supported mainly by tourism and the presence of the U.S. military, which considers the island a key strategic location. The people of Guam often discuss their future political status, with many expressing a desire for American statehood. Guam is known for its phrase "Where America's Day Begins," due to its position near the International Date Line.

Etymology

Guam is called Guåhan by Chamorro speakers, from the word guaha, meaning 'to have'. This name shows how the island gives people everything they need to live.

History

Main article: History of Guam

Pre-Contact era

Main article: Mariana Islands § Prehistory

Guam and the other Mariana Islands were among the first places in Remote Oceania to be settled by humans. People from the Philippines arrived between 1500 and 1400 BC, followed by others from the Caroline Islands around the first century AD, and later from Island Southeast Asia around 900 AD.

These early settlers became the Chamorro people. Their society had four classes: chiefs, upper class, middle class, and lower class. The upper class lived near the coast for better fishing, while the lower class lived inland. They built homes on stone pillars called latte stones, which are special to the Mariana Islands.

Spanish era

Further information: Spanish–Chamorro Wars

The first European to see Guam was Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Spain officially claimed the island in 1565. Spanish rule began in 1668 when a mission led by Diego Luis de San Vitores established the first Catholic church. The Spanish-Chamorro Wars began in 1670 due to tensions with the Jesuit mission, with major uprisings continuing until 1683.

Wars, typhoons, and a smallpox outbreak greatly reduced the Chamorro population from around 50,000 to less than 5,000. By 1818, Guam had about 7,555 people, including Spanish soldiers. The island served as a stop for whalers starting in 1823. A big typhoon in 1848 and an earthquake in 1849 caused refugees from the Caroline Islands to arrive.

American era

Further information: Capture of Guam

The United States took control of Guam in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. The U.S. Navy managed the island, improving roads, sanitation, and schools, but limited civil rights for the Chamorro people. Efforts for U.S. citizenship and more self-government began soon after and continued for years.

World War I

On December 10, 1914, the German ship SMS Cormoran entered Apra Harbor low on coal. The United States, neutral at the time, refused to supply enough coal for the ship to reach a German port, so the ship and its crew were kept there until 1917.

When the United States entered World War I on April 7, 1917, Governor Roy Campbell Smith sent officers to tell the Cormoran it must surrender. The ship’s captain agreed but refused to give up the vessel. After the Americans left, an explosion on the Cormoran caused debris to fly and the crew began abandoning ship. American boats rescued most of the crew, marking some of the first actions of the United States in World War I.

World War II

Japan invaded Guam in December 1941, renaming it Ōmiya-jima. The occupation lasted about 31 months, during which many Chamorros suffered hardships. The United States recaptured Guam in the Battle of Guam in July to August 1944. July 21 is celebrated as Liberation Day.

Post-war

After World War II, the Guam Organic Act of 1950 made Guam an unincorporated organized territory of the United States and granted U.S. citizenship to its people, though full civil and political rights were not included. The Governor of Guam was appointed by the federal government until 1968 when the position became an elected office. Because Guam is not a U.S. state, its residents do not vote for president and have only a non-voting representative in the U.S. Congress.

In 1969, a vote to unify with the Northern Mariana Islands was rejected. In the 1970s, new programs were started at the University of Guam. Tourism grew after President Kennedy removed Guam’s security clearance in 1963. However, the 1997 Asian financial crisis, military cutbacks, typhoons, and events like the September 11 attacks and a plane crash affected Guam’s economy.

Geography and environment

Main article: Geography of Guam

See also: Geology of Guam

Guam is an island that is 30.17 miles long and 4 to 12 miles wide, covering an area of 212 square miles. It is the 32nd largest island in the United States and the largest island in both the Mariana Islands and Micronesia. Point Udall on Guam is the westernmost point of the United States.

The island was formed by the collision of the Pacific and Philippine Sea tectonic plates. The northern part of Guam has a limestone plateau formed from old coral reefs, while the southern part is rugged from more recent volcanic activity. Mount Lamlam, Guam's highest point, stands at 1,334 feet above sea level.

Politically, Guam is divided into 19 villages, with most people living in the northern part of the island.

Climate

Further information: Climate change in Guam and List of typhoons in Guam

Guam has a tropical rainforest climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. The island has two main seasons: a wet season from July to November and a dry season from December to May. Average annual rainfall is about 98 inches.

Guam often experiences typhoons, especially from August to November. After major typhoons, building rules were changed to use stronger materials like concrete.

Ecology

Main article: Marianas tropical dry forests

Guam is home to many different ecosystems, including coral reefs, forests, and caves. The island has several plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. However, invasive species like the brown tree snake have caused many native birds to disappear.

Efforts are being made to protect Guam's natural habitats, including establishing marine preserves to help fish populations recover. The Guam National Wildlife Refuge protects sea turtles and fruit bats.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Guam

In the 2020 United States census, the largest group of people living in Guam were the native Chamorros, making up 32.8% of the population. Asians, such as Filipinos, Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese, made up 35.5% of the people. Other groups from Micronesia, like those from Chuukese, Palauan, and Pohnpeians, accounted for 13.2%. About 10% of the population had mixed backgrounds. European Americans were 6.8%, and 1% were African Americans. Around 3% were Hispanic, including 1,740 Mexicans.

The main languages spoken in Guam are English and Chamorro. Chamorro is a unique language, not part of the Micronesian or Polynesian language families. Filipino is also widely spoken. Other Pacific and Asian languages are spoken there too. Although Spanish was once the main language for 300 years, it is not commonly spoken today, but it has influenced the Chamorro language.

Most people in Guam practice Christianity. About three-quarters follow Catholicism, and many others belong to Protestant churches.

Main article: Culture of Guam

Further information: Chamorro people and Music of Guam

The culture of Guam blends traditional Chamorro ways with American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. After contact with Europeans, many old Chamorro customs were lost, but there is now a growing effort to preserve the language and culture. Hispanic influences can be seen in the local language, music, dance, food, and games.

Historically, the Chamorro people lived on Guam for nearly 4000 years. They grew rice and had their own language. During Spanish rule from 1668 to 1898, most people became Catholic, and many now have Spanish surnames. The traditional Chamorro diet included fish, rice, breadfruit, taro, yams, bananas, and coconuts. Today, the cuisine includes foods like tortillas and tamales, influenced by Spanish and Mexican traditions.

Sports

Guam's most popular sports are American football, basketball, and baseball. Soccer, jiu-jitsu, and rugby are also played. Guam has hosted the Pacific Games and has teams that compete in basketball and football. The Guam men's national basketball team and the women's team are strong in the Oceania region. The Guam national football team joined FIFA in 1996 and has had some notable wins. Traditional sling competitions are also part of the island's cultural revival.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Guam

See also: Energy in Guam and Underwater diving on Guam

Guam's economy is mainly driven by tourism, military bases, and local businesses. Thanks to a special law by Congress, Guam keeps the taxes paid by its residents and military staff, instead of sending them to the U.S. government.

Tourism

See also: Underwater diving on Guam

Guam is a favorite spot for visitors from Japan and South Korea. The area known as Tumon has many big hotels, shops, entertainment areas, an indoor aquarium, and shows similar to those in Las Vegas. The island is close to Asia, and each year it welcomes over a million tourists to its hotels and golf courses.

Most visitors come from Japan, but many also travel from South Korea, the U.S., the Philippines, and Taiwan. Shopping is a big draw, with many places to buy designer goods without extra taxes. Malls like Micronesia Mall and Guam Premier Outlets are very popular.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it harder for tourism to grow. In 2023, there were about 656,000 visitors, which is half the number from 2013. But things are getting better. In 2024, there were around 775,000 visitors arriving at the Guam International Airport. Tourism provides jobs for over 21,000 people, which is about a third of all workers on the island.

Budget and unemployment

Guam's economy has seen changes in jobs over the years. In 2003, about 14% of people did not have jobs. By 2019, this dropped to 6.1%, but it went up to 17.9% in 2020. By June 2023, it was down to 4.0%, and in September 2023, it was 4.1%.

Pacific migration to Guam

Many people from nearby Pacific islands move to Guam because they can live there under special agreements between the United States and their countries. This has brought more people to the island, which has affected public services.

In 2003, the U.S. government agreed to give money each year to help Guam and other areas manage these changes. In 2024, this agreement was updated to keep helping these places.

Military bases

The U.S. military has many bases on Guam, covering almost 29% of the island. These include spots for the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. In 2010, plans were made to bring more Marines and their families to Guam from Okinawa, Japan. This would add many people to the island's population. However, there were concerns about the environment. By 2022, the Marine Corps decided to station 5,000 Marines on Guam, with some already there.

Government and politics

See also: Politics of Guam, Voting in Guam, Political party strength in Guam, and Government of Guam

Guam is led by a governor and a group of 15 senators who help make laws. There is also a top court called the Supreme Court of Guam to make sure everyone follows the rules.

Guam elects a delegate to the United States House of Representatives. This delegate can speak and help with decisions but cannot vote on final laws. People who live in Guam are U.S. citizens and can choose a president in a special vote, but their votes do not count toward the final result.

Political status

In the past, many people in Guam wanted more control over their own rules, like other places such as Puerto Rico. In 1982, people voted to explore this idea, but the U.S. government said no because it did not match the rules of the U.S. Constitution. Some people still talk about Guam becoming a state, joining with another place, or becoming fully independent.

In 1997, a group was formed to teach people about these choices. In 2016, they started planning to share more information with everyone on the island. The United Nations supports helping Guam decide its future.

Villages

Main article: Villages of Guam

See also: List of census-designated places in Guam

Guam has 19 villages, including Dededo and the capital Hagåtña. These villages are like small towns.

Transportation and communications

Main articles: Communications in Guam and Transportation in Guam

Guam has modern mobile phone services and high-speed internet through cable or DSL. In 1997, Guam joined the North American Numbering Plan, using area code 671. This made calls to the continental U.S easier and cheaper.

Guam is an important place for undersea cables that carry information between the Western U.S., Hawaii, Australia, and Asia. It helps connect many places and offers good internet speeds.

The Port of Guam is very important because most goods come by ship. A shipping company called Matson, Inc. visits weekly, connecting Guam to places like Hawaii, California, and Washington.

Guam has the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport. Because Guam is outside the U.S. customs zone, it has its own customs and quarantine agency. Passengers coming from the United States do not need an immigration check, but they go through Guam’s customs.

Most people on Guam drive their own cars. There is also a bus service run by the Guam Regional Transit Authority, and some buses for tourists.

Education

See also: List of schools in Guam

The Guam Public Library System runs the Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library in Hagåtña and five smaller libraries.

The Guam Department of Education looks after all the schools on the island. In the year 2000, about 32,000 students went to public schools. These included 26 elementary schools, eight middle schools, and six high schools. The schools in Guam have faced challenges, such as students leaving school early and not doing well on tests.

Guam’s schools have always had special difficulties because it is a small place, far away from the U.S. mainland, and students come from many different backgrounds. An economic slowdown in the 1990s made these problems even harder.

Before September 1997, the U.S. Department of Defense worked with Guam’s school board. After that, the Department of Defense Education Activity started its own schools for children of military families. In 2000, about 2,500 students went to these schools, which include three elementary/middle schools and one high school.

The University of Guam (UOG) and Guam Community College offer higher education. Both schools are approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. UOG is one of only 106 special schools in the United States called land-grant institutions. There is also Pacific Islands University, a small Christian college approved by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

Health care

Further information: 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Guam

The main hospital on Guam is Guam Memorial Hospital, located in Tamuning. It is run by the government of Guam and has doctors and dentists for all kinds of health needs. There is also a hospital for members of the military and their families at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Agana Heights.

Guam has a service called CareJet, which is an air ambulance that can quickly take patients who need urgent care to the right place. In 2016, a private hospital named the Guam Regional Medical City opened. People in Guam can use Medicaid to help pay for their medical care.