Guam is an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States in Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the westernmost point and territory of the United States, along with the Northern Mariana Islands. The capital city of Guam is Hagåtña and the most populous city is Dededo.
Guam is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands chain. It covers an area of 210 square miles (540 km2), making it the 32nd largest island of the United States. It is surrounded by coral reefs and features a tropical rainforest climate with no dry season, though it is noticeably drier in the northern part of the island.
Guam’s history is rich and complex, with the island first being populated around 4,000 years ago by the indigenous Chamorros. The island was discovered by Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, and was a Spanish colony until it was ceded to the United States in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. During World War II, Guam was invaded and occupied by the Japanese for two and a half years, before being liberated by U.S. forces in 1944.
Guam has a population of approximately 168,000 people. The indigenous Chamorros make up about 37.3% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include Filipinos, Whites, and other Pacific Islanders. English and Chamorro are the official languages of the island. The culture of Guam is a fusion of its indigenous traditions with Spanish, Mexican, and American influences.
Guam’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, particularly from Japan, Korea, and the United States, as well as the U.S. military, which has a significant presence on the island. Other important sectors include construction, retail, and other services. Guam’s currency is the U.S. dollar.
Education in Guam is provided by both public and private schools. The Guam Department of Education serves the entire island of Guam. The University of Guam is the only accredited four-year institution in the region, offering 34 degree programs and 8 graduate programs.
