| Official name | Territory of Guam |
| Type | Unincorporated territory |
| View of Hagåtña, capital of Guam | |
| State | Pacific Ocean (Micronesia) |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1898 (ceded by Spain to the U.S.) |
| Population | 170,000 |
| Area (km²) | 544 |
| Time zone | ChST (UTC+10) |
| ZIP code(s) | 96910–96932 |
| Area code(s) | 671 |
Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands and has been under U.S. control since 1898. Known for its strategic military importance, tropical climate, and Chamorro culture, Guam serves as a vital link between the U.S. and Asia.
Overview
- Status: Unincorporated organized U.S. territory
- Residents are U.S. citizens, but do not vote in presidential elections
- Represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by a non-voting delegate
Capital
- The capital is Hagåtña, a small administrative center on the island’s western shore
Largest City
- Dededo – the most populous village, located in the north
History
- Originally settled by the Chamorro people over 4,000 years ago
- Claimed by Spain in 1565; transferred to the U.S. after the Spanish-American War in 1898
- Occupied by Japan during WWII (1941–1944), then liberated by American forces
- Hosts significant U.S. military installations, including Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam
Culture
- Deeply rooted in Chamorro traditions, Catholicism, and Pacific Island heritage
- Cultural fusion with Filipino, Japanese, and American influences
- Local cuisine includes dishes like red rice, kelaguen, and BBQ-style meats
Economy
- Key sectors: tourism (especially from Japan and South Korea), U.S. military spending, and government services
- Heavily reliant on federal aid and defense contracts
- Guam uses the U.S. dollar and follows U.S. banking and legal systems
Tourism
- Popular attractions include Tumon Bay, Two Lovers Point, Latte Stone Park, and WWII memorials
- Rich snorkeling and diving spots with coral reefs and tropical marine life
Transportation
- Served by Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
- No rail; local public buses and taxis provide limited transit
- U.S. license plates and traffic rules apply
Fun Facts
- Located west of the International Date Line, Guam is one of the first places on Earth to greet each new day
- The motto is “Where America’s Day Begins”
- Chamorro is an official language alongside English