Guam is among the 16 territories of the United States that have a non-self-governing status. It is part of the Mariana islands in the Pacific Ocean, and is the largest island in that group. See the Guam map for the important locations.
Demographics
Today, military bases cover about 29 percent of the total area of the island, with Naval bases, a Coast Guard sector, an Air Force Base, and Apra Harbor. The island of Guam has a strategic location for the United States, which is why the US Air Force and Navy use it as a hub. The capital of Guam is Hagatna (or Agana as shown on the map), though the largest village in Guam is called Dededo. Guam has a total area of about 541.3 square kilometers (209 square miles), and a population of about 160,000. The indigenous people of Guam are called the Chamorros, who continue to inhabit Guam, making up about 37 percent of the population. The rest of the population is made up of Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and other European descent.
History
The Spanish-American War saw United States taking control of Guam, which was part of the Treaty of Paris. During the Second World War, the island was attacked and captured by Japan. After an occupation lasting 31 months, Guam was freed by United States in 1944 during the Battle of Guam.
Economy
Most of the economy is driven by tourism, with contribution from local businesses as well. The island is popular among the Japanese, from where it receives about 75% of the total number of tourists. Even though Guam receives payment transfers from the US federal treasury, the local taxes are paid into the Guam treasury.
There are 19 Districts in Guam -
Name | Population 2010 | Population 2000 | Area(km.²) | Area(mi.²) |
Agana Heights (Tutuhan) | 3,808 | 3,940 | 3 | 1 |
Agat (Hågat) | 4,917 | 5,656 | 26 | 10 |
Asan-Maina (Assan-Ma'ina) | 2,137 | 2,090 | 16 | 6 |
Barrigada (Barigåda) | 8,875 | 8,652 | 23 | 9 |
Chalan Pago-Ordot (Chålan Pågu-Otdot) | 6,822 | 5,923 | 16 | 6 |
Dededo (Dededu) | 44,943 | 42,980 | 78 | 30 |
Hagatna (Hagåtña) | 1,051 | 1,100 | 3 | 1 |
Inarajan (Inalåhan) | 2,273 | 3,052 | 49 | 19 |
Mangilao | 15,191 | 13,313 | 26 | 10 |
Merizo (Malesso') | 1,850 | 2,163 | 16 | 6 |
Mongmong-Toto-Maite (Mongmong-To'to-Maite') | 6,825 | 5,845 | 5 | 2 |
Piti | 1,454 | 1,666 | 18 | 7 |
Santa Rita (Sånta Rita) | 6,084 | 7,500 | 44 | 17 |
Sinajana (Sinahånña) | 2,592 | 2,853 | 3 | 1 |
Talofofo (Talo'fo'fo) | 3,050 | 3,215 | 44 | 17 |
Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon (Tamuneng-Tomhom) | 19,685 | 18,012 | 16 | 6 |
Umatac (Humåtak) | 782 | 887 | 16 | 6 |
Yigo (Yigu) | 20,539 | 19,474 | 91 | 35 |
Yona (Yo'ña) | 6,480 | 6,484 | 52 | 20 |
Total | 159,358 | 154,805 | 545 | 209 |
Source: mcoguam.org
Last Updated on: February 25th, 2020