- Population:
- 168,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Guam was originally inhabited by the Chamorro people before Spanish colonization in the 17th century. It became a U.S. territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War and remains strategically important for the U.S. military. The economy is based on tourism, defense, and government services.
Guam is an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands, covering an area of approximately 540 square kilometers. As of 2023, Guam has a population of around 170,000 people. The capital city is Hagåtña, and the most populous village is Dededo. The official languages are English and Chamorro. Guam's political status provides for self-governance in internal affairs, while defense and foreign policy are the responsibility of the United States. The economy is primarily supported by tourism, particularly from Japan and South Korea, and by the U.S. military presence, with several bases located on the island. Guam's strategic location has made it a significant military hub in the Pacific. The island features a tropical climate, coral reefs, and a mix of Chamorro, Micronesian, Asian, and Western cultures.
