Country Profile: Guam

Guam is a small island located in the North Pacific Ocean, approximately three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, it has a population of around 169,532, primarily comprised of indigenous Chamorro and other ethnic groups. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism and military installations, which provide significant sources of income, while the governance structure allows for local self-government under US oversight.

Geography

Guam is the largest island in the Mariana Islands archipelago and is characterized by its volcanic origin and coral reefs. The island features a tropical marine climate, with warm temperatures and distinct dry and rainy seasons. Its terrain is relatively flat with low hills and mountains, and it holds strategic importance in the western North Pacific.

Area: 544 sq km
Coastline: 125.5 km
Elevation: Highest point at Mount Lamlam (406 m)
Natural Hazards: Potentially destructive typhoons (June to December)
Land Use: 29.6% agricultural land (2022)

People and Society

Guam's population is diverse, with a majority identifying as Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. The official languages include English and Chamorro, with a significant portion of the population practicing Roman Catholicism. The island has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 30.3 years.

Population: 169,532 (2024 estimate)
Urban Population: 95.2% (2022)
Life Expectancy: 78 years (2024 estimate)
Birth Rate: 18.1 births/1,000 population (2024 estimate)
Infant Mortality Rate: 10.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 estimate)

Economy

Guam's economy is upper-income and primarily fueled by tourism and military expenditures. It has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is gradually recovering. Agricultural activities are limited, with a focus on fruits, vegetables, and livestock.

GDP: $6.91 billion (2022 estimate)
Real GDP Growth Rate: 5.1% (2022 estimate)
Unemployment Rate: 5.6% (2024 estimate)
Labor Force: 77,700 (2024 estimate)
Exports: $545 million (2022 estimate)

Government

As an unincorporated territory of the US, Guam has a republican form of local government with separate branches. The island's governance is headed by a governor elected for a four-year term, and the legislature is unicameral. While Guamanians are US citizens, they do not vote in presidential elections.

Capital: Hagatna (Agana)
Legislature: 15-seat unicameral body
Citizenship: US citizens
Chief of State: President of the US
Governor: Lourdes Leon Guerrero (as of January 2019)

Military and Security

The defense of Guam is primarily the responsibility of the United States, with a significant military presence on the island comprising around 8,000 active-duty personnel. Guam is home to several strategic military installations, which bolster its security and economic stability.

Military Forces: Guam Police Department, Guam National Guard
Military Presence: Approximately 8,000 active-duty personnel
Strategic Importance: Key US military base in the Pacific

Energy

Guam has achieved 100% electrification, with the majority of its electricity generated from fossil fuels. The island continues to explore renewable energy options, including solar power, which contributes to its energy capacity.

Installed Electricity Capacity: 525,000 kW (2023 estimate)
Electricity Consumption: 1.715 billion kWh (2023 estimate)
Petroleum Consumption: 11,000 bbl/day (2023 estimate)

Environment

Guam faces several environmental challenges, including freshwater scarcity and reef damage, exacerbated by its small land area and population density. Efforts are underway to address waste management and protect its natural habitats.

Environmental Issues: Freshwater scarcity, reef damage
Urbanization: 95.2% of total population (2022)

Transportation

Guam has a limited transportation infrastructure, with a small number of airports and ports facilitating trade and movement. The key port is Apra Harbor, which has facilities for oil terminals.

Airports: 3 (2025 forecast)
Ports: 1 medium port (Apra Harbor)
Merchant Marine: 3 vessels (2023)

Communications

Guam has a growing telecommunications sector, with high internet penetration and a variety of media outlets. The island's communication infrastructure supports both fixed and mobile services.

Internet Users: 81% of the population (2017 estimate)
Mobile Subscriptions: 98,000 (2009 estimate)
Fixed-line Telephones: 70,000 subscriptions (2021 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	169,532 (2024 est.)
Area	544 sq km
GDP	$6.91 billion (2022 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.6% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	78 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	18.1 births/1,000 (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	1.715 billion kWh (2023 est.)