Country Profile: Guam

Guam is a tropical island located in the North Pacific, known for its strategic military significance and vibrant cultural heritage. As a US territory, it has a population of approximately 169,532, predominantly of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups. The economy is largely driven by tourism and military presence, which provides substantial income and stability. Governance is characterized by a republican structure where locals have limited voting rights in federal elections.

Geography

Guam is situated in Oceania, approximately three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines. The island covers an area of 544 square kilometers and features a volcanic origin with a flat limestone plateau surrounded by coral reefs. Its climate is tropical marine, consisting of a dry season and a rainy season with minimal temperature variation.

125.5 km of coastline
406 m highest point: Mount Lamlam
0 sq km of water area, as it is entirely land
29.6% of land is used for agriculture (2023 estimate)

People and Society

With a population estimated at 169,532 in 2024, Guam is ethnically diverse, with Indigenous Chamorro and a significant Asian community. The majority of residents are US citizens but do not have the right to vote in presidential elections. English and Filipino are the most spoken languages, alongside Chamorro. The society is predominantly Roman Catholic, reflecting its colonial history.

95.2% of the population is urbanized (2022)
26.4% of the population is aged 0-14 years
62.7% of the population is in the working-age group (15-64 years)
Life expectancy at birth is approximately 78 years (2024)

Economy

Guam's economy is classified as upper-income and is predominantly tourism-based, supplemented by the local military bases. The island experienced economic turmoil due to COVID-19 but has since been recovering. In 2022, its GDP was estimated at $6.91 billion. The economic landscape is fragile, with a strong dependency on services related to tourism and military.

5.1% GDP growth rate (2022 estimate)
5.6% unemployment rate (2024 estimate)
77,700 total labor force (2024 estimate)
$545 million in exports (2022 estimate)

Government

Guam operates as an unincorporated territory of the United States, with local self-government and a republican governance structure. The capital is Hagatna, where local laws and regulations are modeled on the US system. Although Guamanians are US citizens, they do not vote in presidential elections, reflecting their unique political status.

Local elections occur every 2 years for the Legislature
The current governor is Lourdes Leon Guerrero, elected in 2022
The legal system follows common law principles based on US laws
15 members in the unicameral legislature

Military and Security

Guam plays a critical role in US military strategy in the Pacific, hosting several military bases and thousands of active-duty personnel. The local security is managed by the Guam Police Department and the Guam National Guard, highlighting the importance of military presence for both local and regional security.

Energy

Guam's energy infrastructure features a total electricity generation capacity of 525,000 kW, primarily reliant on fossil fuels. The island maintains 100% electrification, showcasing significant advancements in energy access.

1.715 billion kWh total electricity consumption (2023 estimate)
92.1% of electricity comes from fossil fuels (2023)
11,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023)

Environment

Guam faces several environmental challenges, including freshwater scarcity and damage to its coral reefs. The island's landscape is primarily agricultural, with about 29.6% of the land designated for farming. Issues related to waste management also persist, with a notable percentage of municipal waste not being recycled.

141,500 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 estimate)
Only 17.9% of municipal solid waste recycled (2011 estimate)

Transportation

Transport infrastructure in Guam includes 3 airports and a singular major port, Apra Harbor, serving as the key hub for maritime activities. The island has also established helipads and a small merchant marine fleet.

1 total port with oil terminals
2 heliports available
3 civil aircraft registered (2025 estimate)

Communications

Telecommunications in Guam feature a robust infrastructure with a high rate of mobile cellular subscriptions. Internet access is widespread among the population, although fixed broadband subscriptions are limited.

81% of the population are internet users (2017 estimate)
70,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2021 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	169,532	Estimated for 2024
Area	544 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$6.91 billion	Estimated for 2022
Unemployment Rate	5.6%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	78 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	17.9 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Urban Population	95.2%	Percentage of total population in urban areas
Electricity Access	100%	Total population with electricity (2022)
Total Labor Force	77,700	Estimated for 2024
Total Exports	$545 million	Estimated for 2022