Country Profile: Guam
Guam is a small island territory located in the western North Pacific Ocean, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic military significance. The population, primarily composed of Chamorro and other Pacific Islanders, numbers approximately 169,532 as of 2024. The local economy is largely driven by tourism and military presence, making it susceptible to global economic fluctuations. Governed as an unincorporated territory of the United States, Guam maintains a unique governance structure that combines local self-government with federal oversight.
Geography
Guam is situated in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines. The island covers an area of 544 sq km, featuring a tropical marine climate with little seasonal temperature variation. Its landscape includes volcanic hills, steep coastal cliffs, and coral reefs, making it the largest island in the Mariana Islands. The territorial sea extends for 12 nautical miles, while the exclusive economic zone spans 200 nautical miles.
- 125.5 km of coastline
- Highest point is Mount Lamlam at 406 m
- 52.4% of land is classified as forested
People and Society
As of 2024, Guam's population is estimated at 169,532, with a diverse ethnic composition including 46.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. The primary languages spoken are English and Filipino, with a significant portion of the population adhering to Christianity, predominantly Roman Catholicism. The median age is 30.3 years, indicating a relatively young population, while 95.2% of residents live in urban areas.
- 94.2% of the population identifies as Christian
- 18.1 births/1,000 population is the birth rate as of 2024
- 0.11% population growth rate for 2024
Economy
Guam's economy is classified as upper income and heavily reliant on tourism and military operations. In 2022, the GDP was approximately $6.91 billion, with a real GDP growth rate of 5.1% following a previous contraction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The labor force is estimated at 77,700 in 2024, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%.
- $545 million in exports for 2022
- $4.421 billion in imports for 2022
- 77.7% of the labor force employed in services
Government
Guam operates as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, with a republican form of government that includes separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The head of government is Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero, who was re-elected in November 2022. While Guamanians are US citizens, they do not participate in US presidential elections. The capital is Hagatna, which serves as the administrative center.
- 15 seats in the Legislature of Guam
- Legal system is based on common law modeled after the US system
- Expected next gubernatorial election is on 3 November 2026
Military and Security
The defense of Guam is primarily the responsibility of the United States, with approximately 8,000 active-duty military personnel stationed on the island. Guam serves as a strategic military base in the Pacific, underlining its importance in US defense policy.
- Home to significant installations of the US military
- Local law enforcement is managed by the Guam Police Department, along with the Guam National Guard
Energy
Guam boasts 100% electrification, with its electricity consumption reaching 1.715 billion kWh in 2023. The energy generation largely depends on fossil fuels, which account for 92.1% of installed capacity, while solar energy has begun to play a more significant role.
- 525,000 kW total installed generating capacity
- 11,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumption for 2023
Environment
Guam faces several environmental challenges, including freshwater scarcity and damage to coral reefs. The island's tropical marine climate supports lush vegetation, with 52.4% of its land classified as forested. Urbanization also poses challenges, as 95.2% of the population resides in urban areas.
- 29.6% of land is utilized for agriculture
- Annual municipal solid waste generation is approximately 141,500 tons
Transportation
Guam has a modest transportation infrastructure, with a total of 3 airports and 2 heliports planned for 2025. The main port, Apra Harbor, serves as a crucial hub for maritime transport.
- 1 medium port in operation with an oil terminal
- 3 merchant marine vessels recorded in 2023
Communications
Guam's communication infrastructure is fairly developed, with 70,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions as of 2021 and a high internet usage rate, where about 81% of the population are internet users.
- 98,000 mobile cellular subscriptions reported in 2009
- 3,000 fixed broadband subscriptions as of 2022
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 |
| Birth Rate | 18.1 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 78 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electricity Access | 100% | Access for total population |
| Installed Generating Capacity | 525,000 kW | As of 2023 |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 1.819 million metric tonnes | Estimated for 2023 |
| Total Labor Force | 77,700 | Estimated for 2024 |
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