Country Profile: Guam
Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the North Pacific Ocean, features a strategic geographic position and a rich cultural history. Home to a diverse population of approximately 169,532 people, the island's economy primarily hinges on tourism, military presence, and local industries. Governed by a republican form of government with local self-government, Guam maintains strong ties with the US while navigating its path towards greater local autonomy and economic independence.
Geography
Guam is the largest island in the Mariana Islands archipelago, covering an area of 544 sq km and characterized by a tropical marine climate. The terrain displays volcanic origins, featuring coastal cliffs and low hills, while the island's coastline extends 125.5 km. As a strategic military location, it is roughly three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines.
- Area: 544 sq km
- Coastline: 125.5 km
- Highest Point: Mount Lamlam at 406 m
- Climate: Tropical marine, with a rainy season from July to December
- Natural Hazards: Potentially destructive typhoons from June to December
People and Society
The population of Guam is estimated at 169,532 in 2024, with a diverse ethnic composition, including 46.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. The predominant language is English, with significant usage of Filipino and Chamorro. The society is predominantly Christian, with around 94.2% identifying as Roman Catholic, reflecting indigenous traditions and colonial history.
- Urban Population: 95.2% of the total population (2022)
- Median Age: 30.5 years (2025 est.)
- Birth Rate: 17.9 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Life Expectancy: 78 years (2024 est.)
- Dependency Ratio: 59.4 (2024 est.)
Economy
Guam's economy is characterized as upper-income and tourism-based, heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but recovering through initiatives such as vaccination tourism. The territory's economy also relies significantly on the presence of US military bases, which constitute substantial sources of income.
- GDP: $6.91 billion (2022 est.)
- Real GDP Growth Rate: 5.1% (2022 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 5.6% (2024 est.)
- Labor Force: 77,700 (2024 est.)
- Exports: $545 million (2022 est.)
Government
Guam operates as an unincorporated organized territory of the US, featuring a republican form of government with distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Local governance is conducted under the Guam Act of 1950, and residents are US citizens but do not vote in presidential elections.
- Capital: Hagatna
- Governor: Lourdes Leon Guerrero (since 2019)
- Legislature: Unicameral, with 15 elected representatives
- Suffrage Age: 18 years
- Political Parties: Democratic Party and Republican Party
Military and Security
The military presence is significant in Guam, with thousands of active-duty personnel stationed on the island. The Guam Police Department and the Guam National Guard provide local security and law enforcement.
- Military Bases: Several US military installations
- Local Law Enforcement: Guam Police Department
- National Guard: Active presence on the island
Energy
Guam's energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, with a small contribution from renewable sources. The island enjoys 100% electrification, and energy consumption is steadily increasing.
- Electricity Consumption: 1.715 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Installed Generating Capacity: 525,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Fossil Fuels Contribution: 92.1% of total installed capacity
- Refined Petroleum Consumption: 11,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges in Guam include freshwater scarcity and damage to coral reefs. The island faces threats from non-native species, impacting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Urban Population: 95.2% of total population (2022)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 1.819 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Recycling Rate: 17.9% of municipal solid waste (2011 est.)
Transportation
Guam has a modern transport infrastructure, including three airports and a major port. Civil aircraft registration is marked with the prefix 'N,' and transportation plays a vital role in connecting the island.
- Airports: 3 (2025)
- Merchant Marine: 3 vessels (2023)
- Key Port: Apra Harbor
Communications
The island features a well-developed communication sector with widespread access to mobile and internet services, although some areas may still lack sufficient infrastructure.
- Internet Users: 81% of the population (2017 est.)
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 70,000 (2021 est.)
- Broadcast Media: Approximately a dozen TV channels and about 20 radio stations
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,532 | 2024 estimate |
| Total Area | 544 sq km | |
| GDP | $6.91 billion | 2022 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.6% | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 1.715 billion kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 17.9 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 78 years | 2024 estimate |
| Installed Generating Capacity | 525,000 kW | 2023 estimate |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 1.819 million metric tonnes | 2023 estimate |
| Urban Population | 95.2% | 2022 estimate |
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