2017 Edition

CIA World Factbook 2017 Archive (HTML)

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Countries

268

Data Records

71,914

Guam

2017 Edition · 245 data fields

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Introduction

Background

Spain ceded Guam to the US in 1898. Captured by the Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The military installations on the island are some of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific.

Geography

Area

544 sq km 544 sq km 0 sq km
land: 544 sq km
total: 544 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

three times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation

Coastline

125.5 km

Elevation

NA lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m
mean elevation: NA

Environment - current issues

fresh water scarcity; reef damage; inadequate sewage treatment; extermination of native bird populations by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Geographic coordinates

13 28 N, 144 47 E

Geography - note

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago and the largest island in Micronesia; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

Irrigated land

2 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

33.4% arable land 1.9%; permanent crops 16.7%; permanent pasture 14.8% 47.9% 18.7% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 33.4%
forest: 47.9%
other: 18.7% (2011 est.)

Location

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

Natural hazards

frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare but potentially destructive typhoons (June to December)

Natural resources

aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely undeveloped)

Population - distribution

no large cities exist on the island, though large villages (municipalities) attract much of the population; the largest of these is Dededo

Terrain

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in center, mountains in south

People and Society

Age structure

27.54% (male 23,896/female 22,190) 16.63% (male 14,847/female 12,981) 37.44% (male 32,295/female 30,356) 9.8% (male 8,352/female 8,057) 8.59% (male 6,706/female 7,678) (2017 est.)
0-14 years: 27.54% (male 23,896/female 22,190)
15-24 years: 16.63% (male 14,847/female 12,981)
25-54 years: 37.44% (male 32,295/female 30,356)
55-64 years: 9.8% (male 8,352/female 8,057)
65 years and over: 8.59% (male 6,706/female 7,678) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

19.7 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Death rate

6 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

52.3 38.8 13.6 7.4 (2015 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 13.6
potential support ratio: 7.4 (2015 est.)
total dependency ratio: 52.3
youth dependency ratio: 38.8

Drinking water source

urban: 99.5% of population rural: 99.5% of population total: 99.5% of population urban: 0.5% of population rural: 0.5% of population total: 0.5% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 0.5% of population
total: 0.5% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 0.5% of population

Ethnic groups

Chamorro 37.3%, Filipino 26.3%, white 7.1%, Chuukese 7%, Korean 2.2%, other Pacific Islander 2%, other Asian 2%, Chinese 1.6%, Palauan 1.6%, Japanese 1.5%, Pohnpeian 1.4%, mixed 9.4%, other 0.6% (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

HIV/AIDS - deaths

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

Infant mortality rate

12.6 deaths/1,000 live births 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
female: 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
male: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 12.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English 43.6%, Filipino 21.2%, Chamorro 17.8%, other Pacific island languages 10%, Asian languages 6.3%, other 1.1% (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

76 years 73.6 years 78.6 years (2017 est.)
female: 78.6 years (2017 est.)
male: 73.6 years
total population: 76 years

Major urban areas - population

HAGATNA (capital) 143,000 (2014)

Median age

29 years 28.3 years 29.7 years (2017 est.)
female: 29.7 years (2017 est.)
male: 28.3 years
total: 29 years

Nationality

Guamanian(s) (US citizens) Guamanian
adjective: Guamanian
noun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)

Net migration rate

-11.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Physicians density

0.84 physicians/1,000 population (2007)

Population

167,358 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

no large cities exist on the island, though large villages (municipalities) attract much of the population; the largest of these is Dededo

Population growth rate

0.26% (2017 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 89.8% of population rural: 89.8% of population total: 89.8% of population urban: 10.2% of population rural: 10.2% of population total: 10.2% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 10.2% of population
total: 10.2% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 10.2% of population

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.84 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.96 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

29.4% 29.7% 28.9% (2011 est.)
female: 28.9% (2011 est.)
male: 29.7%
total: 29.4%

Urbanization

94.7% of total population (2017) 1.27% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.27% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
urban population: 94.7% of total population (2017)

Government

Administrative divisions

none (territory of the US)

Capital

Hagatna (Agana) 13 28 N, 144 44 E UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 44 E
name: Hagatna (Agana)
time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

see United States

Constitution

effective 1 July 1950 (Guam Act of 1950 serves as a constitution); amended many times, last in 2015 (2016)

Country name

Territory of Guam Guam Guahan Guahan the native Chamorro name for the island "Guahan" (meaning "we have" or "ours") was changed to Guam in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, whereby Spain relinquished Guam, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the US
conventional long form: Territory of Guam
conventional short form: Guam
etymology: the native Chamorro name for the island "Guahan" (meaning "we have" or "ours") was changed to Guam in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, whereby Spain relinquished Guam, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the US
local long form: Guahan
local short form: Guahan

Dependency status

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (territory of the US)

Executive branch

President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2017); Vice President Michael R. PENCE (since 20 January 2017) Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011); Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011) Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the Legislature president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for 2 consecutive terms); election last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020) Eddie CALVO reelected governor; percent of vote - Eddie CALVO (Republican Party) 63.9%, Carl GUTIERREZ (Democratic Party) 36.1%; Ray TENORIO (Republican Party) elected lieutenant governor
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the Legislature
chief of state: President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2017); Vice President Michael R. PENCE (since 20 January 2017)
election results: Eddie CALVO reelected governor; percent of vote - Eddie CALVO (Republican Party) 63.9%, Carl GUTIERREZ (Democratic Party) 36.1%; Ray TENORIO (Republican Party) elected lieutenant governor
elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for 2 consecutive terms); election last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020)
head of government: Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011); Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011)

Flag description

territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, a proa or outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; the proa is sailing in Agana Bay with the promontory of Punta Dos Amantes, near the capital, in the background; the shape of the central emblem is that of a Chamorro sling stone, used as a weapon for defense or hunting; blue represents the sea and red the blood shed in the struggle against oppression the US flag is the national flag
note: the US flag is the national flag

Government type

presidential democracy; a self-governing unincorporated territory of the US

Independence

none (territory of the US)

International organization participation

AOSIS (observer), IOC, PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Guam (consists of 3 justices); note - appeals beyond the Supreme Court of Guam are referred to the US Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Guam legislature; justices appointed for life subject to retention election every 10 years Superior Court of Guam - includes several divisions; US Federal District Court for the District of Guam (a US territorial court; appeals beyond this court are heard before the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit)
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Guam (consists of 3 justices); note - appeals beyond the Supreme Court of Guam are referred to the US Supreme Court
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Guam legislature; justices appointed for life subject to retention election every 10 years
subordinate courts: Superior Court of Guam - includes several divisions; US Federal District Court for the District of Guam (a US territorial court; appeals beyond this court are heard before the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit)

Legal system

common law modeled on US system; US federal laws apply

Legislative branch

unicameral Legislature of Guam or Liheslaturan Guahan (15 seats; members elected in a single countrywide constituency by simple majority vote to serve 2-year terms) last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2018) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6 Guam directly elects 1 member by simple majority vote to serve a 2-year term as a delegate to the US House of Representatives; the delegate can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House, but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote; election of delegate last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 6 November 2018)
description: unicameral Legislature of Guam or Liheslaturan Guahan (15 seats; members elected in a single countrywide constituency by simple majority vote to serve 2-year terms)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6
elections: last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2018)
note: Guam directly elects 1 member by simple majority vote to serve a 2-year term as a delegate to the US House of Representatives; the delegate can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House, but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote; election of delegate last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 6 November 2018)

National anthem

"Fanohge Chamoru" (Stand Ye Guamanians) Ramon Manalisay SABLAN [English], Lagrimas UNTALAN [Chamoru]/Ramon Manalisay SABLAN adopted 1919; the local anthem is also known as "Guam Hymn"; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which generally follows the playing of "Stand Ye Guamanians," is official (see United States)
lyrics/music: Ramon Manalisay SABLAN [English], Lagrimas UNTALAN [Chamoru]/Ramon Manalisay SABLAN
name: "Fanohge Chamoru" (Stand Ye Guamanians)
note: adopted 1919; the local anthem is also known as "Guam Hymn"; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which generally follows the playing of "Stand Ye Guamanians," is official (see United States)

National holiday

Discovery Day (or Magellan Day), first Monday in March (1521)

National symbol(s)

coconut tree; national colors: deep blue, red
coconut tree; national colors: deep blue, red

Political parties and leaders

Democratic Party [Joaquin "Kim" PEREZ] Republican Party [Victor CRUZ]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Guam Commission on Decolonization Guam Federation of Teachers' Union Guam Waterworks Authority Workers We Are Guahan

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal; note - Guamanians are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Economy

Agriculture - products

fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Budget

$1.147 billion $1.188 billion (2013 est.)
expenditures: $1.188 billion (2013 est.)
revenues: $1.147 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-0.9% of GDP (2013 est.)

Debt - external

$NA

Economy - overview

US national defense spending is the main driver of Guam’s economy, followed by tourism and other services. Guam serves as a forward US base for the Western Pacific and is home to thousands of American military personnel. Total federal spending (defense and non-defense) amounted to $1.973 billion in 2014, or 40.4% of GDP. Of that total, federal grants amounted to $373.3 million in 2013, or 32.6% of Guam’s total revenues for the fiscal year. Service exports, mainly spending by foreign tourists to Guam, amounted to $651 million in 2013, or 13.3% of GDP. In 2013, Guam’s economy grew 0.6%. Despite slow growth, Guam’s economy has been stable over the last decade. National defense spending cushions the island’s economy against fluctuations in tourism.

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Exports

$828 million (2013 est.) $795 million (2012)

Exports - commodities

transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish, foodstuffs and beverages

Exports - partners

Palau 20.3%, Japan 5.1% (2016)

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition, by end use

63.7% 64.9% 5.8% NA 17% -51.2% (2013)
exports of goods and services: 17%
government consumption: 64.9%
household consumption: 63.7%
imports of goods and services: -51.2% (2013)
investment in fixed assets: 5.8%
investment in inventories: NA

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

NA% NA% NA%
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$30,500 (2013 est.) $29,800 (2012 est.) $28,600 (2011 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

0.6% (2013 est.) 1.8% (2012) -0.3% (2011)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$4.6 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$4.882 billion (2013 est.) $4.756 billion (2012 est.) $4.562 billion (2011 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%
highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: NA%

Imports

$2.501 billion (2013 est.) $2.438 billion (2012 est.)

Imports - commodities

petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Imports - partners

Singapore 32.1%, Japan 30.6%, South Korea 8.4%, Hong Kong 8.1% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Industries

national defense, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

1.8% (2014 est.) 4% (2011 est.)

Labor force

70,490 includes only the civilian labor force (2013 est.)
note: includes only the civilian labor force (2013 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

0.3% 21.6% 78.1% (2013)
agriculture: 0.3%
industry: 21.6%
services: 78.1% (2013)

Population below poverty line

23% (2001 est.)

Public debt

32.1% of GDP (2013) 35.8% of GDP (2012)

Taxes and other revenues

24.9% of GDP (2013 est.)

Unemployment rate

8.4% (2013 est.) 8.2% (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

about a dozen TV channels, including digital channels; multi-channel cable TV services are available; roughly 20 radio stations (2009)

Internet country code

.gu

Internet users

125,328 77.0% (July 2016 est.)
percent of population: 77.0% (July 2016 est.)
total: 125,328

Telephone system

modern system, integrated with US facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers three major companies provide both fixed-line and mobile services, as well as access to the Internet country code - 1-671; major landing point for submarine cables between Asia and the US (Guam is a transpacific communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia); satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2016)
domestic: three major companies provide both fixed-line and mobile services, as well as access to the Internet
general assessment: modern system, integrated with US facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers
international: country code - 1-671; major landing point for submarine cables between Asia and the US (Guam is a transpacific communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia); satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

68,000 42 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 42 (July 2016 est.)
total subscriptions: 68,000

Telephones - mobile cellular

181,000 113 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitatnts: 113 (July 2016 est.)
total: 181,000

Transportation

Airports

5 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2017)
over 3,047 m: 2
total: 4

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2013)
total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2013)

Ports and terminals

Apra Harbor
major seaport(s): Apra Harbor

Roadways

1,045 km (2008)
total: 1,045 km (2008)

Military and Security

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

none