I.

Introduction

Guam, island in the north-western Pacific Ocean, unincorporated territory of the United States, largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands. It is 48 km (30 mi) long and a maximum of about 13 km (8 mi) wide; the total area is 541 sq km (209 sq mi). The capital of Guam is Hagåtña (formerly Agana).

II.

Land and Economy

The northern portion of the island is a plateau of coral formation; the southern portion is hilly and of volcanic origin. The only good anchorage is Apra Harbor, on the western coast. The climate is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 26.7° C (80° F).

Guam is one of the principal US defence fortifications in the western Pacific Ocean and is the site of extensive naval, army, and air force installations. Petroleum refining, ship repairing, and other service industries to the military establishment form a major part of the local economy. Farming and fishing are relatively well developed. Vegetables, citrus and tropical fruits, coconuts, and sugar cane are grown, and livestock, especially poultry, is raised. Manufactures include textiles, cement, and plastics. Tourism is of growing importance.

III.

Population and Government

In 1990, the population of Guam was 133,152, including military personnel and dependants. The administrative centre, Hagåtña, is located on the western coast north of Apra Harbor. The indigenous Guamanians, or Chamorro, constitute less than half the total population. The Chamorro are of mixed ancestral heritage but are basically Micronesian in origin and speak their own language, Chamorro. English is the official language and is taught in the schools. The University of Guam, in Mangilao, was established in 1952.

Executive power is vested in a governor, who is popularly elected to a four-year term. Legislative authority is vested in a unicameral legislature, consisting of 21 popularly elected members. Guam sends one non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives.

IV.

History

The island was probably visited in 1521 by the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who, sailing for Spain, claimed it for that country. It was formally annexed by Spain in 1565. In 1898, by the terms of the Treaty of Paris at the end of the Spanish-American War, the island was ceded by Spain to the United States. The Japanese captured Guam in December 1941, during World War II. It was retaken by American forces between July 20 and August 10, 1944. In 1950 US citizenship was conferred on the people of Guam. The island was devastated in August 1992 by Typhoon Omar. Winds of up to 240 km/h (150 mph) damaged 75 to 90 per cent of the island's buildings.