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Guam

General Information about Guam

Guam is an island territory of the United States of America located in the South Pacific and is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands chain. Guam is located almost three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philipines and has a population of over 173,000 people. The official languages spoken in Guam are English and the indigenous language Chamorro. Philipine, Asian and other Pacific Island languages are also spoken in Guam. Over 85% of the Guamanian population are Roman Catholics. Guam contains some of the most important military bases of the United States of America in the South Pacific. Guam's capital Hagåtña, which means 'Blood' in Chamorro is situated on the mouth of the Hagåtña River on the east coast of the island and is home to just over 1,100 people. Dededo in Guam's north is the most populated village on the island and is home to more than 42,000 people.

Guam is internationally known for it's fabulous duty free shopping but Umatac Bay is one of the best places in Guam to see. This was the landing place of Magellan in 1521 and just north of here is where the Chamorros believe man was first created. Also here are the ruins of the Saint Dionicio Church, dating from the 1690's, fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and the Japanese Zero fighter plane submerged 50 metres under water that is a great dive spot. Ritidian Point situated at the northernmost tip of Guam is another popular place to visit. Here is one of Guam's most beautiful beaches as well as a national wildlife refuge.

Climate

Find Out About The Climate In Guam

The climate of Guam is typically tropical with two main seasons of a wet and dry season. December through to April are the best month to visit for dry weather with the wet season starting up in April. The wet season continues on through to December with most of the fain falling in the months of July and October. Tropical cyclones also known as typhoons are common in Guam particularly in July to November. The annual average temperature ranges between 26 and 32 degrees with as much as 95 inches of rain falling throughout the year.

Geography

Geographical Information On Guam

Guam which was originally a Spanish colony was taken over by the US in 1898, it was then captured by Japan but reclaimed by the US just three years later. Guam is a small island in the North Pacific Ocean with a total area of 541.3 square kilometres with a coastline of just 125.5 kilometres. Officially known as the Territory of Guam is the 31st largest island in the United States. Guam is also the largest island in Mariana Islands which means Island of Thieves and is home to some 15 volcanic mountains. Guam originated from volcanoes and is surrounded by many beautiful coral reefs. The terrain is mainly flat and has many limestone plateaus, as well as steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains. In the south you will find many mountains with low hills in the centre. The highest peak of Guam is Mount Lamlam which rises to over 406 metres and can be found in the south western parts of the island. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at sea level.

Economy

Learn About The Economy In Guam

The economy of Guam mainly revolves around the tourism industry and relies heavily on US military with grants, wage payments and procurement outlays. Over 64 percent of the population were recorded as being involved in the service industry in 2004 with the remainder of the population working in the agricultural industry and industry sector. Guam mainly exports transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish as well as food and beverages. Guam recorded an unemployment rate of 11.4 percent back in 2002 with over 23 percent of the population living below the poverty line. The official currency of Guam is the US dollar.

Hotels in Guam

Must Explore would like to wish you an enjoyable stay in Guam.

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