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Guam, island, unincorporated territory of the United
States, largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands, in the western North
Pacific Ocean. It is 48 km (32 mi) long and a maximum of approximately 13
km (approximately 8 mi) wide; the total area is 541 sq km (209 sq mi). |
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| Flag |
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The Guam Flag was designed by Mrs. Helen L.
Paul, the wife of an American naval officer, and was
officially adapted as the territorial flag by Governor Roy C. Smith
in 1917. The background of the flag is a striking deep blue, which
represents the ocean, accented by a red border. In the center of the
flag is an oval figure in the shape of a slingstone used by the ancient
Chamoru. The flying proa, a swift, seagoing canoe, typifies the courage of
the first inhabitiants who travelled intrepidly across the Pacific Ocean.
The coconut tree growing in barren sand depicts the determination of the
earliest settlers to overcome whatever natural causes contfronted them. |
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| History |
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The island was visited in March 6, 1521 by the
Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who, sailing for Spain, claimed
it for that country. It was formally annexed by Spain in 1565. On December
10, 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.
Note - it should be noted that in the "Treaty
of Paris", one Article distinctively states that Spain will be given "twenty
million dollars" along with the agreements set between the ceding Government,
Spain, and the gaining government, 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 U.S. citizenship was conferred on the people of Guam. The
island was devastated in May of 1976 by typhoon Pamela. Another devastation
to the island came on August 1992 by Typhoon Omar. Winds of up to 240 km/h
(about 150 mph) damaged 75 to 90 percent of the island's buildings. |
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| License Plate: Official |
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The official and most recent license plate used
on vehicles in Guam. |
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| Land and Economy |
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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 U.S. defense bastions
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 sugarcane are grown, and livestock, especially
poultry, is raised. Manufactures include textiles, cement, and plastics.
Tourism is of growing importance. |
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| Map: Historical |
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Map probably used by the early sovereign
government of Spain during the mid-19th century. The spelling of each
area or village within the map was probably dictated by the
Spanish Government of the time. Although the spelling of each village
differs from present day, majority of the pronounciation has still remained
the same. |
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| Population and Government |
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| The previous
Governor Carl T.C. Guiterrez and
Lt. Governor Madeline Bordallo. |
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| The current Governor
Felix Camacho and Lt. Governor Kaleo Moylan. |
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In 1990, the population of Guam was 133,152, including
military personnel and dependents. The administrative center, Hagatna, is
located on the western coast north of Apra Harbor. The native or indigenous
people of Guahan, or Chamoru, constitute less than half the total population.
The contemporary Chamorro are of mixed ancestral heritage but are basically
Micronesian in origin and speak their own language, Chamoru. Chamoru or English
are the official languages and are taught in the schools. The University
of Guam, in Hagatna, was established in 1952.
In 2000, the population of Guam was 154,805, including
military personnel and dependents. The indigenous native people of Guahan,
or Chamoru, constitute less than half the total population.
(Source: Guam Census 1990-2000).
Executive power is vested in a governor, who is popularly
elected to a 4-year term. Legislative authority is vested in a unicameral
legislature, consisting of 15 popularly elected members. Guam sends one nonvoting
delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C.. The
current Representative is the former Lt. Governor Madeline Bordallo. |
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![[Litratun i Gobietnadot yan i Lt. Gobietnadot]](../images/people/gov_lt.gif)