Guam

Guam is a tropical island in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a territory of the United States and the largest island in Micronesia. Guam has been home to the Chamorro people for thousands of years. The island also has important American military bases.

Land and People

About 170,000 people live in Guam. The capital is Hagatna. The island is about 30 miles long and 4 to 12 miles wide. Guam has tropical jungles, coral reefs, and beautiful beaches. The climate is warm and humid all year.

Culture and Fun Facts

The Chamorro people have lived on Guam for about 4,000 years. Their culture is still a big part of life on the island today. Guam has a strong connection to the U.S. military, with bases covering about one-third of the island. People enjoy fiestas with traditional food like kelaguen and red rice.

Fun Facts

• Guam is where the United States' day begins because it is close to the International Date Line.
• The brown tree snake, which was accidentally brought to Guam, has eaten most of the island's native birds.
• Guam's Chamorro culture is one of the oldest in the Pacific, going back about 4,000 years.

Did You Know?

Because Guam is so far west and close to the International Date Line, it is one of the first places in the United States to see each new day.