Guam

Everything you need to know about Guam: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Guam: Caribbean Overseas Island of U.S.

Presently, Guam is the territory of U.S but its history comprises of various invasions. The first invaders came from the western countries around 1521 followed by the Spanish invaders in 1565 that colonized Guam in the year 1668 particularly for easy facilitation of trade between Mexico and Philippines. Also, during the World War II, Japan invaded it owing to its strategic position. And again in the year 1944 it got annexed, this time by U.S forces. Now it is governed by 15-member legislature including U.S. representatives. Guam is divided into 19 villages and its economy is primarily derived through tourism.

Guam Fast Facts :

  • National Name : Territory of Guam
  • National Capital : Hagatna (Agana)
  • Total Area : 541.3 sq km
  • Total Population : 175,877 (July 2008 est.)
  • Ethnic races : Chamorro 37.1%, Filipino 26.3%, other Pacific islander 11.3%, white 6.9%, other Asian 6.3%, other ethnic origin or race 2.3%, mixed 9.8% (2000 census)
  • Religions : Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)
  • Currency : US dollar
  • GDP per capita (PPP) : $15,000 (2005 est.)
  • Languages : English 38.3%, Chamorro 22.2%, Philippine languages 22.2%, other Pacific island languages 6.8%, Asian languages 7%, other languages 3.5% (2000 census)
  • Life expectancy : 72 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)
  • Literacy Rate : 99% (1990 est.)

Guam Geography, Climate and Economy :

The Terrain of Guam is largely of volcanic origin circumscribed by coral reefs. It also comprises of low-lying plateaus made of limestone, which is also a resource for fresh water. In the northern region it consists of steep coastal cliffs that are narrower in size, while the central part consists of low rising hills along with a mountainous southern part.

The climate of Guam is basically Tropical and Marine. Usually the climate remains warm and humid along with the blowing of northeast trade winds that moderate the extreme temperature. From the months of January to June there is a dry season followed by the rainy season in the months of July to December. However, the temperature varies seasonally.

Guam's economy is largely dependent on Tourism consisting of aquatic wildlife and fishing which is not very developed. Other than this, the economy is largely derived from U.S military expenses. Guam imports food and industrial goods from U.S, which accounts to 75% of its total imports.

Culture and Cuisine of Guam:

The indigenous culture of Guam consists of traditional dances, music, cuisine and artistic artworks having Spanish influences. The native music comprises of Chamorro chants and a Chamorro poetry called Kantan Chamorrita along with the musical instrument called belembaotuyan. Besides this, the cultural heritage of Guam is depicted through its rich architecture, which upholds the remnants of its past colonial history.

The Guamian cuisine bears striking similarity to Philippines as both were once colonized by Spain. The common dishes include red rice, with achiote and onions. One of the popular native dish is chicken kelaguen along with shrimp fritters, lumpia and pancit. Latiya, is one of the popular Guamian dessert garnished with cinnamon on the top.

Guam Tourist Attractions :

Guam offers a plethora of tourist sites besides various entertainments like water sports on the islands including scuba diving, yachting or surfing. Hagatna, the capital city of Guam incorporates the remnants of Spanish influences in the form of building remains. Also it comprises of Plaza De Espana and the old stone bridges. The homes and villages in the southern part of Guam depict the intricate architectural designs having Spanish influences.

Some Other Tourist Sites are :

  • Talofofo Falls
  • Joseph Flores Beach Park
  • Padre San Vitores Shrine
  • Sella Bay
  • Merizo Pier Park
  • Merizo Bell Tower (Kampanayun Malesso)
  • Yokoi's Cave
  • Inarajan Village

First U.S. littoral combat ship arrives in Singapore on deployment

April 18, 2013 at 4:12 PM

Singapore, April 18 (Xinhua-ANI): USS Freedom, the first littoral combat ship (LCS) of the United States Navy, arrived in Singapore on Thursday on its eight-month maiden deployment.

North Korea ready to launch missiles: S.Korean defense minister

April 15, 2013 at 12:52 PM

Seoul, April 15 (Xinhua-ANI): South Korea's defense chief said Monday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is seen ready to launch missiles, but he noted that there are no signs of a full-scale war.

S.Korean defense minister claims N.Korea has moved missile to east coast:

April 4, 2013 at 3:40 PM

Seoul, April 4 (Xinhua-ANI): South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin said Thursday that North Korea has moved an intermediate-range missile to its east coast for test- firing or a military drill.

N Korea seen moving missile after announcing approval for nuke attack on US

April 4, 2013 at 12:45 PM

Brisbane, Apr. 3 (ANI): North Korea has reportedly been seen moving a mid-range missile into position for launch.

US to deploy missile-defense system at Guam following overt North Korean threat

April 4, 2013 at 11:41 AM

Washington, Apr. 4 (ANI): US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has said that Pentagon continues to take precautions against North Korea's rising threats which pose a "real and clear danger", by planning to deploy a missile-defense system to Guam.

'Outbreak of war hours away' as North Korea plans US strike

March 30, 2013 at 10:42 AM

London, Mar 30 (ANI): North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the country's military forces to prepare to strike US as a UK tour operator was warned that the 'outbreak of war probably only hours away'.

India's AFC Challenge Cup dream hangs in balance

March 6, 2013 at 9:16 PM

Yangon, March 6 (IANS) India's qualifying hopes for the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 finals suffered a huge set-back Wednesday as they went down 0-1 to hosts Myanmar in their last qualifying match in Group A at the Yangon Youth Training Centre here Wednesday.

Set-back for India's qualifying hopes for AFC Challenge Cup

March 6, 2013 at 8:43 PM

Yangon, March 6 (IANS) A 75th minute strike by substitute Soe Min Oo sank India as Myanmar won 1-0 and booked a ticket for the prestigious AFC Challenge Cup 2014 finals after edging out India at the Yangon Youth Training Centre here Wednesday.

Motivation level remains high: Chhetri

March 5, 2013 at 6:43 PM

Yangon, March 5 (IANS) India football captain Sunil Chettri Tuesday said the motivation level among Indian players remains high for Wednesday's tie against Myanmar in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier here.

India to go for win against Myanmar: Koevermans

March 5, 2013 at 3:07 PM

Yangon (Myanmar), March 5 (IANS) A draw against hosts Myanmar would see India top the group and qualify for AFC Challenge Cup 2014 in Maldives but coach Wim Koevermans says his team will only be going for a win when the two sides face off here Wednesday.

We could have scored ten goals: Koevermans

March 4, 2013 at 7:53 PM

Yangon, March 4 (IANS) India football coach Wim Koevermans has praised his team for a brilliant performance and pointed out that they could have scored more goals after beating Guam 4-0 at the Yangon Training Centre in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers here Monday.

India prove too strong for Guam, win 4-0

March 4, 2013 at 7:45 PM

Yangon, Mar 4 (IANS) India breezed past Guam 4-0 for their second consecutive win in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup 2014 qualifiers at the Yangon Training Centre here Monday.

There's no room for complacency: Koevermans

March 3, 2013 at 4:11 PM

Yangon (Myanmar), March 3 (IANS) Indian football team coach Wim Koevermans Sunday said there was no room for complacency for his team when they take on minnows Guam Monday at the Yangon Training Centre here in their second of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.

India begin AFC Cup qualifiers campaign in style

March 2, 2013 at 7:31 PM

Yangon, Mar 2 (IANS) The Indian football team began its campaign in style, beating Chinese Taipei 2-1 in their first match of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers 2013 here Saturday.

US sailors jailed in Japan for rape

March 1, 2013 at 10:51 PM

Tokyo, Mar 1 (IANS) Two US sailors have been sentenced to prison for the rape of a Japanese woman in Okinawa, BBC reported Friday.

Koevermans confident of qualifying for AFC Challenge Cup

March 1, 2013 at 4:27 PM

Yangon (Myanmar), Mar 1 (IANS) National football coach Wim Koevermans said Friday India were at the the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers not to just make up the numbers but to "win the tournament".

Acclimatising fast is very important: Koevermans

February 27, 2013 at 8:11 PM

Yangon, Feb 27 (IANS) India's chief football coach Wim Koevarmans Wednesday said acclimatisation will be the key as his boys gear up for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers starting here March 2.

Jeje geared up for AFC Challenge qualifiers

February 27, 2013 at 6:03 PM

Yangon, Feb 27 (IANS) Having been out of the team for nearly a year due to an ankle injury, India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is now geared up for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers starting here March 2.

Myanmar name squad for AFC Challenge qualifier

February 26, 2013 at 8:27 PM

Yangon, Feb 26 (IANS) Myanmar have named a 25-member squad for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier to be hosted at Youth Training Centre here next month.

Indian football team reach Yangon for AFC Challenge Cup

February 26, 2013 at 2:11 PM

Yangon, Feb 26 (IANS) The Indian national football team reached Yangon Tuesday morning for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup which kicks off March 2.

Rodrigues replaces injured Jhingan

February 23, 2013 at 4:26 PM

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) United Sikkim Football Club defender Sandesh Jhingan has been released from the ongoing national camp in Pune and will be replaced by Dempo SC defender Rowilson Rodrigues.

US to 'air bomb' out of control Guam snake population with 'poison-laced dead mice'

February 23, 2013 at 12:10 PM

Washington, Feb 23 (ANI): To control the increasing population of brown tree snakes in the island of Guam, the Wildlife Services of the US Department of Agriculture will air drop dead mice laced with the painkiller acetaminophen into the dense jungles on the island.

Chinese pleads guilty to selling stolen US software

January 9, 2013 at 3:05 PM

Beijing, Jan 9 (IANS) A Chinese businessman has pleaded guilty in a US court to selling stolen American software used in defence, space technology and engineering that had a retail value of more than $100 million.

Chinese man pleads guilty of selling 'stolen' software worth $100 mln

January 9, 2013 at 10:41 AM

London, Jan 9 (ANI): A Chinese man has pleaded guilty to selling stolen software worth over 100 million dollars.

US drone found in Philippines launched from Guam

January 8, 2013 at 2:07 PM

Manila, Jan 8 (IANS) Officials from the Philippines and the US Tuesday said an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) found off Masbate island last week was launched during a military exercise off the US island territory of Guam.

India drawn with hosts Myanmar in Challenge Cup qualifiers

December 11, 2012 at 5:28 PM

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Nehru Cup soccer champions India have been clubbed with hosts Myanmar, Chinese Taipei and Guam in Group A of the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 qualifiers.

Japan indicts 2 U.S. sailors on rape, assault charges involving Okinawa woman

November 7, 2012 at 9:16 PM

Kyodo, Nov. 7 (ANI): Two U.S. sailors have been indicted in Japan on charges of raping and injuring a woman in Okinawa last month.

US Navy frigate skipper fired after drunken Russia visit

November 4, 2012 at 4:07 PM

Moscow, Nov 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The skipper of a US Navy frigate has been fired after a probe established his subordinates were involved in drunken behaviour in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, the homeport of the Pacific Fleet, the US Navy reported.

North Korea says US within its strike range

October 9, 2012 at 11:24 AM

Pyongyang, Oct 9 (IANS) North Korea said Tuesday that the US is within the target range of its strategic rocket forces, the official KCNA news agency reported.

North Korea says US within its strike range

October 9, 2012 at 10:20 AM

Pyongyang, Oct 9 (IANS) The North Korean military said Tuesday that the US mainland was within the strike range of its strategic forces, reported Xinhua.

South Korea to build ballistic missiles

October 7, 2012 at 1:33 PM

Seoul, Oct 7 (IANS) South Korea will build ballistic missiles to better respond to "perceived threats" from North Korea, the presidential office here said Sunday.

S. Korea-U.S. talks over missile range extension in final stages: FM

October 5, 2012 at 3:58 PM

Seoul, Oct. 5 (Xinhua-ANI): South Korean foreign minister Kim Sung-hwan said Friday talks with the United States over allowing Seoul to build ballistic missiles of longer range are in their final stages.

James Cameron screens 3D footage of record-breaking ocean dive

September 10, 2012 at 3:22 PM

Washington, Sept 10 (ANI): James Cameron, who broke records by plunging seven miles underwater to reach the ocean's deepest point, treated his fans to a glimpse of the solo dive by presenting his first 3D clips of the journey on Sunday.

At 218kg judoko Ricardo Blas Jr is Olympics' heaviest athlete

August 3, 2012 at 3:23 PM

Sydney, Aug 3(ANI): Ricardo Blas Junior, who is a judo player, is the heaviest competitor in the history of modern Olympics with a colossal weight of 218 kg.

Washington, Tokyo sign Okinawa deal to move US Marines from Japanese Island

April 27, 2012 at 5:14 PM

Washington, April 27 (ANI): The United States and Japan have signed a deal to move thousands of US Marines from the Okinawa Island in Japan.

US to move out 9,000 Marines from Japan

April 27, 2012 at 12:58 PM

Tokyo, April 27 (IANS) The US will move 9,000 Marines out of Japan's southern Okinawa to Guam, Hawaii and other locations in the Asia-Pacific region, said a joint statement agreed by Tokyo and Washington Friday.

James Cameron becomes first man to reach Earth's deepest point solo

March 26, 2012 at 11:36 AM

London, Mar 26 (ANI): James Cameron added another feather in his cap as he became the first solo diver to reach seven miles below the ocean's surface - the deepest point on Earth.

James Cameron dives to deepest point of ocean

March 26, 2012 at 11:12 AM

Los Angeles, March 26 (IANS) "Titanic" and "Avatar" director James Cameron succeeded in reaching the depth of the Mariana Trench Sunday, becoming the first person in the world to complete the feat in a solo dive.

James Cameron headed to ocean's deepest point in custom-built sub

March 22, 2012 at 8:43 PM

London, March 22 (ANI): James Cameron is heading to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in person armed with hi-tech 3D cameras and lights.

James Cameron headed to ocean's deepest point in custom-built sub

March 22, 2012 at 4:00 PM

London, March 22 (ANI): James Cameron is heading to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in person armed with hi-tech 3D cameras and lights.

Santorum wins Kansas caucus but still struggling in White House race

March 11, 2012 at 8:43 PM

Washington, Mar 11(ANI): Rick Santorum won the Kansas Republican presidential caucuses, marking his strongest caucus finish but he is still struggling to make a mark in Mitt Romney's delegate lead for the White House race.

Santorum wins Kansas caucus but still struggling in White House race

March 11, 2012 at 1:54 PM

Washington, Mar 11(ANI): Rick Santorum won the Kansas Republican presidential caucuses, marking his strongest caucus finish but he is still struggling to make a mark in Mitt Romney's delegate lead for the White House race.

James Cameron in sub race to dive deeper than height of Everest

March 9, 2012 at 9:23 PM

London, Mar 9 (ANI): James Cameron is up against bids by three other ocean submersibles, including ones backed by Google's Eric Schmidt and Virgin tycoon Richard Branson, to reach an area called Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench near Guam in the Western Pacific.

James Cameron in sub race to dive deeper than height of Everest

March 9, 2012 at 12:15 PM

London, Mar 9 (ANI): James Cameron is up against bids by three other ocean submersibles, including ones backed by Google's Eric Schmidt and Virgin tycoon Richard Branson, to reach an area called Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench near Guam in the Western Pacific.

James Cameron in subs race to dive deeper than height of Everest

February 24, 2012 at 10:10 PM

London, Feb 24 (ANI): James Cameron is up against bids by three other ocean submersibles, including ones backed by Google's Eric Schmidt and Virgin tycoon Richard Branson, to reach an area called Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench near Guam in the Western Pacific.

James Cameron in subs race to dive deeper than height of Everest

February 24, 2012 at 6:23 PM

London, Feb 24 (ANI): James Cameron is up against bids by three other ocean submersibles, including ones backed by Google's Eric Schmidt and Virgin tycoon Richard Branson, to reach an area called Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench near Guam in the Western Pacific.

Philippines may allow greater U.S. military presence to counter China's military rise

January 26, 2012 at 6:20 PM

Manila, Jan.26 (ANI): The Philippines is in talks with the Obama administration about expanding American military presence in the island nation, the latest in a series of strategic moves aimed at countering China's expanding presence in the region.

Intervention in China and Taiwan conflict will put US at risk: Analysts

September 21, 2011 at 5:22 PM

Washington, Sept 21 (ANI): It has become increasingly risky for the United States to intervene in China and Taiwan's conflict as it plans to upgrade Taiwan's existing F-16 fighter jet fleet to defend itself, experts have warned.

he bizarre fish that evolved for oceans, but lives on land

August 31, 2011 at 6:03 PM

Washington, August 31 (ANI): A new study has found that one of the world's strangest animals - a unique fish that lives on land and can leap large distances despite having no legs - has a rich and complex social life.

Japan's nuke plant radiation traces detected in US

March 29, 2011 at 3:08 PM

Washington, Mar. (ANI): Low levels of radiation from Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant have now been detected in 13 US states and three union territories, said country's federal and local authorities.

Japan tsunami alert sparks evacuations across Pacific

March 12, 2011 at 12:52 PM

Honolulu, Mar 12 (ANI): A massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake followed by the devastating tsunami in Japan has generated evacuation orders across the vast expanse of the Pacific.

Third US aircraft carrier during naval drill to up Korean Peninsula crisis: Analyst

December 27, 2010 at 1:32 PM

Seoul, Dec 27 (ANI): South Korea's announcement to start naval drills from Monday and the prospects of the US sending another aircraft carrier to the region, is bound to intensify tension on the Korean Peninsula, claim analysts.

New discoveries resolve debate over oxygen in Earth's mantle

December 15, 2010 at 3:26 PM

Washington, Dec 14 (ANI): Recent discoveries by a University of Rhode Island scientist are bringing resolution to the debate among geologists about the availability of oxygen in the Earth's mantle.

Hindu statesman Zed nominated to "Think Tank" of Big Brothers Big Sisters

November 28, 2010 at 5:13 PM

Nevada (US), Nov 28 (ANI): Distinguished religious statesman Rajan Zed has been nominated to the "Think Tank" of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Northern Nevada.

US to build eight billion pound super base in Guam to contain China

October 26, 2010 at 10:51 AM

London, Oct. 26 (ANI): The United States is building an eight billion pound super military base on the Pacific island of Guam in an attempt to contain China's military build-up.

'Booby trapping' dresses 'fair game' in fiercely fought Miss Universe race

September 7, 2010 at 4:46 PM

Melbourne, Sept 7 (ANI): Second runner-up at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant, Jesinta Campbell, has revealed that her national dress was sabotaged at the competition.

Evolutionary origins of coral sex unraveled

August 3, 2010 at 2:08 PM

Washington, Aug 3 (ANI): Scientists at University of Guam Marine Lab have uncovered the evolutionary origins of coral sex.

Grunts, not technology, win wars: Historian

August 1, 2010 at 1:21 PM

Washington, Aug 1 (ANI): The "grunts"- American troops on the ground-have been better than technology in winning wars, says military historian John C. McManus in a new book about America's ground forces.

Obama not to be accompanied by wife, daughters on Asian trip: Gibbs

March 13, 2010 at 5:16 PM

Washington, Mar. 13 (ANI): White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has confirmed that President Barack Obama will delay his visit to Asia, and he won't be accompanied by wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha.

Obama's job approval rating nosedives to all time low of 46 percent

March 13, 2010 at 12:40 PM

Washington, Mar. 13 (ANI): The job approval rating of US President Barack Obama has hit a record low (46 percent) amid rising doubts over his ability to push health care reforms - the centrepiece of his domestic policies - through Congress.

Japanese man weds virtual girlfriend from dating game

November 26, 2009 at 5:49 PM

Sydney, Nov 26 (ANI): A Japanese man, who fell in love with a fictional character from the Nintendo DS "love simulator" Love Plus, has tied the knot in an official-looking ceremony over the weekend.

Man set to wed virtual girlfriend from dating game at public wedding reception

November 23, 2009 at 1:33 PM

Washington, Nov 23 (ANI): A man with an online name SAL9000 is all set to marry his virtual girlfriend from a dating simulations game called 'Love Plus'.

US 'to ban drinks containing combination of alcohol, caffeine'

November 22, 2009 at 12:33 PM

London, Nov 22 (ANI): The US Food and Drug Administration has announced that drinks, which contain a combination of alcohol and caffeine, will be banned within months if proven to be unsafe.

George Bush on 'Cat' Obama, Hillary's 'fat keister' butt, 'Gov. of Guam' Palin!

September 16, 2009 at 12:28 PM

London, Sept 16 (ANI): George W. Bush's former speechwriter Matt Latimer has revealed that the ex-US President considered Barack Obama unfit for the White House and dismissed Sarah Palin as a nonentity.

Australia and Pacific becoming 'extinction hotspots' for animals and plants

July 29, 2009 at 1:13 PM

London, July 29 (ANI): A new study has found that the Earth is in the throes of its "sixth great extinction event" and Australia and the Pacific are becoming the worst regions for the destruction of animals and plants.

Cairns to become cosmetic surgery hub of Australia

July 27, 2009 at 4:59 PM

Melbourne, July 27 (ANI): Cairns, a regional city in Far North Queensland, is set to become the IVF and cosmetic surgery hub of Australia.

Indian women's rugby team to play in Thailand

May 29, 2009 at 12:42 PM

Mumbai, May 29 (ANI): Indian Rugby Union has announced its first ever women's rugby national squad to take part in the Asian Women's Rugby 7s Tournament to be played at Pattaya in Thailand.

Robo submarine all set to dive deep into Pacific Ocean

May 7, 2009 at 1:45 PM

London, May 7 (ANI): A robotic submarine is undergoing final preparations to dive to the deepest-known part of the oceans.

Scientists find undersea volcano has grown a massive cone

May 6, 2009 at 4:11 PM

Washington, May 6 (ANI): Marine scientists, on an expedition to an erupting undersea volcano near the Island of Guam, have discovered that it appears to be continuously active, has grown a new cone during the past three years, and its activity supports a unique biological community thriving despite the eruptions.

Ashlee Simpson, Pete Wentz release baby's first pic on Internet

December 26, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Washington, Dec 26(ANI): Popstar Pete Wentz and wife Ashlee Simpson have released the very first picture of their baby son Bronx Mowgli on the Internet.

Pete Wentz denies 'struggle' to sell son's pics

December 12, 2008 at 4:50 PM

Washington, Dec 12 (ANI): Singer Pete Wentz has hit out at reports that he and wife were struggling to sell photos of their newborn son Bronx Mowgli to magazines.

Obama or McCain? - A poll watcher's guide to the finish line

November 4, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Washington, Nov 4 (IANS) Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain's final race for the magic figure of 270 electoral votes begins Tuesday with over 200 million Americans straddling nine time zones going to the polls over 19 hours.

Half of US coral reefs in 'poor' or 'fair' condition, says NOAA report

January 1, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Washington, July 8 (ANI): Almost 50 percent of U.S. coral reef ecosystems are in 'poor' or 'fair' condition, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report.