Guam is the largest US territory in the Pacific, located in Micronesia, with the indigenous Chamorro culture, Andersen Air Force Base, and a tropical climate that makes it a year-round travel destination.
Geography & climate
Guam lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately 13.4°N, 144.7°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 544 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Guam all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Guam is Hagatna, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Dededo, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 170K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Status & relationship to the United States
Guam is a United States territory rather than a state. Residents are US nationals (and in most cases US citizens), but representation in Congress is non-voting and many federal programmes apply differently. Local government, courts and schools operate under territorial law in coordination with federal agencies.
Symbols & emblems
Guam is nicknamed “Where America's Day Begins”, with the state motto Tano y Chamorro (Land of the Chamorro). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Guam is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Guam.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Guam offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Guam can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | GU | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Hagatna | — |
| Largest city | Dededo | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | 170K | people |
| Area | 544 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | Where America's Day Begins | — |
| Motto | Tano y Chamorro (Land of the Chamorro) | — |
| Latitude | 13.4 | degrees |
| Longitude | 144.7 | degrees |
Did you know?
Guam's location near the international date line gives it the slogan 'Where America's Day Begins' — it sees sunrise hours before the US mainland.
