An Introduction to the Island of Guam

I’m currently on the island of Guam, and over the next few days I’ll be journeying to popular sightseeing attractions around the island while documenting my activities on Traveling Project. I thought it would be a good idea to give an introduction to Guam as a good starter post.

The island of Guam is located at 13º 30′ north latitude, 144º 48′ east longitude on the globe in the Pacific Ocean. It is a small island between the Philippines and Hawaii, and north of Australia. Total land area of Guam is 209 square miles with an estimated population of about 180,000 people at the time of this post. Guam is a territory of the United States and people born on Guam are United States citizens. The official currency of Guam is the United States dollar(USD), and the official languages are English and Chamorro. Everyone on Guam speaks English so you won’t have a problem communicating with the local population if you know English. The majority of the population on Guam are of Chamorro or Filipino descent, with smaller ethnic groups from Asia and the Micronesia islands also present.

The indigenous people of Guam are the Chamorro people, and they account for about 57% of the total population on Guam. Traditional Chamorro culture is very similar to other island dwelling cultures within Oceania with deeps roots in sea navigation, fishing, cultural dance and songs. There is a huge Spanish influence on Guam due to the Spanish colonization of the island when Spain used Guam as a stopping point on trade routes to the East Indies, Mexico, and Philippines in the 1600s to 1800s. In fact, many local Chamorros are also part Spanish.

The Spanish also spread Catholicism throughout the island, and about 95%+ of the population is Roman Catholic. If you ever get a chance to visit Guam be sure to check out the lavish and beautifully designed Roman Catholic churches in various villages throughout the island, specifically the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna village.

Located almost directly on the equator, Guam has a extremely hot, humid tropical climate and takes a little getting use to when you first arrive on the island. Lifestyle on the island is extremely slow and easy going. The main tourist area of Tumon is the busiest part of the island with hotels stretching down one strip of road along Tumon Bay. Finding attractions and sightseeing destinations is a little difficult unless you have a personal guide or guide book. Many of the best sightseeing attractions are “off the beaten path” so to speak, and have a long traditional history or story behind them so prepare to ask around for tips and directions from the locals.

The main activities to do while your on Guam would be to enjoy the tropical beaches, visit the local attractions and sight-seeing destinations, go shopping, and check out some of the local discos, clubs, and bars at night! I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to Guam and stay tuned for more posts and photos in the next few days!