Guam

Overview

Guam lies in the western Pacific as the southernmost and largest island in the Mariana Islands chain, and as an unincorporated territory of the United States it reflects a unique blend of American and indigenous Chamorro culture. Due to its strategic location, the island has played a significant role in Pacific trade and military history for centuries, from the era of Spanish colonization through the Japanese occupation during World War II. Chamorro language, cuisine, and traditions, including a strong emphasis on family and community values, continue to shape the island's identity despite its close political ties to the United States.

War memorial sites, including the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, preserve the memory of the WWII Japanese occupation and subsequent American liberation, with numerous bunkers, gun emplacements, and monuments scattered across the island. Hagåtña, the island's capital, retains traces of its Spanish colonial past, including the ruins of the Plaza de España and the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral. Two Lovers Point, a dramatic cliff on the island's northern coast, is known for its Chamorro legend and offers striking views over the Philippine Sea.

Guam's coral reefs and clear water make it an excellent destination for diving and snorkeling, with Tumon Bay's protected lagoon a particular favorite among families and beginner divers. The Philippine Trench, the deepest point in the world's oceans, lies not far from Guam's coast, giving the region added scientific significance. Local cuisine has strong Chamorro roots, with kelaguen, meat or fish marinated in citrus, and red rice as signature dishes, often served during traditional fiestas accompanied by live music and dance.