Guam Geography Profile 2009

Location

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates

13 28 N, 144 47 E

Map references

Oceania

Area

total: 544 sq km
land: 544 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries

0 km

Coastline

125.5 km

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in center, mountains in south

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Natural resources

aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely undeveloped)

Land use

arable land: 3.64%
permanent crops: 18.18%
other: 78.18% (2005)

Irrigated land

NA

Natural hazards

frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare but potentially destructive typhoons (June - December)

Environment - current issues

extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Geography - note

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean