Guam is a US territory that is a small island in the western Pacific Ocean. Guam’s economy is mainly tourism from Japan, as well as income from the US military. Its ethnic groups are 37% Chamorro, 26% Filipino 11% Pacific, 6% white, 6% Asian, 10% mixed and others. It is the southernmost and largest of the Mariana Islands.
Guam Overview
- Population
- 161,785 as of 2015
- Capital
- Hagåtña
- Official languages
- English; Chamorro
- Sovereign state
- United States
- Largest city
- Dededo
- Area
- 210 square miles
- Population Density
- 770 people per square mile
Climate
Tropical. Expect 85 degrees F (30 C) and 100% humidity year-round. Typhoons are not uncommon during rainy season from August to January. Dry season extends from February to July. Every day is sunscreen weather.
Economy
Guam’s economy depends primarily on tourism, Department of Defense installations and locally owned businesses. Despite paying no income or excise tax, it receives large transfer payments from the general revenues of the U.S. federal treasury. Under the provisions of a special law by Congress, it is Guam’s treasury rather than the U.S. treasury that receives the federal income taxes paid by local taxpayers.
Education
Colleges and Universities
The University of Guam (UOG) and Guam Community College, both fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, offer courses in higher education. UOG is a member of the exclusive group of only 76 U.S. land-grant institutions in the entire United States. Pacific Islands University is a small Christian liberal arts institution nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. They offer courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Primary and Secondary Schools
The Guam Department of Education serves the entire island of Guam. Guam’s educational system has always faced unique challenges as a small community located 6,000 miles (9,700 km) from the U.S. mainland with a very diverse student body including many students who come from backgrounds without traditional American education. In September 1997 the US Department of Defense Education Administration (DoDEA) opened its own schools for children of military personnel stationed in Guam. DoDEA Guam operates three elementary/middle schools and one high school.
Moving to Guam
Prior to Arrival
Guam is a U.S. territory. American citizens may enter with any government-approved form of identification. International visitors should contact their local government offices to apply for a U.S. visa before making travel arrangements to Guam.
On Arrival
A customs form will be distributed and must be filled out before leaving the ship or airliner. Guam is an island and is extremely vulnerable to invasive species. As a general rule, no live animals (other than traditional pets) or plants are allowed onto the island. Fresh fruit and vegetables are not allowed into or to be taken off of Guam.
Moving With Pets
Moving to Guam with a pet can be complicated. You will need to get a variety of documentation from your veterinarian. Start the process at least 30 days prior to your departure. You will need to provide a signed certificate of health, a rabies vaccination certificate and have had the animal microchipped. Guam is a rabies-free island, and as such has strict rules regarding the importation of companion animals.
Pets are required to go through a 30-day quarantine period. You must have your documentation well-organized, or else you risk having your pet put into 120-day quarantine.
Not Just Another Moving Company — A Valuable Resource When You’re Moving To or From Guam
Compass isn’t just your average moving company. Moving to or from Guam requires more than packing boxes and transporting them.
Rely on our years of moving families like yours. Ask us for advice, tips and information. From planning your move to adjusting to life in or outside of Guam, we’re always here to listen and help.
References
Guam – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://taggedwiki.zubiaga.org/new_content/a50c1dd55a298bc982a381f5dc3208d1