Geography of Guam
Location: Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the PhilippinesMap references: Oceania
Area:
total:
541.3 sq km
land:
541.3 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:
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
Climate: tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from 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-rising hills in center, mountains in south
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point:
Mount Lamlam 406 m
Natural resources: fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan)
Land use:
arable land:
11%
permanent crops:
11%
permanent pastures:
15%
forests and woodland:
18%
other:
45% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (especially in August)
Environment - current issues: extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic species
Geography - note: largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean
- See also : Guam
