Geography of Guam

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

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

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.