Guam

The National Flag of Guam

The national flag of Guam is a vibrant and meaningful representation of the island’s culture, history, and identity. The flag consists of a deep blue background with a red border, and a central emblem in the shape of a pointed oval. The emblem depicts an image of a palm tree, a proa (a traditional outrigger canoe), and the Agana River with the word “GUAM” in bold red letters. Each element of the flag symbolizes the unique heritage and natural beauty of Guam.

Guam Flag Clip Art Images, Background, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Guam Flag Image

To download an image of the Guam flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Guam Flag

The Guam flag features a design rich in cultural symbolism:

• Blue Background: Represents the ocean that surrounds Guam and the importance of the sea in the island’s culture.
• Red Border: Symbolizes the blood shed by Chamorros (the indigenous people of Guam) during wars and battles throughout the island’s history.
• Central Emblem: The pointed oval shape represents the traditional sling stones used by the ancient Chamorros as a weapon. The elements within the emblem—palm tree, proa, and Agana River—reflect Guam’s natural beauty, history, and the spirit of resilience.
• Word “GUAM”: Written in red, it boldly represents the identity and pride of the people of Guam.

The Origins and Design of the Guam Flag

The flag of Guam was officially adopted on February 9, 1948, but its roots go back to World War II, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the people of Guam. The flag’s design is inspired by Guam’s rich culture, natural landscape, and historical journey.

The Birth of a Unique Symbol

The central emblem is a depiction of life in Guam: the coconut tree represents self-sustenance and strength; the proa represents the maritime skills of the Chamorros; and the river symbolizes the natural resources and beauty of the island.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The colors and elements of the Guam flag hold deep significance:

• Blue: Represents the Pacific Ocean surrounding the island.
• Red: Symbolizes the bravery and sacrifices of the Chamorro people.
• The Emblem: Combines elements that highlight the beauty, strength, and heritage of Guam.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Guam flag include:

• The Proa: A traditional canoe, representing the seafaring skills and adventures of the Chamorro people.
• The Coconut Tree: Symbolizes resilience, self-reliance, and the tropical nature of Guam.
• The Agana River: Depicts the natural beauty and life-giving resources of the island.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The Guam flag, in its current form, was adopted in 1948. It is proudly displayed in government buildings, schools, and homes as a symbol of pride, heritage, and unity among the people of Guam.

The Flag in Guam’s Identity

The flag is a powerful symbol of Guam’s identity. It is displayed during Liberation Day on July 21, commemorating the island’s liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II, as well as other cultural and patriotic events.

The Significance of the Guam Flag

The flag of Guam embodies the island’s history, cultural pride, and natural beauty. Displaying the Guam flag is a sign of respect and love for the island and its people.

When the Flag of Guam Can Be Displayed

The flag of Guam can be displayed on any day, with special significance on national holidays, Liberation Day, and cultural celebrations.

Guam Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1EC U+1F1FA

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇬🇺
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇬🇺

3. CSS

content: "\1F1EC\1F1FA";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const guamFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFA";

// Java Example
String guamFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFA";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$guamFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1FA}";

// Ruby Example
guam_flag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1FA}"

6. Perl

my $guamFlag = "\x{1F1EC}\x{1F1FA}";

7. Python

guam_flag = "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1FA"

8. C#

string guamFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFA";

9. Swift

let guamFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1FA}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *guamFlag = @"\U0001F1EC\U0001F1FA";

11. JSON

{
  "guamFlag": "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFA"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFA');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

guam_flag=$'\U1F1EC\U1F1FA'

14. Go (Golang)

guamFlag := "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1FA"

15. Kotlin

val guamFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFA"

About Guam

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Guam is a U.S. island territory located in the western Pacific Ocean, part of the Mariana Islands. It is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana archipelago, known for its:

• Tropical beaches and coral reefs
• Mountainous terrain, including Mount Lamlam, the highest point on the island
• Limestone plateaus
• Fringing reefs and deep ocean surrounding the island

Guam Map

Area and Population

Guam covers an area of approximately 544 square kilometers, making it the largest island in Micronesia. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 170,000 people, with a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Guam is a melting pot of cultures, with its population primarily consisting of:

• Chamorro: the indigenous people of Guam, making up around 37% of the population
• Filipino: approximately 26%
• Other Pacific Islanders and Asians: around 10%
• White Americans and others: about 7%

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Guam”

The name “Guam” originates from the indigenous Chamorro word “Guåhan,” meaning “we have.” The island was first settled by the Chamorro people over 4,000 years ago.

History

Guam’s history is rich, shaped by both indigenous traditions and colonial influences. Key historical events include:

• Colonization by Spain in the 16th century
• Transfer to U.S. control following the Spanish-American War in 1898
• Japanese occupation during World War II, followed by liberation by U.S. forces in 1944
• Becoming an unincorporated U.S. territory in 1950

Government and Politics

Capital

Hagåtña is the capital of Guam. It is a small but culturally significant city, home to government offices, historical sites, and the seat of the island’s government.

Government and Politics

Guam operates as an unincorporated territory of the United States, with a local government led by a Governor. The island has a non-voting delegate in the U.S. Congress and is divided into 19 villages, each with its own elected mayor.

Values and Culture

Guam values its cultural heritage, with a strong focus on family, community, and respect for elders (the Chamorro concept of “inafa’maolek,” meaning mutual cooperation and helping one another).

Religion

Guam is predominantly Roman Catholic, with over 75% of the population practicing this faith. Other religions, including Protestantism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs, are also present.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Guam include:

• Liberation Day on July 21, celebrating the island’s liberation from Japanese forces during World War II
• Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day, held in March
• U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas

Demographics and Society

Language

The official languages of Guam are English and Chamorro. While English is the primary language used in business and government, Chamorro is spoken by many island residents, and efforts are ongoing to preserve the language.

Society and Sports

Guam has a vibrant culture with a love for sports and outdoor activities. Basketball and soccer are popular, along with traditional Chamorro games and water sports like diving and snorkeling.

Safety

Guam is considered a safe destination for tourists and residents, with a low crime rate. The island’s small size and close-knit community contribute to its reputation for safety.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Guam’s economy is largely driven by:

• Tourism, primarily from Japan, Korea, and the U.S.
• The U.S. military presence, with multiple bases on the island
• Construction and local industries like agriculture and fishing

Currency

The official currency of Guam is the U.S. Dollar (USD), just like in the mainland United States.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Guam’s culture is a blend of indigenous Chamorro traditions and modern influences from the U.S. and other parts of Asia and the Pacific. Chamorro arts, including weaving and carving, are celebrated, and the island is known for its colorful festivals and performances.

Cuisine

Guam’s cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage, with popular dishes including:

• Kelaguen: A traditional Chamorro dish made from chicken, beef, or seafood marinated in lemon juice and served with coconut
• Red rice: A staple at Chamorro fiestas, colored with annatto seeds
• BBQ: Guam-style barbecues are common at family gatherings, featuring marinated meats and seafood

National Anthem

While Guam does not have its own national anthem, the island honors the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Additionally, the Chamorro hymn “Fanohge Chamorro” is often sung at local events.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Guam has a well-developed road network, with buses and taxis available for public transportation. The island is served by Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, which connects Guam to major cities in Asia and the Pacific.

Time Zone

Guam operates on Chamorro Standard Time (CST), which is UTC+10, 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the mainland U.S.

Web and Phone Code

Guam’s internet country code is “.gu,” and the international dialing code is +1 (671).

Guam: Things to See and Do

Guam is a tropical paradise with a rich cultural history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Guam:

Explore Beaches

Guam’s beaches are a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

• Tumon Bay: A popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports, with hotels and restaurants nearby.
• Ritidian Point: A secluded, pristine beach located within a wildlife refuge, perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.

Visit Historical Sites

Guam has a rich history, reflected in its many historical sites.

• Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: A Spanish fort offering scenic views over Umatac Bay.
• Pacific War Museum: A museum dedicated to Guam’s role in World War II.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Guam offers various outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts.

• Hiking Mount Lamlam: The highest peak in Guam, offering panoramic views of the island and the Pacific Ocean.
• Scuba Diving: Explore Guam’s coral reefs and underwater wrecks, including World War II relics.

Participate in Festivals

Guam hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year.

• Liberation Day: Celebrated on July 21 with parades, fireworks, and cultural events.
• Chamorro Cultural Festival: A celebration of Chamorro traditions, including dance, music, and crafts.