Demographics

The population of Guam was estimated to be 167 370 in 2006, with 104 males for every 100 females. Population density is 310 per square kilometre. Total life expectancy for both sexes is 78.40 years. Men are expected to live to 75.3 years of age and women to 81.6 years. The crude birth rate decreased slightly from 20.6 in 2004 to 19.03 in 2005. The crude death rate in 2005 was 4.41 per 1000 population, a slight increase from 4.2 in 2004.

Political situation

The political situation on Guam remains stable, with elections for the mayors of municipal civil districts (villages) and the unicameral legislature held in 2004. Cooperation between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch is growing.

Socioeconomic situation

Guam has been in a financial crisis since the 1994 fiscal year. The economic decline is related to the Asian economic crisis and unforeseen events such as supertyphoons (which have destroyed much of Guam’s infrastructure and left much of the island with little or no potable water for weeks and no electricity for two to three months in some areas), the war in Iraq, and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Guam’s economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, with the majority of visitors originating from Japan and the Pacific rim. Tourist arrivals and expenditures have dwindled due to the aforementioned events, although there are indications of an upswing.

The most critical impact of the crisis has been in the employment area. According to the local Department of Labour office, Guam’s unemployment rate was 7.7 % as of March 2004. In 2002, the reported per capita gross island product was US$ 15 439.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.

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