week 5: GUAM

In the flag of the Territory of Guam, the emblem in the center recalls the sling stones used by the islanders' ancestors and represents protection and edurance.  The cliff in the background is the Punta Dos Amantes or Two Lovers Point -- read the legend of true love.

Guam is an "unicorporated organized" US territory (as are the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands).  The capital is Hagatna.  English and Chamorro are spoken on the island and the people are mostly Chamorro or Filipino. 

Chamorros, the original inhabitants of Guam also settled through the Marianas archipelago.  Some latte stones date back to 800bc.  Latte stones were supports for houses.  The island was discovered in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan on behalf of the Spanish.  In 1668 Jesuit missionaries arrived.  The island was ceded to the US following the Spanish American war in 1898 and was formally purchased in 1899.  In 1941 it was occupied by the Japanese.  In 1944 it was reclaimed by the US.  July 21, 1944 is known as Liberation Day.  It has been an important US military base.  Tourism is an important part of the economy.

See Democratic congressman Hank Johnson tell how overpopulation in Guam may cause the island to tip over in this video clip.