Manila, P.I., lies 1500 miles to the West; Yokohama, Japan, is to the north 1350 miles; and Honolulu, Hawaii, sits 3300 miles to the northeast of Guam. 210 square miles in area, Guam is actually about three times the size of Washington, DC. 34 miles long at most and between 4 and 9 miles wide, Guam is the largest island in the area. 

Surrounded by miles and miles of open sea, the ancient people called their island *Guahan* (pronounced Gwa hawn) which literally translated means "we have fresh water." The largest and most southern island in the Marianas chain, Guam is the only one of the area which has a fresh drinkable water system due to a series of natural catch basins and aquifers. For this reason, Guam has always been a major port of call from the Americas to the Orient and the Philippine Islands. 

You may want to view our Chamorro Lessons, the history of Guam, Language and Guam's Hymn in both Chamorro and English.   Also, in our Links Section, you will find the Official Government of Guam Web Site.