Guam

Guam Factbook

Guam has been strongly Roman Catholic for 400 years, yet it's home to a large evangelical radio station reaching far into Asia.

Guam is an island in the North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines and over 3000 miles west of Hawaii. It is home to a strategically important U.S. military base. The climate is moderately tropical with little seasonal temperature variation. The island is an increasingly popular tourist spot.

Slightly more than 150,000 people live on the island. Native people groups account for half of the population. The other half consists of Asians and Americans.

The rapidly growing tourism industry has surpassed the military base as the largest segment of the economy. Still, nearly half of the population is employed by the U.S. or local government.

Guam spent more than 300 years under Spanish rule. In 1898, Spain ceded the island to the U.S., and it has been a self-governing U.S. territory since then. There is freedom of religion.

The Roman Catholic Church has been dominant since the beginning of Spanish rule. The number of Catholics has fallen in the last 60 years but still represents 75% of the population. Some Catholics have shown an increasing interest in personal study. Pray that many may have a genuine relationship with Christ. Both Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses have been growing rapidly.

Approximately 10% of the people are evangelical. That number has been relatively steady over the last few decades. Immigrant groups have shown particular interest in the gospel. Several missionary works are directed at military personnel. Pray for their ministry.

Trans World Radio also has a large broadcasting station on Guam. The broadcasts are aimed primarily at Asia and cover huge numbers of people who do not enjoy freedom of religion. Pray for this important ministry.

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