Guam's economy depends largely on the US military. The island is a vital staging post for operations through the Pacific region. Tourism ranks second. In 2008, Guam received 1,179,246 visitors, 90% came from Japan.
Though crops, including maize, cassava, bananas and coconuts, are grown for domestic consumption, Guam is an important re-export centre for distribution of goods throughout the Pacific, particularly to Micronesia.
The Guam government would like to attract more foreign investment, principally from Asia. It has been examining the country's potential as an offshore financial centre, but there is a great deal of Pacific competition. And, such a move is not favoured by Guam's tax laws.
GDP:US$3.6 billion.
Main exports:Re-exports of petroleum-based products, construction materials, fish, food and beverage products.
Main imports:Petroleum and petroleum products, food and manufactured goods.
Main trading partners:Japan, Singapore, Korea (Rep), Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Direct dial overseas telecommunications facilities are available to all overseas points 24 hours a day.
Mobile phone:Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies.
Internet:There are Wi-Fi hotspots provided by IT&E situated at the International Airport, Micronesia Mall and some other locations. Internet cafes can be found in the Tumon area.
Post office hours:(Main) Mon-Sat 0800-1500. The Guam Main Facility branch is open Mon-Fri 0930-1700, Sat 1300-1600.
Media:The English-language daily newspaper is The Pacific Daily News. Kuam is a commercial TV channel, K57 (KGUM) is commercial radio station and KPRG is a public radio station.
