People and Society of Guam

Nationality

Guamanian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Chamorro 37%, Filipino 26%, white 10%, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other 27%

Population

153,836

Population in Major Urban Areas

HAGATNA (capital) 169,000

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Guam reflects the island's relatively strong healthcare infrastructure and its close ties to the United States medical system. Residents of Guam can generally expect to live into their late seventies, with overall life expectancy hovering around 77 to 79 years. As with most populations worldwide, women in Guam tend to outlive men, with female life expectancy reaching approximately 80 to 82 years compared to roughly 74 to 76 years for males. Guam's health profile is shaped by a combination of factors. On the positive side, the island benefits from access to modern medical facilities, U.S. federal health programs, and a public health system modeled after American standards. The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority serves as the primary public hospital, and residents have access to federally funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, which help extend quality healthcare to a broader portion of the population. However, Guam also faces significant health challenges that weigh on longevity figures. The island has notably high rates of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension among its population. These chronic conditions are particularly prevalent among the indigenous Chamorro people and reflect broader dietary and lifestyle shifts that have occurred over recent decades. Cancer rates on the island are also a concern, and access to specialized care sometimes requires travel to the continental United States, which can delay treatment. Mental health services and substance abuse resources have historically been underfunded relative to need, adding further complexity to the overall health picture. Environmental factors, including legacy contamination from former military activities and occasional climate-related disruptions, also play a role in shaping community health outcomes. When compared to the broader Pacific Island region, Guam's life expectancy is relatively favorable, though it falls modestly below the U.S. national average, which has fluctuated in recent years partly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national mortality data. Ongoing public health initiatives focused on chronic disease prevention, improved nutrition, and expanded primary care access are aimed at closing that gap and improving long-term outcomes for all residents of the island.

Infant Mortality Rate

Guam's infant mortality rate reflects the island territory's relatively developed healthcare infrastructure, though it faces unique challenges as a small Pacific island community with limited medical resources compared to mainland United States standards. Recent data places Guam's infant mortality rate at approximately 10 to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that is notably higher than the U.S. national average of around 5 to 6 per 1,000 live births, but considerably lower than many developing nations across the broader Pacific and Southeast Asian regions. This gap between Guam and the U.S. mainland reflects disparities in access to specialized neonatal care, the geographic isolation of the island, and socioeconomic factors affecting a portion of the local population. The primary causes of infant mortality in Guam are consistent with those seen across Pacific Island communities, including premature birth complications, congenital abnormalities, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Access to prenatal care has been an ongoing area of focus for public health officials on the island, as adequate prenatal screening and support can significantly reduce preventable infant deaths. Guam's healthcare system is anchored by Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, which serves as the main public hospital, and a number of private clinics and medical facilities. However, complex or high-risk neonatal cases often require medical evacuation to facilities in Hawaii or the continental United States, which can pose logistical and financial burdens on families. Efforts by local health authorities, in coordination with federal programs and international health organizations, have gradually improved maternal and infant health outcomes over the decades. Programs focusing on breastfeeding support, nutrition education for mothers, and expanded prenatal care access have contributed to incremental progress in reducing infant deaths. Despite these improvements, health disparities remain, particularly among the indigenous Chamorro population and lower-income communities, where rates of preterm birth and inadequate prenatal visits tend to be higher. Continued investment in community health infrastructure and maternal support services remains essential to further closing the gap between Guam's infant mortality figures and those of the broader United States.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic85.0%
• other15.0%

English, Chamorro, Japanese

• English
• Japanese