University of Guam
University
of Guam is a government-assisted land-grant institution of
higher learning and research, located in the United States
Territory of Guam. The island is one of the Mariana Islands, located in the western Pacific Ocean. The university's main
campus is located in the city of Mangilao and there are three
agricultural research stations located elsewhere on the island.
Founded as the College of Guam in 1952, the university received
its charter in 1968. The university is composed of the colleges
of agriculture and life science, arts and sciences, business and
public administration, and education; and four research units:
the Micronesian Area Research Institute, Marine Lab, Water and
Energy Resource Institute, and Learning Resources Center. The
university offers bachelor's degrees in 35 areas and master's
degrees in 12 areas.
Reviewed by: University of Guam
Guam, island in the western North Pacific Ocean, unincorporated
territory of the United States, largest and southernmost of the
Mariana Islands. It is 48 km (30 mi) long and a maximum of about
13 km (about 8 mi) wide; the total area is 541 sq km (209 sq
mi). The capital of Guam is Agara.
Land and Economy
The northern portion of the island is a plateau of coral
formation; the southern portion is hilly and of volcanic origin.
The only good anchorage is Apra Harbor, on the western coast.
The climate is tropical, with an average annual temperature of
26. 7º C (80º F).
Guam is one of the principal U. S. defense fortifications in the
western Pacific Ocean and is the site of extensive naval, army, and air force installations. Petroleum refining, ship repairing, and other service industries to the military establishment form
a major part of the local economy. Farming and fishing are
relatively well developed. Vegetables, citrus and tropical
fruits, coconuts, and sugarcane are grown, and livestock, especially poultry, is raised. Manufactures include textiles, cement, and plastics. Tourism is of growing importance.
Population and Government
In 1990, the population of Guam was 133, 152, including military
personnel and dependents. The administrative center, Agana, is
located on the western coast north of Apra Harbor. The
indigenous Guamanians, or Chamorro, constitute less than half
the total population. The Chamorro are of mixed ancestral
heritage but are basically Micronesian in origin and speak their
own language, Chamorro. English is the official language and is
taught in the schools. The University of Guam, in Mangilao, was
established in 1952.
Executive power is vested in a governor, who is popularly
elected to a four-year term. Legislative authority is vested in
a unicameral legislature, consisting of 21 popularly elected
members. Guam sends one nonvoting delegate to the United States
House of Representatives.
History
The island was probably visited in 1521 by the Portuguese
navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who, sailing for Spain, claimed it
for that country. It was formally annexed by Spain in 1565. In
1898, by the terms of the Treaty of Paris at the end of the
Spanish-American War, the island was ceded by Spain to the
United States. The Japanese captured Guam in December 1941, during World War II (1939-1945). It was retaken by American
forces between July 20 and August 10, 1944. In 1950 U. S.
citizenship was conferred on the people of Guam. The island was
devastated in August 1992 by Typhoon Omar. Winds of up to 240
km/h (about 150 mph) damaged 75 to 90 percent of the island's
buildings.
University of Guam
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