How big is Guam compared to a U.S. state? This question often arises when people are trying to visualize the size of Guam, one of the smallest and most remote U.S. territories. To put it into perspective, Guam is approximately 549 square miles (1,427 square kilometers) in size, making it slightly larger than Delaware but much smaller than states like Texas or California.
Guam, located in the Western Pacific Ocean, is an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is situated about 3,900 miles (6,275 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii and about 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) east of the Philippines. The island is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
When comparing Guam to U.S. states, it’s important to note that Guam is much smaller than the contiguous 48 states. For instance, Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, covers an area of about 268,596 square miles (695,662 square kilometers), which is approximately 49 times larger than Guam. Similarly, California, the third-largest state, spans about 163,696 square miles (423,970 square kilometers), making it around 30 times larger than Guam.
However, when comparing Guam to the smallest U.S. states, it falls somewhere in the middle. Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States, covers about 1,214 square miles (3,140 square kilometers), which is roughly twice the size of Guam. On the other hand, Delaware, the second-smallest state, is about 1,954 square miles (5,040 square kilometers), which is slightly larger than Guam.
Despite its small size, Guam has a significant population, with approximately 167,000 residents as of 2020. This high population density is due to the limited land area available for development. Guam’s government and economy are also unique, as they operate under the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal government while maintaining a certain level of autonomy.
In conclusion, Guam is a relatively small island compared to U.S. states, with an area of approximately 549 square miles. While it is much smaller than states like Texas or California, it is still larger than the smallest states, such as Rhode Island and Delaware. Despite its size, Guam plays a significant role in the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region and offers a rich cultural experience to its visitors.
