The video discusses the island of Guam, a US territory in the Pacific Ocean. Despite being over 8,000 miles away from Washington D.C., Guam is a fully-fledged US territory with a distinct American feel, complete with US-style roads, signs, and stores. The island has a population of over 160,000 people and is more densely populated than most US states.
Guam's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with over 1.5 million visitors each year, mostly from Asia. The island's proximity to major Asian cities, such as Tokyo and Seoul, makes it an attractive destination. However, the tourism industry suffered in 2017 due to North Korea's missile threats.
Despite being part of the US, Guam functions differently politically. The island has its own legislature, but its representatives do not have voting power in Congress. This means that Guam residents do not have a say in the laws that apply to them. Additionally, Guam is subject to the Jones Act, which prevents foreign-built or owned ships from carrying cargo or passengers between US ports, making shipping to the island more expensive.
The US military is a significant presence on the island, with over 25% of Guam's land used for military bases. The military is also the largest employer on the island, and the economy is heavily dependent on it.
Despite these challenges, Guam is a unique and thriving place, with a strong sense of patriotism and a desire for closer ties with the US mainland. The island is working to grow its local economy and make it more self-sustaining, with the help of companies like Squarespace.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Guam is a US territory located in the Pacific Ocean.
2. Guam is the most isolated US territory, with a distance of nearly 8,000 miles from Washington, D.C.
3. The US has five inhabited territories: US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
4. Guam has been inhabited for thousands of years by the native Chamorro people.
5. In the 1500s, Guam was claimed as a territory by Spain.
6. After the Spanish-American War, Guam was ceded to the US, along with Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
7. Guam was occupied by Japan during World War II, but was liberated by the US.
8. Guam is a fully-fledged US territory, with its own government and laws.
9. Guam has a population of over 160,000 people, making it more densely populated than all but five US states or territories.
10. The island is about 30 miles long and has a GDP per capita of over $35,000.
11. Guam's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with over 1.5 million visitors per year.
12. The island is a popular destination for Asian tourists, who can buy American goods at a lower cost than in their home countries.
13. Guam is subject to US federal laws, but its congressional representatives do not have voting power.
14. The island is not able to vote for the US president.
15. Guam has a unique political system, with a legislature that can pass laws, but is subject to US federal oversight.
16. The US military is the largest employer on Guam, with a significant presence on the island.
17. The US military is planning to increase its presence on Guam, with the number of personnel slated to more than double in the coming decade.
18. The Jones Act prevents foreign-built, owned, or operated ships from carrying cargo or passengers between US ports, which affects Guam's economy.
19. Guam is exempt from some US laws, but not all, which can create challenges for the island's economy.
20. The island is trying to grow its local small businesses to make the economy more self-sustaining.