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Introducing Guam
As Micronesia's most populous island, Guam is about as 'cosmopolitan' as it gets, so it cops a lot of attitude from Pacific snobs who reckon it lacks 'real island culture'. Sure, American accents are everywhere (it's an unincorporated US territory and many Guamanian homes fly the US flag) and the Chamorro language isn't spoken quite as widely as it used to be. And if you never stray from Tumon Bay - the island's glitzy duty-free shopping and accommodation hub - then undeniably you'll be over- (or under-) whelmed.
But the island is currently in the throes of retooling itself. The tourism authorities talk of how 'Product Guam' (there's that American influence) needs a complete overhaul from its current status as a Pacific theme park for Japanese tourists. There may come a day soon when Chamorro culture (long subsumed by various invasions and occupations) is promoted above all else, with an increased focus on local food and the fascinating stories underlying many of the villages.
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Latest headlines for Guam
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Fire forces Australia jet to land
11 June 2009 1:42PM
An Australian A330 Airbus plane with 203 people on board makes an emergency landing in Guam after a fire in the cockpit.
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Regions and territories: Guam
4 December 2008 2:43PM
An overview of Guam, including key facts, political leaders and the media
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Two dead in US B-52 bomber crash
21 July 2008 10:55PM
The US Air Force says two bodies have been recovered from a B-52 bomber, which crashed into the Pacific off the coast of Guam.
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