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Guam joined the Committee for Coordination of Joint Prospecting for Mineral Resources in South Pacific Offshore Areas (CCOP/SOPAC) in 1982. CCOP/SOPAC became autonomous in 1984 and later changed its name to the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) in 1989.

Located in the North Pacific Ocean, Guam sits at 13º North latitude and 144º East longitude and has a total land mass of 541 square kilometres and an Economic Exclusive Zone [EEZ] of 280 000 km².

Geologically, Guam sits at the edge of the Philippines Plate with the Pacific Plate thrusting below [an area called the subduction zone]. The island of Guam characterise the merging of two volcanoes, thus has two basic geological compositions. The first, constituting two thirds of Guam [the central and northern] is primarily raised limestone with several volcanic formations at Mount Santa Rosa and Mount Mataguak and clifflines dropping into the sea with elevations ranging from 300 to 600 feet. The other [southern part of the island] is basically volcanic with an elongated mountain ridge dividing the inland valleys and coastline with Mount Lamlam, being the highest point at an elevation of 1334 feet (http://ns.gov.gu).

Guam's has a tropical climate and is pleasantly warm year-round. Mean annual temperature is 81º Fahrenheit but generally range from the low 70s to mid 80s. The coolest and least humid months are marked by prevailing westerly tradewinds from December to February while the warmest months are from March to August. Like most tropical countries, Guam has two distinct seasons, the dry season from December to June and the rainy season in the other months. Annual Rainfall varies from 2000 mm to 2500mm.

Mineral potential of on-land and offshore in Guam is unknown. However, its geological features and initial exploratory survey of the EEZ suggests the presence of cobalt rich manganese crusts and manganese nodules. When mined, cobalt is a source of metal, which could ease the imports of metals.

The water supply of Guam is generally abundant because of the high rainfall and underground wells. The island’s principal source of potable water is underground aquifers mostly found beneath the northern part of the island. The portion of water supply coming from underground water sources is estimated to be 80 percent, with surface water supplies accounting for 20 percent of the supplies. Guam’s water treatment plant helps alleviate the problem of water shortage in the southern part of the island during the dry season. Accelerating population numbers and urbanisation in recent years has placed a strain on their water resources.

Guam has a high-energy consumption rate being the centre for air and sea transportation for Micronesia. Fossil fuels are the common energy source. There is potential for alternative energy resource in solar, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion [OTEC]. Other sources include hydropower and biomass.

The population of Guam reached 154,805 in 2000. This was a marked increase from the previous population census taken in 1990. Chamorros constitute 47%, Filipino’s 25%, Caucasian 10%, while the remainder [Chinese, Japanese, Korean and others] constitute 18%.

The economy is mainly dependent on Tourism as a revenue earner, which has boosted the construction industry as well. Other means include revenue from US Federal and military spending on Guam.