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Home  >  World  > Australia and South Pacific  > Guam Overview Country Overview Guam is the largest and most southerly island of the Marianas archipelago. It is a predominantly hilly island and at its northern end is a plateau of rolling hills and cliffs rising 152m (500ft) above sea level. The cliffs are tunnelled with caves. The island narrows in the middle, with the southern half widening into a land of mountains and valleys cut by streams and waterfalls. The most sheltered beaches are on the western coast and there are fine coral reefs around the island’s shores. Due to the large US Naval presence, the island is cosmopolitan and energetic. In a different era, Spain ruled the islands for nearly 333 years and Agaña, the capital, has many historic buildings dating from this period. Tumon Bay, just up the coast from Agaña, is the main tourist centre. A selection of nightclubs feature music and dancing. Major hotels frequently stage shows with singers and musicians from the US mainland. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd. Terms and Conditions apply.