A strategically important island in the Western Pacific, Guam is a dependency of the United States of America. It was taken by the USA from Spain in 1898 and is now home to an American naval and air base. Guam has had measure of self-government since 1950. Its flag was adopted in 1917, and comprises of a red-bordered blue field with a red-bordered oval in the centre, showing a beach with a palm tree and small sailing craft, with the island’s name in red capitals. The flag of Guam is flown only in conjunction with that of the USA.