Spam was first introduced to the world in 1937 by the Hormel Food Corporation. I was surprised to discover that Spam is an American invention, it looks unappealing enough to have been a British culinary creation.
The name "Spam" is derived from Shoulder Pork Ham.
2007 was a big year for Spam as the 7 billionth can was sold. That is a lot of Spam. About as much as I receive in my junk mail folder in an average week.
Austin, Minnesota is known as Spamtown, as most of the Spam consumed in North America, South America and Australia is produced there. Spam that is consumed in Europe is produced in Denmark. Sadly enough, there is a Spam museum in Austin.
Spam is very popular in Hawaii and Guam. Both McDonald's and Burger King have Spam on their menus at these two places. Spam has been called the "Hawaiian Steak".

The average Hawaiian will eat 16 cans of Spam per year, which is about 15 more than I have consumed in my life.
Spam is not just plain old Spam anymore, there's a whole line up of different flavours and products, each one appearing to be as unappetizing as the next. (This is speculation as I've never actually tasted them - I am merely commenting on the appearance).
Spam's popularity went through the roof during WWII when real food was generally unavailable. Its portability and longevity also made it a good item to use for military rations. In a pinch soldiers can fashion footwear out of Spam.
In South Korea Spam is considered a delicacy, and is sold alongside luxury items imported from Europe. I hear it goes well with Dom Perignon.
Spam has an awesome website where you can find out all the information you ever wanted to know about this product as well as a plethora of recipes. This is handy because in a fit of hubris I declared that I was going to bring Spam to the office Christmas get together, and since then I have stubbornly confirmed this to a few people on several different occasions. Now I am painted into a corner and must come up with something creative. I am determined to find a good recipe from that website. I will let you know how that goes.