About Guåhan
Håfa Adai! Welcome to Guåhan
Guam — Guåhan in the CHamoru language — is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands and home to the CHamoru people, whose culture has thrived here for thousands of years.
Guåhan at a Glance
- CapitalHagåtñaFormerly known as Agana
- Villages19Each led by an elected mayor
- Population153,8362020 U.S. Census
- Island sizeAbout 210 sq. mi.The largest island in Micronesia
- Political statusU.S. territoryPeople born in Guam are U.S. citizens
- Official languagesCHamoru & EnglishHåfa Adai means “hello”
- Time zoneChST (UTC+10)Chamorro Standard Time
- LocationWestern PacificSouthernmost of the Mariana Islands
Our History
Guåhan's story stretches back thousands of years — from the seafaring ancestors of the CHamoru people to the island's place today as a U.S. territory in the heart of Micronesia.
Where America's Day Begins
Because Guam sits west of the International Date Line, it is known as the place “Where America's Day Begins.”
- Ancient times
The CHamoru people settle the Marianas
For centuries, CHamoru villages are built on latte — stone pillars and capstones that remain a symbol of Guåhan today.
- 1521
First recorded European contact
Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition arrives at Guam during its voyage across the Pacific.
- 1668
Spanish colonial era begins
Spanish missionaries arrive, beginning more than two centuries of Spanish rule.
- 1898
Guam becomes part of the United States
After the Spanish–American War, Spain cedes Guam to the United States.
- 1941–1944
World War II and Liberation
Japanese forces occupy Guam. U.S. forces return on July 21, 1944 — remembered every year as Liberation Day.
- 1950
The Organic Act of Guam
The Organic Act establishes civilian government and grants U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam.
- 1970
Guam elects its own governor
For the first time, the people of Guam choose their governor at the ballot box.
Culture & Values
Guåhan's culture is rooted in CHamoru traditions and enriched by the many communities who call the island home.
Inafa’maolek
A core CHamoru value meaning to make things good for one another — interdependence, respect, and working together so the whole community thrives.
Fino’ CHamoru
The CHamoru language is an official language of Guam alongside English. Greet a neighbor with Håfa Adai (hello) and thank them with Si Yu’os Ma’åse’.
Village fiestas
Villages honor their patron saints with fiestas — a tradition of faith, family and food where neighbors and visitors are welcomed to the table.
Latte stones
Ancient CHamoru homes stood on latte: stone pillars (haligi) topped with capstones (tasa). Today the latte is an enduring symbol of the island’s strength and identity.
Your Government
The Government of Guam has three branches, and elected mayors represent each of the island's 19 villages. Guam's voters also elect a Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Executive Branch
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor lead the executive branch and the departments and agencies that serve the public.
Office of the GovernorLegislative Branch
I Liheslaturan Guåhan, Guam’s 15-member, single-chamber legislature, makes the island’s laws and passes the budget.
Guam LegislatureJudicial Branch
The Judiciary of Guam, including the Superior Court and the Supreme Court of Guam, interprets the law and resolves disputes.
Judiciary of GuamVillage Mayors
The Mayors’ Council of Guam brings together the elected mayors who serve as the voice of their villages.
Mayors’ Council of Guam