📖 About Hagåtña

Hagåtña (formerly Agana) is the capital of Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Western Pacific. Despite being one of Guam's smallest villages with just over 1,000 residents, this tranquil oceanfront destination is the island's seat of government and cultural heart.

This city has more than 2,000 years of history for travelers to explore. From the 18th through mid-20th century, Hagåtña was Guam's population center, though today it is the second smallest of the island's 19 villages. Visitors can investigate the indigenous Chamorro culture and visit both ancient and Spanish-influenced historic sites.

Guam's total population is approximately 168,800 (2022), with Hagåtña serving as the historic and administrative center. The village offers a warm welcome, relaxing atmosphere, and a gateway to understanding Pacific island heritage.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Hagåtña's economy centers on government services, tourism, and retail. The Agana Shopping Center offers over 100 stores with duty-free shopping, attracting visitors from across Asia. Tourism is Guam's primary industry, with the island serving as a popular destination for Japanese, Korean, and other Asian travelers.

Chamorro culture remains vibrant in Hagåtña. The indigenous people have inhabited these islands for over 4,000 years, maintaining traditions in food, dance, and crafts. Traditional items like handwoven baskets and carvings can be purchased at Chamorro Village. The community celebrates its heritage through festivals, traditional music, and the preservation of the Chamorro language.

📜 History

Chamorro people settled Guam approximately 4,000 years ago. Spanish colonization began in 1668, making Hagåtña the colonial capital. The Spanish introduced Catholicism and established the administrative structures that would shape the city for centuries.

The United States acquired Guam following the Spanish-American War in 1898. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied the island from 1941 to 1944. The Battle of Guam in 1944 caused extensive destruction to Hagåtña. Today, the city has been rebuilt and serves as a living testament to Guam's resilient spirit and unique blend of Chamorro, Spanish, American, and Asian influences.