Villages of Guam

Villages of Guam are the primary political divisions of the United States territory of Guam. Guam is divided into 19 municipalities, commonly known as villages. Each village is headed by a mayor who is elected by the residents of the village.

History

The concept of villages in Guam has its roots in the ancient Chamorro society, where people lived in small communities scattered across the island. The Spanish colonization in the 17th century led to the establishment of larger, more centralized villages. The current village system was formalized under the American administration after the Spanish-American War.

List of Villages

The 19 villages of Guam are:

• Agana Heights
• Agat
• Asan
• Barrigada
• Chalan Pago-Ordot
• Dededo
• Hagåtña
• Inarajan
• Mangilao
• Merizo
• Mongmong-Toto-Maite
• Piti
• Santa Rita
• Sinajana
• Talofofo
• Tamuning
• Umatac
• Yigo
• Yona

Each village has its own unique history, culture, and attractions. For example, Hagåtña is the capital of Guam and is known for its historic sites, while Dededo is the most populous village and is a major commercial center.

Governance

Each village in Guam is governed by a mayor and a municipal council. The mayor is elected by the residents of the village, while the council members are appointed by the mayor. The mayor and the council are responsible for the administration of the village, including the provision of public services and the maintenance of public facilities.

Culture

The villages of Guam are the centers of the island's rich Chamorro culture. Each village has its own unique traditions and festivals, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the residents. These festivals often include traditional Chamorro music, dance, and food.

See Also

• Politics of Guam
• Geography of Guam
• Culture of Guam