The capital of Guam, Hagåtña, was once known by a different name

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located on Guam's west coast, Hagåtña serves as the seat of government for this U.S. territory. While it was formally renamed from Agana to its Chamorro-language form in 1998, the village remains a vital commercial district despite being one of the island's smallest settlements by area and population.

Hagåtña sits at the mouth of the Hagåtña River, surrounded by the beaches of Hagåtña Bay. The name itself carries deep linguistic roots; in the Chamorro language, 'Hagåt' means 'blood.' Depending on the interpretation of the suffix '-ña', the name may signify 'his or her blood' or even imply a comparative meaning, such as 'more Hagåt' than the neighboring village of Hagåt. Linguists suggest the name might also mean 'better Hagåt,' implying the settlement is superior to the original village. This etymology highlights the profound connection between the Chamorro language and the local landscape.

The settlement's role has shifted significantly over time. From the 18th century through the mid-20th century, Hagåtña served as the population center for the island. Today, it is the second smallest of Guam's 19 villages in terms of both population and area. Despite this, it remains a major commercial hub, characterized by city blocks filled with shops and small restaurants. The village is bounded by cliffs to the south and sandy shores to the north. Its urban layout is distinct from other villages, featuring organized city blocks.

The geography of the region is defined by a tropical rainforest climate, similar to the Amazon Basin. This environment is subject to heavy rainfall, particularly during the wet season from May or June through November. While the climate is generally even, the area is punctuated by destructive typhoons that occur at irregular intervals. This tropical landscape is also home to unique biodiversity, though indigenous bird life has faced devastation due to the accidental introduction of the invasive brown tree snake in the 1940s. The local environment is shaped by northeast trade winds and equatorial ocean currents. These natural forces help temper the tropical heat throughout the year.

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