Before the Second World War, Guam's villages were the chief social and economic units, preserving traditions similar to those of 19th-century Spain. The family was the main social unit for the people Guam, and religion brought the families together. This is true to some extent today, but decisions affecting the island are now made at the state level, and the United States government has the final word.
As a census-designated territory of the United States, Guam does not have incorporated cities. The island can be divided into regions, also known as municipalities, which may contain multiple villages. Most of these regions are named for the most significant village within the region. For example, the island's most populous village, Dededo, has a population of just over six thousand. The municipality of Dededo, which includes the village of that name as well as Astumbo, Liguan, Machanao, Ukudu, and several smaller villages, has a combined population of nearly forty-five thousand.
There are nineteen recognized municipalities in Guam. In order of population, these are Dededo, Yigo, Tamuning, Mangilao, Barrigada, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Yona, Santa Rita, Agat, Agana Heights, Talofofo, Sinajana, Inarajan, Asan, Merizo, Piti, Hagåtña (Agana), and Umatac. Several unincorporated villages may be contained within each of these municipalities. Many of these villages have histories going back thousands of years.
The current division of the island into recognized municipalities was adopted in the 1920s when the island was governed by the US Navy. Each of Guam's municipalities is administered by an elected mayor. The Mayors' Council of Guam is made up of the mayors and vice mayors from each of the island's municipalities. The Council makes recommendations about fiscal and administrative policies and acts as a liaison between the cities and the three branches of government, the United States government, and the military installations on Guam.
Although it is the second smallest municipality in Guam, Hagåtña is the island's capital and the seat of government for Guam. Dededo, the island's largest municipality, became a major population center after the Second World War when the United States government built housing there for residents who were displaced military appropriation of land, and for laborers recruited to assist in the development of its installations. Later housing developments increased the municipality's population.
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DededoHagatna | TamuningYigo |
Recommended Resources
Located on Machuate Street in Barrigada, Guam, the Christian school offers programs for students in K3-3rd grade, 4-6th grade, and 7-12th grade. School hours, administrative office hours, and uniform store hours are posted, along with its admissions policies, an overview of its academic, athletics and fine arts programs, a student handbook, parent resources and forms, and announcements.
https://hcaguam.org/
Featuring three and four-bedroom condominium accommodations in Mangilao, Guam, Ladero Towers offers long-term and short-term leases. Lease terms and policy information are published to the site, along with a list of features and amenities, floor plans, photographs, and directions. Attractions and recreational facilities in the area of the facilities are discussed, and announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.guamladeratower.com/
Made up of nineteen mayors and seven vice-mayors, MCOG was formed in 1977 to serve as an entity of the Government of Guam under the Executive Branch, its duties including providing a forum for collective deliberation among its membership, to provide advice, and to act as an intermediary between the three branches of government regarding the deliberation of common issues. Its membership, meeting schedules, and participating villages are featured.
http://mcog.guam.gov/
The locally owned and managed cafe and bistro is located on the beach side of Marine Drive in East Agana, Guam. Featuring the main dining room, large function room, and outside beach-front seating area, the restaurant’s location, hours of operation and contacts are published to the site, along with its kiddie, breakfast, and lunch menus, reservation policies, announcements, and a blog.
http://www.turecafeguam.com/
