Agana

Agana, commonly known as Hagåtña, is the capital and seat of government of Guam, a United States territory in the western Pacific Ocean. The city lies on the western coast of the island, along Agana Bay, and serves as Guam’s administrative and cultural center.

Name and language: The town has historically been known in English as Agana, while the Chamorro name is Hagåtña. In official usage, Hagåtña is the standard spelling, though Agana remains widely encountered in older maps and documents.

History and landmarks: Founded by Spanish missionaries in 1668, Hagåtña was the site of Guam’s colonial administration for centuries. It was heavily damaged during World War II and rebuilt in the postwar period. Notable landmarks include the Dulce Nombre de María Cathedral-Basilica, the oldest church on Guam, and Fort Santa Agueda on a hill overlooking the village.

Government and economy: Hagåtña houses Guam’s territorial government buildings, including Government House and the Guam Legislature. The economy is dominated by government services, retail, and tourism, with historic sites and cultural events attracting visitors.

Culture and surroundings: The city center features Plaza de España, a remnant of the Spanish era surrounded by colonial-era architecture. The surrounding area includes residential neighborhoods and waterfront areas along Agana Bay.

Climate: Hagåtña has a tropical, humid climate with warm temperatures year round. Average daytime temperatures typically range around 28–32°C (82–90°F). The region experiences a rainy season with most rainfall occurring from July to November, and is subject to Pacific typhoons.