III.

Population and Government

In 1990, the population of Guam was 133,152, including military personnel and dependants. The administrative centre, Hagåtña, is located on the western coast north of Apra Harbor. The indigenous Guamanians, or Chamorro, constitute less than half the total population. The Chamorro are of mixed ancestral heritage but are basically Micronesian in origin and speak their own language, Chamorro. English is the official language and is taught in the schools. The University of Guam, in Mangilao, was established in 1952.

Executive power is vested in a governor, who is popularly elected to a four-year term. Legislative authority is vested in a unicameral legislature, consisting of 21 popularly elected members. Guam sends one non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives.