Guam is one of the most built-up islands in the Pacific. The development has been concentrated in northern and central parts of Guam, so large areas in southern Guam have been spared of urbanization.

Villages in southern Guam have far fewer inhabitants and much lower population density than in the north. Consequently, they have less infrastructure. The road network in southern Guam is not as complex as in the north. Its core is the coastal road (Routes 2 and 4) circling around the southern Guam and the cross-island road (Route 17) joining Talofofo and Santa Rita.