Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October

southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

51,484 (July 2010 est.)

21.97 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

3.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

-89.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census)

commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

$900 million (2000 est.)

$633.4 million (2000)

38,450 total indigenous labor force; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.)

vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

banking, construction, fishing, garment, tourism, handicrafts

60,600 kWh (January 2009)

48,300 kWh (January 2009)

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

$98.2 million (2008)

$214.4 million (2001)

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

the US dollar is used

1 TV broadcast station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio broadcast stations (2009)

defense is the responsibility of the US