Overview of Northern Mariana Islands

Profile

Most of the population is concentrated on the three islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with rich coral reefs and a warm climate attracting tourists year-round. Residents hold U.S. citizenship and have high autonomy within the framework of U.S. federal law. Also known as a fierce battlefield of World War II, the unique landscape combines war sites and nature. With good access from Asia including Japan, South Korea, and China, it has become a mecca for diving and marine sports.

Official name: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Common name: Northern Mariana Islands
Numeric code: 580
Alpha-3 code: MNP
Alpha-2 code: MP
Population: Approximately 47,000 people (2023)
Population density: Approximately 100 people/km²
Primary languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian
Major religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant
National anthem: Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi
Calling code: +1-670
Internet TLD: .mp

History

Inhabited by Chamorro people since prehistoric times, passed through Spanish, German, and Japanese control before becoming a U.S. trust territory after the war, gaining autonomy as a Commonwealth in 1978.

Following Spanish territorial claim in 1565, colonial rule and Christian missionary work progressed, and it was sold to Germany in 1899. After World War I, it became a League of Nations mandate under Japanese South Seas Bureau administration, with development progressing through sugarcane cultivation and other activities. The battles of Saipan and Tinian in 1944 caused tremendous damage, and after the war it was incorporated into the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Through referendum in 1975, a Commonwealth covenant was concluded with the U.S., launching a self-governing government in 1978. U.S. citizenship was granted in 1986, continuing to the present.

Geography & climate

Limestone and volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs arranged in chain formation, with contrasting flat Saipan Island and volcanic northern uninhabited islands

Tropical marine climate (hot and humid year-round)

Area: Oceania (Micronesia) / 464 km²
Capital: Capitol Hill (Saipan Island)
Largest city: Saipan
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fishery resources, Coral reefs, Coconut, Banana, Mango, Tropical hardwood, Volcanic fertile soil, Tourism resources, Underground freshwater lens, Limestone

Politics

Government: Commonwealth of the United States, republican system headed by governor

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 1.2 billion USD (2019)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian

Time zone: Chamorro Standard Time (ChST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Chamorro, Carolinian, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, White American, Other Micronesian

Life expectancy

77.6 years

Literacy rate

97%

National sports

Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Beach volleyball, Dragon boat, Diving