Northern Mariana Islands: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox settlement | name = Northern Mariana Islands | official_name = Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands | settlement_type = Commonwealth (unincorporated U.S. territory) | image_skyline = | image_caption = Lagoon view from Saipan, capital of the Northern Mariana Islands | subdivision_name = United States | subdivision_name1 = Western Pacific Ocean (Micronesia) | capital = Saipan | largest_city..." |
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* U.S. citizens reside here, and CNMI has a non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives | * U.S. citizens reside here, and CNMI has a non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives | ||
* Residents vote in local and territorial elections, but not in U.S. presidential elections | * Residents vote in local and territorial elections, but not in U.S. presidential elections | ||
* Closely associated politically and geographically with | * Closely associated politically and geographically with Guam | ||
== Capital == | == Capital == | ||
Revision as of 23:44, 13 June 2025
| Official name | Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands |
| Type | Commonwealth (unincorporated U.S. territory) |
| Lagoon view from Saipan, capital of the Northern Mariana Islands | |
| State | Western Pacific Ocean (Micronesia) |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1978 (commonwealth status) |
| Population | 47,000 |
| Area (km²) | 464 |
| Time zone | ChST (UTC+10) |
| ZIP code(s) | 96950 |
| Area code(s) | 670 |
The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific Ocean consisting of 14 islands in the Mariana Archipelago, north of Guam. As a U.S. territory with commonwealth status, the CNMI shares political union with the United States but operates under its own constitution and local government.
Overview
- U.S. citizens reside here, and CNMI has a non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Residents vote in local and territorial elections, but not in U.S. presidential elections
- Closely associated politically and geographically with Guam
Capital
- The capital is Saipan, which is also the largest and most developed island
History
- Originally inhabited by the Chamorro and Carolinian peoples
- Colonized successively by Spain, Germany, and Japan
- After WWII, became part of the U.N. Trust Territory administered by the U.S.
- Voted in the 1970s to become a U.S. commonwealth, formalized in 1978
Culture
- A blend of indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian heritage with Spanish, German, Japanese, and American influence
- English, Chamorro, and Carolinian are official languages
- Strong cultural pride in music, dance, and oral history
Economy
- Historically driven by garment manufacturing (now closed) and tourism
- Key industries today: tourism, public sector employment, and some agriculture
- Visitors come primarily from Japan, Korea, and China
Attractions and Nature
- Managaha Island, Mount Tapochau, Bird Island Lookout
- Grotto diving cave and WWII historical sites
- Pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests
Education
- Operated by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System
- Northern Marianas College offers higher education and vocational training
- Students often travel to Guam or the U.S. mainland for university
Transportation
- Saipan International Airport connects the islands to Guam, Tokyo, Seoul, and other hubs
- Smaller airports on Tinian and Rota
- No rail systems; taxis and rental cars are common on Saipan
Fun Facts
- One of the least populous U.S. territories
- U.S. federal law applies, but with certain negotiated exceptions
- CNMI and Guam together make up the Mariana Archipelago — the same island chain