Saipan
| Official name | Municipality of Saipan |
| Type | Capital city |
| Saipan waterfront and lagoon | |
| State | Northern Mariana Islands |
| Country | United States |
| Established | Ancient Chamorro era; modern era in 20th century |
| Population | ~43,000 |
| Area (km²) | 115 |
| Time zone | ChST (UTC+10) |
| ZIP code(s) | 96950 |
| Area code(s) | 670 |
Saipan is the capital and largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth territory in the western Pacific Ocean. Located in the western part of the Mariana Archipelago, Saipan is the political, cultural, and economic heart of the territory.
Overview
- Official seat of government for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
- Known for its natural beauty, tropical beaches, and historical landmarks
- Hosts both local CNMI and U.S. federal government offices
History
- Originally settled by the Chamorro and Carolinian peoples thousands of years ago
- Colonized by Spain, then Germany, and later Japan prior to World War II
- Site of the Battle of Saipan in 1944 — a pivotal WWII conflict
- Became part of the U.S.-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands post-WWII
- Became a U.S. commonwealth in political union in 1978
Government and Services
- Hosts the CNMI Governor’s Office, Legislature, and Judiciary
- Also home to U.S. federal agencies including USPS, Social Security, and FEMA
- No city government — operates as part of the larger Saipan municipality
Economy
- Historically driven by garment manufacturing (now closed)
- Current economy includes tourism, public administration, and small-scale agriculture
- U.S. dollar is the currency; English and Chamorro are widely spoken
Attractions and Landmarks
- American Memorial Park – honors WWII veterans and includes a museum
- Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff – historical WWII sites
- Bird Island, Managaha Island, and Mount Tapochau – known for natural beauty
- Popular for diving, hiking, and eco-tourism
Education and Infrastructure
- Home to the Northern Marianas College
- Public schools managed by CNMI Public School System
- Some students pursue higher education in Guam or the mainland U.S.
Transportation
- Served by Saipan International Airport (SPN) with flights to Asia and Guam
- Road infrastructure links villages across the island
- Local taxis and rental cars are primary modes of transportation
Fun Facts
- Saipan is closer to Tokyo than it is to Honolulu
- One of the few U.S. capitals in the western hemisphere's easternmost time zones
- A major diving destination with access to WWII shipwrecks and coral reefs