Northern Mariana Islands Location : Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
Capital City : Saipan
Curreny : US dollar (USD)
Languages Spoken : English, Chamorro, Carolinian note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home
Climate : tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
National Holiday : Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)
Background Information
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. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.
Geographical Note
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean
Economy
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 employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.
Religions
Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
Ports : Saipan, Tinian
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: none
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Northern Mariana Islands
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