DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Northern Mariana Islands

Country of Northern Mariana Islands Flag

Capital: Saipan

Population: 56,188

Brief History of Northern Mariana Islands:

The Northern Mariana Islands is an island country located in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines. There are 15 islands in that make up the territory. Most of the population lives on the island of Saipan.

The first European to arrive on the islands was Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Later the Spanish would lay claim to the islands. Today the island nation is under United States administration as part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific.



Country of Northern Mariana Islands Map

The Geography of Northern Mariana Islands

Total Size: 477 square km

Size Comparison: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Geographical Coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E

World Region or Continent: Oceania

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

Geographical Low Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Geographical High Point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m

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

Major cities: SAIPAN (capital) NA (2009)

The People of Northern Mariana Islands

Type of Government: commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

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

Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National Holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Nationality: NA (US citizens)

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

National Symbol: latte stone

National Anthem or Song: Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi (In the Middle of the Sea)

Economy of Northern Mariana Islands

Major Industries: tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts

Agricultural Products: coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle

Natural Resources: arable land, fish

Major Exports: garments

Major Imports: food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Currency: US dollar (USD)

National GDP: $900,000,000




** Source for population (2012 est.) and GDP (2011 est.) is CIA World Factbook.

Back to Geography Home Page



Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.