The Northern Mariana Islands are a territory of the United States in
the Pacific Ocean. The Mariana Islands, which at that time also included
the now independent island of Guam, were discovered by Ferdinand
Magellan in 1521 and subsequently claimed by Spain.
After the
defeat in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the Mariana Islands were
divided: while the island of Guam came into the possession of the United
States, Spain sold the other islands (the northern Mariana Islands) to
Germany; they became part of the colony of German New Guinea. After
World War I, Germany lost the colony and the islands were held in trust
by Japan until the islands finally had to be handed over to the United
States after World War II.
Economically, the islands are almost
entirely dependent on American development aid. In the past, the area
was able to benefit from its special status as a foreign territory of
the United States because numerous protective laws such as the minimum
wage or the ban on child labor did not apply here. The American entry
regulations also did not apply to these islands, which is why numerous
Chinese immigrants came to the island as cheap labor. Since 2009, all of
these regulations have been scrapped and the islands have failed to
develop a new source of income. There is very limited tourism mainly
from South Korea.
1. Primary Way: Fly into Saipan International Airport (SPN)
Airport details: Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport (SPN) is
the main entry point for the entire CNMI. It handles international and
regional flights, has immigration/customs, duty-free shops, car rentals
(five companies on-site), ATMs, Wi-Fi, and a commuter terminal. The
airport is FAA-certified, open 24/7, and can accommodate wide-body jets.
Direct flight routes to SPN (as of 2026 schedules):
Guam (GUM): Most
frequent and convenient option. United Airlines operates multiple
flights daily (~45 minutes). This is the easiest connection for
travelers from the U.S. or elsewhere in the Pacific.
Tokyo/Narita or
Haneda (Japan): United Airlines direct.
Seoul/Incheon (South Korea):
Jeju Air and T’Way Air (daily or near-daily).
Hong Kong (HKG): Hong
Kong Airlines.
Manila (MNL, Philippines): Philippine Airlines.
From the U.S. mainland (e.g., Chicago): No nonstop flights. You’ll
need at least one (often two) connections:
Recommended route: Fly
United (or partners) from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to a West Coast/Hawaii
hub (SFO, LAX, SEA, or HNL), then to Guam (GUM), then a short hop to
Saipan (SPN). Total time: 20–30 hours. United is the dominant U.S.
carrier serving Guam/CNMI.
Alternative: Fly to an Asian hub (Tokyo or
Seoul) on a major carrier, then connect directly to SPN. This can
sometimes be faster or cheaper but involves longer layovers.
Booking
tips: Use Google Flights, United.com, or Kayak to search “SPN.” Book 3–6
months ahead for better prices. Check for multi-city itineraries (e.g.,
fly into SPN, out via Guam). Prices fluctuate; off-peak (May–Nov) is
cheaper but wetter.
2. Entry Requirements & Visas (Important for
Smooth Arrival)
U.S. citizens: No visa needed. A U.S. passport is not
strictly required to enter the CNMI (you can use a birth certificate +
government-issued photo ID in some cases), but airlines and practical
travel strongly recommend carrying a valid passport. No ESTA is required
specifically for CNMI-only travel.
International travelers:
Many nationalities (e.g., from Japan, South Korea, Australia, UK, etc.)
qualify for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (G-CNMI VWP), allowing
visa-free entry for up to 45 days (tourism/business/transit). You must
apply in advance for the G-CNMI Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
online at the official CBP site (g-cnmi-eta.cbp.dhs.gov). It’s free or
low-cost and quick.
If you don’t qualify for the VWP or plan a longer
stay, you’ll need a standard U.S. visa (B-1/B-2 or other).
Everyone
(including U.S. citizens): Fill out the online CNMI Customs Declaration
Form before arrival to speed up processing.
Note: CNMI follows
U.S. immigration rules overall. Have proof of onward travel and
sufficient funds. COVID-style rules are minimal now, but check CDC for
any health requirements.
3. Upon Arrival in Saipan
Immigration
& customs: Quick for most (separate lines for U.S. citizens). Have your
passport/ETA ready and the customs form completed.
Ground
transportation:
Taxis: Available outside the terminal; fixed rates or
metered to hotels (Saipan is small—most hotels are 10–30 minutes away).
Car rentals: On-site desks (e.g., Hertz, Avis, local firms). Driving is
on the right; international permit recommended for non-U.S. licenses.
Hotel shuttles: Many resorts offer free or paid pickups—arrange in
advance.
Public buses/tours: Limited; most visitors rent cars or use
taxis/tours for flexibility.
4. Getting to Tinian, Rota & Other
Islands (Island-Hopping)
Saipan is the hub. There are no regular
passenger ferries operating between the main islands right now
(proposals exist but aren’t active).
By air (easiest and most
common): Star Marianas Air operates frequent commuter flights from
Saipan’s main/commuter terminal.
Saipan → Tinian: ~10–15 minutes,
multiple daily.
Saipan → Rota: ~30 minutes, several daily.
Book
directly at starmarianasair.com (very affordable, ~$50–100 one-way).
Tinian and Rota have their own small international-standard airports.
Northern Islands (e.g., Pagan, Alamagan): Extremely limited
access—charter boats, private flights, or guided expeditions only. Not
suitable for casual visitors.
5. Other Ways to Arrive (Rare)
Cruise ships: Occasional calls (mainly to Saipan harbor). Passengers
tender ashore; not a regular schedule.
Private yacht/sailing:
Possible but requires advance clearance through CNMI Ports Authority and
U.S. Customs. Not recommended for first-timers due to remote location
and navigation challenges.
No road/bridge connections—everything is
by air or sea.
6. Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip
Best time:
Dry season (December–April) has less rain; wet season (July–November) is
greener but riskier for typhoons.
Jet lag & health: Long flights +
time zone shift (CNMI is UTC+10, Chicago is UTC-5/6). Stay hydrated;
bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
What to bring: Light clothing,
reef-safe sunscreen, cash (USD is official currency), and a portable
power bank. Internet is available but spotty outside Saipan hotels.
Costs & planning: Flights are the biggest expense. Book inter-island
flights early. Download offline maps and the official Marianas Visitors
Authority app/site (mymarianas.com) for brochures and interactive maps.
Safety: Low crime, but follow standard tropical/island rules (water
safety, sun protection, drive carefully).
Best Time to Visit
The climate is tropical marine with northeast
trade winds. Expect warm temperatures year-round (around
75–85°F/24–29°C) with little seasonal variation.
Dry season
(December–June): Ideal for beachgoing, diving, and outdoor
activities—lower rain and humidity.
Rainy/typhoon season
(July–November): Heavier rains possible; typhoons peak late August to
early January. Monitor forecasts.
Popular events include the
Tinian Hot Pepper Festival (February), Flame Tree Arts Festival (April
on Saipan), and Taste of the Marianas food festival (May/June). Village
fiestas honor patron saints with food, music, and dancing.
Getting There and Entry Requirements
Saipan International Airport
(SPN) serves as the main gateway with direct flights from Japan, South
Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Guam. U.S. visitors often connect via
Guam. Inter-island flights (e.g., Cape Air) link Saipan to Tinian and
Rota (short hops). No regular ferries exist.
As a U.S. territory,
entry mirrors U.S. rules:
U.S. citizens: Proof of citizenship
(passport recommended).
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)/ESTA: Applies for
eligible nationalities (up to 90 days). Canadians and many others need
no visa for tourism.
Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program: Extra options for
countries like Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc. (up to 45 days).
Chinese citizens: Up to 14 days visa-free.
Always check for ESTA,
customs declaration, and proof of onward travel/funds. Full
immigration/customs checks occur, especially traveling to/from Guam.
Getting Around
Car rental: Best option—widely available on Saipan
(airports/hotels). Roads are generally good; U.S. driving rules apply
(right side). Book in advance on smaller islands like Rota.
Taxis:
Plentiful but expensive on Saipan; limited elsewhere. Some offer tours.
Shuttles: Hotel/DFS Galleria services on Saipan.
Inter-island: Short
flights; limited boats. Rent a car on each island to explore
independently.
Tip: Fuel and vehicle rentals can add up—budget
accordingly. Some areas have poor roads or private land; a local guide
helps for hikes.
Key Islands and Things to Do
Saipan: Main
hub. Top spots include Managaha Island (snorkeling, beaches—boat from
Saipan), The Grotto (famous cave dive), Bird Island, Banzai Cliff,
Suicide Cliff, American Memorial Park, and WWII sites. Hiking, diving,
and cultural tours stand out.
Tinian: WWII history (Atomic Bomb
Loading Pits, House of Taga latte stones), secluded beaches like Unai
Dankulo and Taga Beach, casinos. Relaxed and historical.
Rota:
Unspoiled “Friendly Island.” Swimming Hole, seabird sanctuary, latte
sites, lush hikes, and empty beaches. Rent a car and stay overnight for
the best experience.
Highlights across islands:
Scuba/snorkeling (reefs, wrecks, caves).
WWII memorials and sites
(Battle of Saipan).
Beaches (powdery white sand, clear waters).
Hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and cultural experiences
(Chamorro/Carolinian).
Accommodations and Costs
Saipan offers
the most options, from resorts to mid-range hotels (many
Japanese/Korean-oriented). Fewer choices on Tinian/Rota—book ahead.
Expect higher prices for imports; budget ~$70+/night for mid-range. Food
and activities are moderate. Overall daily costs (per person, excluding
flights) range from $100–200+ depending on style.
Tip: Book during
non-holiday periods for discounts (avoid Japanese Golden Week).
Food and Culture
Chamorro cuisine features grilled meats, seafood,
red rice, and tropical fruits. Try local spots for barbecues and
fiestas. International options (Asian, American) abound in Saipan.
Respect indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian cultures—ask permission for
photos at sacred sites (e.g., latte stones). English is official and
widely spoken; basic Japanese/Korean helps in tourist areas.
Etiquette: Dress modestly at cultural/religious sites. Cockfighting is
legal and popular (weekends). Tipping is appreciated but not always
expected.
Safety and Health
Crime: Low overall—take normal
precautions against petty theft (beaches, rentals). Avoid isolated areas
after dark.
Roads/Water: Good roads but drive carefully. Powerful
currents/rip tides—swim in marked areas, use life jackets if needed, and
check conditions. No consistent lifeguards.
Health: No malaria/yellow
fever. Risks include dengue (mosquitoes), leptospirosis (avoid
contaminated water), and sunburn. Routine vaccines + Hep A/B, typhoid
recommended. Tap water is generally safe but bottled is wiser in remote
areas. Strong sun protection essential.
Other: Typhoons
possible—monitor alerts. Medical facilities are basic outside Saipan.
Practical Tips
Currency: USD; ATMs available but carry cash for
smaller islands.
Electricity: 110V, U.S. plugs.
Packing:
Lightweight clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear, rain jacket,
sturdy shoes for hikes, hat/sunglasses. Modest attire for villages.
Sustainability: Protect reefs (no touching coral), follow ocean
stewardship, and avoid single-use plastics. Pay fees (e.g., Grotto dive
site).
Connectivity: Good in tourist areas; roaming or local SIM
works.
Island-hopping: Base in Saipan and day-trip or overnight
others. A 7–10 day trip covers the highlights.
The official languages of the archipelago are English, Chamorro and Caroline. In general, you can get along with English without any problems.
Large hotel chains are mainly represented in the Northern Mariana Islands, so the price level is correspondingly high. Cheap accommodation is very rare.
There is no higher education institution on the islands.
The job market in the Northern Mariana Islands, if you can get a work permit at all, is considered very difficult because (especially since 2009) there is a large oversupply of workers.
86 percent of the population speak a language other than English in private, e.g. Micronesian and Polynesian languages. Population growth is 2.8 percent per year. The Northern Mariana Islands used to be the country with the largest proportion of women in the world at 1:0.77 due to mostly female guest workers in the textile sector, but is no longer so after the collapse of the textile industry. The population has fallen in recent years, to an estimated 55,000 in 2017.
Prehistory and Indigenous Chamorro Society (c. 1500 BCE–1521 CE)
The Northern Mariana Islands were among the first islands in Remote
Oceania settled by humans. Archaeological evidence, particularly from
sites like Chalan Piao on Saipan and Unai Bapot on Tinian, indicates
settlement by Austronesian peoples around 1500–1400 BCE (or as early as
~2000 BCE by some estimates), likely originating from the Philippines,
with later migrations from the Caroline Islands and Maritime Southeast
Asia (possibly eastern Indonesia, such as Sulawesi). This represented
one of the longest ocean-crossing voyages in human history at the time,
predating Polynesian expansions farther east.
These early inhabitants
became known as the Chamorro people (from the Spanish adaptation of
Chamori, referring to the higher caste in their society). They developed
a distinctive culture:
Pottery and tools: Early red-slipped,
lime-incised pottery (closely related to Philippine styles) transitioned
to plain, unslipped wares by ~800 CE.
Architecture: Iconic latte
stones—megalithic pillars topped with hemispheric capstones
(halege)—supported houses or canoe sheds. Villages featured rows of
these structures; many were already in ruins by Spanish arrival, with
oral traditions attributing them to ancestors with supernatural powers.
Lifestyle: Stone and shell tools, betel nut chewing, extended burials
between latte rows, and a society organized around villages. They raised
crops, fished, and maintained spiritual beliefs tied to ancestral
spirits (tao-tao mona).
Tinian may have been among the first
settled Pacific islands in the region. The Chamorros maintained trade
and cultural links with other Micronesian groups, and their population
thrived until European contact.
European Discovery and Spanish
Colonial Rule (1521–1899)
Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan
(sailing for Spain) made the first European contact in 1521, landing
briefly (likely on Guam or nearby) and naming the islands Las Islas de
los Ladrones ("Islands of the Thieves") after a cultural
misunderstanding involving a stolen skiff. Spain formally claimed the
archipelago in 1565 via Miguel López de Legazpi, incorporating it into
the Spanish East Indies. It served as a provisioning stop for Manila
galleons trading between the Philippines and Mexico, but permanent
settlement lagged.
Permanent colonization began in 1668 with Jesuit
priest Diego Luis de Sanvitores, funded by Spanish regent Mariana of
Austria (the islands were renamed Las Marianas in her honor).
Accompanied by priests, soldiers, and Filipino settlers, Sanvitores
established missions, churches, and schools to convert the Chamorros to
Catholicism.
Chamorro resistance sparked the Chamorro Wars (late 17th
century), involving revolts, missionary murders, church burnings, and
sieges. Spanish forces under José Quiroga (governor 1680–1696) responded
harshly: populations were forcibly relocated into villages/enclaves
(many from Saipan and Rota to Guam), leading to deaths from violence,
disease (smallpox, influenza, etc.), and disrupted societies. By the
late 1600s, the indigenous population plummeted 90–95% (from tens of
thousands to ~5,000 by 1741). Survivors assimilated elements of Spanish
culture—Christianity, Western clothing, corn cultivation, and
crafts—while taking an oath of allegiance.
Spain forcibly moved
remaining Chamorros to Guam in the 1720s–1740s for assimilation. The
Northern Marianas were later repopulated in part by Carolinian
(Refaluwasch) immigrants from the Caroline Islands in the 19th century,
who preserved their language and traditions alongside Chamorro and
Filipino influences. By the 19th century, the islands were a backwater
of the Spanish empire, with Guam as the administrative hub.
After the
1898 Spanish-American War (U.S. capture of Guam), Spain sold the
Northern Marianas (and Carolines) to Germany in the 1899 Spanish-German
Treaty, withdrawing entirely from the Pacific except for retained claims
elsewhere.
German Colonial Period (1899–1914)
Germany
administered the islands as part of German New Guinea, with Saipan as
the administrative center (building on Spanish infrastructure). Under
district administrator Georg Fritz, they emphasized modest development:
public schools, a hospital, roads, vocational training, and homesteading
programs open to Chamorros and Carolinians. The economy focused on copra
(dried coconut) plantations, with some German colonists encouraged to
settle. Islands like Pagan and Alamagan were leased for agriculture,
though typhoons hindered efforts. Bird hunting for feathers also
occurred.
Development was limited compared to other colonies, but it
marked the permanent separation of the Northern Marianas from U.S.-held
Guam. German rule ended abruptly with World War I: Japan seized the
islands in October 1914.
Japanese Mandate (1914/1919–1944)
Japan occupied the islands early in WWI and received them as a League of
Nations mandate (South Seas Mandate) in 1919–1920 (formalized after the
Treaty of Versailles; U.S. recognized it in 1922). Rule was direct, with
minimal local self-government; Japanese law applied, and education
emphasized the Japanese language. Public health improved with hospitals,
but the focus was economic exploitation.
Sugar cane became the
dominant industry, with massive plantations and refineries on Saipan,
Tinian (~98% of Tinian for sugarcane), and Rota. Japanese, Korean,
Okinawan, and Taiwanese settlers flooded in (e.g., ~29,000 Japanese on
Saipan by the late 1930s, outnumbering indigenous populations). Garapan
on Saipan became a bustling regional capital. Military fortifications
were built in the 1930s. In 1941, the Marianas served as a staging area
for Japan's invasion of Guam.
World War II and the Battles of
Saipan and Tinian (1944)
The islands became a major Pacific theater
battleground. On December 8, 1941 (hours after Pearl Harbor), Japanese
forces from the Marianas invaded Guam. U.S. forces targeted them in 1944
as part of Operation Forager to breach Japan's "Absolute National
Defense Zone" and enable B-29 bombing of the Japanese home islands.
Battle of Saipan (June 15–July 9, 1944): U.S. V Amphibious Corps
(2nd/4th Marine Divisions, 27th Infantry Division; ~71,000 troops)
landed on western beaches after naval bombardment. Fierce Japanese
resistance (under Lt. Gen. Yoshitsugu Saitō and Vice Adm. Chūichi
Nagumo; ~31,000 defenders) led to brutal fighting through
southern/central terrain, including Mount Tapotchau and "Death Valley."
A massive Japanese gyokusai (banzai) charge on July 7 killed ~3,000
attackers but was repelled. The island was declared secure on July 9.
Casualties: U.S. ~3,100–3,225 killed, 13,000+ wounded; Japanese ~25,000+
dead (plus suicides); 8,000–10,000 civilians (many Chamorro and
Japanese) died from combat, bombings, or mass suicides at Suicide
Cliff/Banzai Cliff.
Battle of Tinian (July 24–August 1, 1944):
Quickly followed, with U.S. forces capturing the island for air bases.
Strategic impact: Saipan's Isely Field and Tinian's bases launched
the first B-29 raids on Tokyo (November 1944); the Enola Gay departed
Tinian to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The battles accelerated
Japan's surrender trajectory, leading to Prime Minister Hideki Tōjō's
resignation.
Post-War U.S. Administration and Commonwealth Status
(1944–Present)
After Japan's defeat, the U.S. Navy controlled the
islands, then administered them as part of the UN Trust Territory of the
Pacific Islands (TTPI) from 1947. The CNMI rejected full independence or
merger with Guam, seeking closer U.S. ties instead.
Negotiations
began in 1972. The Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States was signed on
February 15, 1975, approved by plebiscite (78.8% yes), and enacted by
U.S. Public Law 94-241 (1976). The CNMI adopted its constitution in
1977; its first constitutional government took office in 1978 under
Governor Carlos S. Camacho. Full implementation occurred on November 4,
1986: residents gained U.S. citizenship, the TTPI status ended for the
CNMI (via UN Security Council Resolution 683 in 1990), and U.S.
sovereignty applied. The CNMI is self-governing in most internal affairs
but under U.S. federal oversight for defense, foreign affairs, and
certain laws (e.g., minimum wage and immigration phased in later).
Residents elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House but cannot vote
for president.
Today, the CNMI blends Chamorro, Carolinian, Filipino,
and other influences, with a population centered on Saipan. Its economy
has relied on tourism, garment manufacturing (phased out), and U.S.
federal support. Historical sites—like latte ruins, WWII relics, and
Spanish-era structures—underscore its layered past and cultural
resilience.
The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) form a remote U.S. commonwealth
in the western North Pacific Ocean, part of the larger Mariana
Archipelago (with Guam to the south). This volcanic island chain
stretches roughly 480 km (300 miles) north-south in a narrow arc,
spanning latitudes from about 14°08'N to 20°33'N and longitudes 144°54'E
to 146°04'E. The islands sit atop the Mariana Ridge, approximately 1,500
miles (2,400 km) east of the Philippines, with the vast Pacific to the
east and the Philippine Sea to the west.
The total land area is only
about 464 km² (179 sq mi)—roughly 2.5 times the size of Washington,
D.C.—with negligible inland water. The islands are the visible peaks of
a massive underwater mountain range formed by tectonic forces. To the
east lies the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world's oceans
(Challenger Deep exceeds 10,900 m / 35,800 ft), part of the Mariana
Trench Marine National Monument established in 2009. This protects
extraordinary deep-sea features like hydrothermal vents, mud volcanoes,
and unique ecosystems.
Geology and Formation
The CNMI lies in
one of Earth's most tectonically active zones: the Mariana Volcanic Arc
(part of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana system). Here, the Pacific Plate subducts
beneath the Philippine Sea Plate, driving volcanism, earthquakes, and
the formation of the trench.
Southern islands (Rota, Saipan,
Tinian, plus smaller ones like Aguijan and Farallon de Medinilla) are
primarily raised limestone platforms atop older volcanic bases. They
feature level terraces, karst caves, gentle rolling hills, and fringing
coral reefs. These formed from uplifted coral reefs over time.
Northern islands are classic stratovolcanoes—steep, rugged, and often
barren on upper slopes. Six have been historically active (Anatahan,
Pagan, Agrihan, Asuncion, Guguan, Farallon de Pajaros), with additional
active seamounts along the ridge.
Soils vary: fertile but shallow
in volcanic areas; more developed on limestone terraces. About one-fifth
of the land is arable, with pasture on gentler slopes.
The
Islands: Southern vs. Northern Groups
The 14 main islands divide
clearly into southern (populated, limestone) and northern (mostly
remote, volcanic) clusters. Population concentrates overwhelmingly on
the south (Saipan, Tinian, Rota hold nearly all of the ~47,000 residents
as of 2020 census data). Northern islands are sparsely inhabited or
evacuated due to volcanic risks.
Southern Islands (limestone
terraces, coral reefs, beaches, and coastal plains):
Saipan (largest;
115.38 km² / 44.55 sq mi; highest point Mount Tapochau 474 m / 1,555 ft;
pop. ~43,385): Capital island with varied terrain—limestone plateaus,
volcanic ridges, sandy western beaches, steep northern cliffs, and karst
caves. It includes small attached islets like Bird Island and Forbidden
Island.
Tinian (101.01 km² / 39 sq mi; highest Kastiyu/Lasso Hill 170
m / 558 ft; pop. ~2,044): Gently rolling limestone terrain ideal for
cattle grazing; includes nearby uninhabited Aguijan (7.1 km²; 157 m /
515 ft high).
Rota (85.39 km² / ~33 sq mi; highest Mount Manira ~491
m / 1,611 ft; pop. ~1,893): Southernmost major island with a volcanic
base capped by coral limestone, creating distinctive terraces and
cliffs.
Northern Islands (volcanic peaks; mostly uninhabited or
very lightly populated—total ~7 residents across a few in 2020):
Agrihan (43.51 km²; highest Mount Agrihan 965 m / 3,166 ft—the
archipelago's tallest point; few residents): A classic stratovolcano.
Pagan (47.24 km²; Mount Pagan 579 m / 1,900 ft; ~2 residents): Largest
northern island; evacuated in 1981 after a major eruption and still
volatile.
Other notable northern islands include Anatahan (31.21 km²;
787 m; evacuated after 2003 eruptions), Asuncion (891 m peak), Maug
Islands (partially submerged caldera), Farallon de Pajaros (northernmost
active volcano), and smaller ones like Alamagan, Guguan, and Sarigan.
Many feature black lava fields, craters, and sparse vegetation on
steeper slopes.
Climate
The CNMI has a tropical rainforest
climate (Köppen Af/Am), one of the most equable on Earth (Saipan once
listed by Guinness World Records for minimal temperature variation).
Northeast trade winds moderate conditions year-round. Average
temperatures hover around 27–28°C (81–82°F) with little seasonal change;
coastal areas stay warmer than higher elevations.
Annual rainfall
averages ~1,770 mm (70 inches) on Saipan, with a distinct dry season
(December–June) and wet season (July–November) bringing heavier rains
and frequent typhoons. The islands lie in "Typhoon Alley," so most years
see at least one storm (winds can exceed 193 km/h / 120 mph). Northern
islands receive somewhat less rain.
Natural Environment and
Resources
Fringing coral reefs surround most islands (especially the
south), supporting rich marine life. The Marianas Trench Marine National
Monument safeguards vast ocean areas, including hydrothermal vents (some
with liquid CO2 or sulfur pools), seamounts, and biodiversity hotspots.
Terrestrially, southern islands host tropical dry forests, scrub,
coconut palms, and casuarina trees; northern slopes are often barren
with shallow, low-fertility volcanic soils. The islands are vital
nesting sites for migratory seabirds (several endangered). Endemic
species include fruit bats and birds like the Mariana fruit dove.
Primary natural resources are marine (fish) and limited arable
land/pasture.
Geographical Hazards
Volcanism: Ongoing activity
on several northern islands and seamounts; past evacuations (e.g., Pagan
1981, Anatahan 2003).
Typhoons and flooding: Frequent during the wet
season.
Earthquakes: Due to the subduction zone.
Coastal erosion
and sea-level rise: Threats to low-lying limestone areas and reefs.
The Northern Mariana Islands are a "unincorporated, organized
territory" of the USA with internal autonomy since 1986 and its own
constitution since 1978. The political system consists of a bicameral
parliament - a Senate with nine and a House of Representatives with 18
members - and an elected governor. The head of state is the President of
the United States, the current head of government is Governor Ralph
Torres after his predecessor Eloy Inos passed away on December 28, 2015.
Citizens of the Mariana Islands are US citizens but do not have the
right to vote in US presidential elections. You don't have to pay
federal taxes.
In 2018, the Northern Mariana Islands became the
first US territory to legalize the possession of small quantities and
the licensed manufacture of recreational and medicinal cannabis
products.
The official languages are English, Chamorro and
Caroline, while Korean and Japanese are also spoken on the island.
The basis of the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands is foreign
tourism (up to 0.5 million tourists per year, mainly from Japan). Until
October 2019, Russian citizens had the right to visa-free entry for up
to 45 days for tourism purposes. In the tourism service sector there are
many visiting workers (Filipinos, Chinese, etc.)
Agriculture does
not meet domestic needs. Coconuts, fruits and vegetables are grown. On a
small scale - livestock farming and fishing.
There is practically
no export; food, industrial goods, fuel, etc. are imported.
Financial subsidies from the United States are essential.
The
monetary unit is the US dollar.
On the Mariana Islands, the former aboriginal culture has long since
become a thing of the past; only isolated, faintly visible traces remain
of it. Its place was taken by one of the variants of the so-called
Spanish colonial culture. Decades of German, then Japanese and finally
American rule also had an impact.
Chamorros have been wearing
European-style clothing for a long time; traditional elements are poorly
preserved in food, utensils, and housing. Only the relatively high
position of women (traces of matriarchal traditions) reminds us of the
former social order of the aborigines. Previous religious beliefs have
not been preserved. Today's Chamorros are overwhelmingly Catholic.
However, despite significant changes in culture, the modern mestizo
population of the Mariana Islands has retained the language of their
Oceanian ancestors in relative purity.