Northern Mariana Islands

15.20°, 145.75°

CapitalSaipan

Population51,118

Area464 km²

LanguagesLanguages spoken in the Philippines account for, with Chamorro at, English at, and other Pacific island languages comprising ), while Chinese is at, other Asian languages at, and other languages at .

Life Expectancy77.1 yr

Governmenta commonwealth that exists in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; it operates with a republican government structure comprising distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Introduction

Background

The Northern Mariana Islands were initially inhabited by Austronesian peoples around 1500 B.C., who evolved into the indigenous Chamorro. Their culture was subsequently shaped by later waves of migration, notably from Micronesians in the first century A.D. and island Southeast Asians around 900. Spanish explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN navigated the Mariana Islands in 1521, leading to Spain's claim over them in 1565. Formal colonization by Spain commenced in 1668, with governance centralized from Guam. The severe repression of the Chamorro by Spain, combined with the introduction of new diseases and sporadic conflicts, resulted in a dramatic decline of the indigenous population by approximately 90% during the 1700s. A parallel situation unfolded on Guam, compelling Spain to relocate the Chamorro from the Northern Mariana Islands to Guam. Upon their eventual return, they discovered that many other Micronesians, such as the Chuukese and Yapese, had already established themselves in the region.

After the Spanish-American War in 1898, Spain ceded Guam to the United States and transferred the Northern Mariana Islands to Germany through the German-Spanish Treaty of 1899. German administration was based in German New Guinea and adopted a largely hands-off stance regarding local affairs. After World War I, the islands came under Japanese administration as part of a League of Nations mandate. Japan concentrated on sugar production and imported thousands of Japanese workers, who soon outnumbered the Chamorro population. In World War II, Japan launched an invasion of Guam from the Northern Mariana Islands and employed Marianan Chamorro as translators for Guamanian Chamorro, creating ongoing tensions between the two Chamorro communities. The United States captured the Northern Mariana Islands in 1944 following the Battle of Saipan and subsequently governed them as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI).

During the 1950s and 1960s, voters expressed their desire for integration with Guam on four occasions, but this was declined by Guam in 1969. In 1978, the Northern Mariana Islands were granted self-governance distinct from the rest of the TTPI, and in 1986, the islanders received US citizenship, with the territory becoming part of the United States as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In 2009, the CNMI became the last US territory to elect a nonvoting delegate to the US Congress.

Geography

Area

land

464 sq km

water

0 sq km

total

464 sq km

Climate

tropical marine climate; influenced by northeast trade winds, exhibiting minimal seasonal temperature changes; dry season spans from December to June, while the rainy season occurs from July to October

Terrain

the southern islands of this north-south oriented archipelago are composed of limestone and feature fringing coral reefs; in contrast, the northern islands are of volcanic origin, with several islands having active volcanoes

Land use

other

45.9% (2023 est.)

forest

53% (2023 est.)

agricultural land

1.2% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 0.2% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 0.8% (2023 est.)

Location

Oceania, located in the North Pacific Ocean, roughly three-quarters of the distance from Hawaii to the Philippines

Coastline

1,482 km

Elevation

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point

Agrihan Volcano 965 m

Irrigated land

1 sq km (2012)

Map references

Oceania

Land boundaries

total

0 km

Maritime claims

territorial sea

12 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

Natural hazards

active volcanoes found on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons prevalent, particularly between August and November

Geography - note

holds a strategically significant position in the North Pacific Ocean

Natural resources

capable of supporting agriculture, abundant in fish

Area - comparative

2.5 times larger than Washington, D.C.

Geographic coordinates

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Population distribution

around 90% of the population resides on the island of Saipan

People & Society

Languages

Languages spoken in the Philippines account for 32.8%, with Chamorro (official) at 24.1%, English (official) at 17%, and other Pacific island languages comprising 10.1% (including Carolinian (official)), while Chinese is at 6.8%, other Asian languages at 7.3%, and other languages at 1.9% (2010 estimate).

Religions

The predominant religion is Christianity, with a majority being Roman Catholic; however, traditional beliefs and customs may still persist.

Sex ratio

at birth

1.17 male(s)/female

0-14 years

1.16 male(s)/female

15-64 years

1.11 male(s)/female

total population

1.12 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

65 years and over

1.12 male(s)/female

Birth rate

15.8 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

5.91 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Median age

male

31.8 years

total

32.6 years (2025 est.)

female

33.2 years

Population

male

27,044

total

51,118 (2024 est.)

female

24,074

Nationality

noun

NA (US citizens)

adjective

Urbanization

urban population

92.1% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization

0.36% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years

22.1% (male 6,066/female 5,231)

15-64 years

67.7% (male 18,206/female 16,377)

65 years and over

10.2% (2024 est.) (male 2,772/female 2,466)

Ethnic groups

As for ethnic composition, 50% of the population identifies as Asian (which includes Filipino at 35.3%, Chinese at 6.8%, Korean at 4.2%, and other Asian groups at 3.7%), while Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander accounts for 34.9% (including Chamorro at 23.9%, Carolinian at 4.6%, and other Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander at 6.4%), with other groups making up 2.5%, and individuals identifying with two or more ethnicities or races at 12.7% (2010 estimate).

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio

47.8 (2024 est.)

youth dependency ratio

32.7 (2024 est.)

potential support ratio

6.6 (2024 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

15.1 (2024 est.)

Net migration rate

-13.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.53 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Drinking water source

improved: total

total: 100% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: total

total: 0% of population (2022 est.)

Infant mortality rate

male

14.4 deaths/1,000 live births

total

11.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

female

9 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate

-0.33% (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

1.17 (2025 est.)

Population distribution

About 90% of the inhabitants reside on the island of Saipan.

Life expectancy at birth

male

75 years

female

79.5 years

total population

77.1 years (2024 est.)

Sanitation facility access

improved: total

total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: total

total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)

Major urban areas - population

51,000 SAIPAN (capital) (2018)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

38.2% (2020 est.)

Environment

Climate

tropical marine climate; influenced by northeast trade winds, exhibiting minimal seasonal temperature fluctuations; dry period from December to June, and wet period from July to October

Land use

other

45.9% (2023 est.)

forest

53% (2023 est.)

agricultural land

1.2% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 0.2% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 0.8% (2023 est.)

Urbanization

urban population

92.1% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization

0.36% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually

32,800 tons (2024 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled

36% (2016 est.)

Environmental issues

pollution of groundwater in Saipan; remediation of landfill sites; conservation of endangered species

Government

Flag

description: a blue background featuring a five-pointed white star set on a gray latte stone (a traditional foundational stone) at its center, encircled by a mwáár or head lei (wreath)

meaning: the blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the star symbolizes the Commonwealth, while the latte stone and mwáár reflect Marianas culture; the mwáár is crafted from four varieties of flowers: flores mayo (Plumeria), ylang-ylang or langilang (Cananga odorata), angagha or peacock flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), and teibwo or Pacific basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Capital

name

Saipan

etymology

the exact origin of the name remains uncertain; it is likely derived from a local term meaning "deserted" or "uninhabited," although various narratives exist regarding its adoption

time difference

UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship

see United States

Constitution

history

partially effective from 9 January 1978 (Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands); fully effective from 4 November 1986 (Covenant Agreement)

amendment process

amendments may be proposed through a constitutional convention, public petition, or by the Legislature; ratification necessitates voter approval at the subsequent general election or a special election; amendments proposed via constitutional convention or petition take effect upon majority approval from voters and at least a two-thirds majority in each of two senatorial districts; those proposed by the Legislature become effective with a majority vote

Country name

former

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

etymology

the islands were named by Spain in 1667 in tribute to Queen MARIANA of Austria

abbreviation

CNMI

conventional long form

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form

Northern Mariana Islands

Independence

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

Legal system

US laws are applicable, with exceptions for customs and certain tax aspects

Government type

a commonwealth that exists in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; it operates with a republican government structure comprising distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Judicial branch

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) (composed of a chief justice and 2 associate justices); US Federal District Court (comprising 1 judge)

subordinate courts

Superior Court

judge selection and term of office

judges of the CNMI Supreme Court are appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the CNMI Senate; they serve 8-year terms, with eligibility for an additional term if directly elected in a popular election; US Federal District Court judges are appointed by the US president and confirmed by the US Senate, serving renewable 10-year terms

Executive branch

cabinet

sworn in by CNMI Chief Justice Alexandro Castro on Thursday, 24 July 2025

chief of state

President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2025)

election results

2022: Arnold PALACIOS elected governor in second round; percent of vote in first round - Ralph TORRES (Republican) 38.8%; Arnold PALACIOS (independent) 32.2%, Tina SABLAN (Democrat) 28%; percent of vote in second round - Arnold PALACIOS 54%, Ralph TORRES 46%; David APATANG (independent) elected lieutenant governor

2018: Ralph TORRES elected governor; percent of vote - Ralph TORRES (Republican) 62.2%, Juan BABAUTA (independent) 37.8%; Arnold PALACIOS elected lieutenant governor

head of government

Governor David M. APATANG (since 24 July 2025)

most recent election date

8 November 2022, with a runoff conducted on 25 November 2022

election/appointment process

the president and vice president are indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of electors selected from each state; each serves a 4-year term (with eligibility for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Northern Mariana Islands do not have the right to vote for US president and vice president; however, they can participate in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; the governor is directly elected by an absolute majority vote in two rounds, if necessary

expected date of next election

2026

National holiday

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Dependency status

commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; federal funds are managed by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

National color(s)

blue, white

Political parties

Democratic Party
Republican Party

Legislative branch

National anthem(s)

title

"The Star-Spangled Banner"

history

official anthem, as a US commonwealth

lyrics/music

Francis Scott KEY/John Stafford SMITH

National symbol(s)

latte stone

Administrative divisions

there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US government; however, 4 municipalities are recognized as second-order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Diplomatic representation from the US

embassy

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

International organization participation

PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Economy

Budget

revenues

$389.6 million (2016 est.)

expenditures

$344 million (2015 est.)

Exports

Exports 2020

$128 million (2020 est.)

Exports 2021

$55 million (2021 est.)

Exports 2022

$244 million (2022 est.)

Imports

Imports 2020

$556 million (2020 est.)

Imports 2021

$666 million (2021 est.)

Imports 2022

$777 million (2022 est.)

Industries

tourism, banking, construction, fishing, handicrafts, and various other services

Exchange rates

the US dollar is in use

Economic overview

Economy of the US Pacific island commonwealth; increasingly popular destination for Chinese and Korean tourists; severely impacted by the typhoon in 2018; reliant on energy imports; exempt from certain US labor and immigration regulations; has a historical background in garment manufacturing

Exports - partners

Sweden 21%, Singapore 20%, Hong Kong 12%, UK 8%, India 7% (2023)

Imports - partners

Singapore 63%, Japan 12%, Hong Kong 8%, Taiwan 4%, Philippines 3% (2023)

Real GDP growth rate

Real GDP growth rate 2020

-29.1% (2020 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2021

5% (2021 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2022

16.6% (2022 est.)

Agricultural products

vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry, and eggs; fish and aquaculture products

Exports - commodities

scrap iron, refined petroleum, scrap copper, hydraulic engines, integrated circuits (2021)

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, automobiles, jewelry, trunks and cases, flavored water (2023)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.096 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2014

$845 million (2014 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2015

$933 million (2015 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2016

$1.242 billion (2016 est.)

Energy

Electricity access

electrification - total population

100% (2022 est.)

Communications

Internet users

percent of population

25.1% (2021 est.)

Broadcast media

One television station operates on Saipan; multi-channel cable television services can be accessed on Saipan; there are 9 licensed radio stations as of 2009.