Northern Mariana Islands Key Facts

Location

Western Pacific Ocean.

Time

GMT + 10.

Area

457 sq km (176 sq miles).

Population

69,000 (UN estimate 2006).

Population Density

151 per sq km.

Capital

Saipan. Population: 71,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Geography

Located to the south of Japan and to the north of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands comprise 14 islands, the main ones being Rota, Saipan and Tinian. The group is compact, consisting of a single chain 736km (460 miles) long. The islands have high volcanic cones.

Government

Self-governing US Commonwealth Territory (incorporated). Gained internal autonomy in 1986.

Head of State

President George W Bush since 2000.

Head of Government

Governor Benigno Fitial since 2006.

Recent History

Benigno Fitial was elected governor in November 2005, promising to improve the country's economy and to revive tourism.

Language

English, Chamorro and Carolinian are the official languages. Japanese and Korean are widely spoken.

Religion

Mostly Roman Catholic.

Social Conventions

The Chamorro culture of the original inhabitants can still be traced, although it is overlaid by strong American influences. Western conventions are well understood.
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