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Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

© Creative Commons / ctsnow

Northern Mariana Islands Travel Guide

Key Facts

Geography

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).

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.

The Northern Mariana Islands consist of a chain of 14 islands nearly 89km (55 miles) in length. Volcanic in origin, they host a variety of scenery including beautiful bays, spectacular cliffs, caves and mountains. Because of their location they played a significant part in WWII, and the many shipwrecks around the coast bear witness to this. These, the numerous coral reefs and the clear water make them particularly good for diving.