|
Basic Facts |
Country name |
conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands abbreviation: CNMI former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District |
Gevernment type | commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature |
Capital |
name: Saipan
geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
Flag description | blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath |
Currency | US dollar (USD) |
Internet country code | .mp |
Ports and terminals | Saipan, Tinian |
Agriculture products | coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle |
Industries | tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts |
Geography |
Location | Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines |
Coordinates | 15 12 N, 145 45 E |
Continent | Oceania |
Area |
total: 477 sq km
land: 477 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian |
Boundaries | 0 km |
Coastline | 1,482 km |
Climate | tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October |
Terrain | southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic |
Natural resources | arable land, fish |
Natural hazards | active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November) |
People |
Population | 82,459 (July 2006 est.) |
Ethnic groups | Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census) |
Religions | Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found) |
Languages | Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census) |