Northern Mariana Islands

TheNorthern Mariana Islands,officially theCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands(CNMI;Chamorro:Sankattan Siha Na Islas Mariånas;Carolinian:Commonwealth Téél Falúw kka Efáng llól Marianas), is anunincorporated territoryandcommonwealthof theUnited Statesconsisting of 14 islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.The CNMI includes the 14 northernmost islands in theMariana Archipelago;the southernmost island,Guam,is a separate U.S. territory. The Northern Mariana Islands were listed by the United Nations as anon-self governing territoryuntil 1990.

Northern Mariana Islands
Unincorporated and organized U.S. territory
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Sankattan Siha Na Islas Mariånas(Chamorro) Commonwealth Téél Falúw kka Efáng llól Marianas(Carolinian)
Flag Seal
Anthem:"Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi"(Chamorro) "Satil Matawal Pacifiko"(Carolinian) ("In the Middle of the Sea")
Location of the Northern Mariana Islands (circled in red)
Sovereign state	United States
Before association with the United States	Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
Commonwealth status	January 9, 1978
End of U.N. Trusteeship	November 4, 1986
Capital and largest city	Saipan 15.19°N 145.74°E/15.19; 145.74
Official languages	English Chamorro Carolinian
Ethnic groups (2023)	35.3%Filipino 23.9%Chamorro 6.8%Chinese 4.6%Refaluwasch 4.2%Korean 6.4%other Pacific Islander 3.78%other Asian 15.1% other
Religion (2010)	81.3%Christianity 10.6%Buddhism 5.3% folk religions 1.0%no religion 0.7%Islam 1.1%other
Demonym(s)	Northern Mariana Islander(formal) Northern Marianan(other) Marianan(diminutive form) Chamorro(colloquial)
Government	Devolvedpresidential constitutionaldependency
•President	Joe Biden(D)
•Governor	Arnold Palacios(I)
•Lieutenant Governor	David M. Apatang(I)
Legislature	Commonwealth Legislature
•Upper house	Senate
•Lower house	House of Representatives
United States Congress
•House delegate	Gregorio Sablan(D)
Area
• Total	464km2(179 sq mi)
• Water (%)	negligible
Highest elevation (Mount Agrihan)	965 m (3,166 ft)
Population
• 2022 estimate	55,650(209th)
• 2020 census	47,329
• Density	113/km2(292.7/sq mi) (97th)
GDP(PPP)	2016 estimate
• Total	$1.24 billion
• Per capita	$25,516
GDP(nominal)	2019 estimate
• Total	$1.18 billion
• Per capita	$21,239
HDI(2017)	0.875 very high
Currency	United States dollar (US$) (USD)
Time zone	UTC+10:00(ChST)
Date format	mm/dd/yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+1-670
USPS abbreviation	MP
Trad. abbreviation	CNMI
ISO 3166 code	MP US-MP
Internet TLD	.mp
Website	gov.mp

During the colonial period, the Northern Marianas were variously under the control of theSpanish,German,andJapaneseempires. AfterWorld War II,the islands were part of theUnited Nations trust territoriesunder American administration, before formally joining the United States as a territory in 1986, with their population gaining United States citizenship.

TheUnited States Department of the Interiorcites a landmass of 183.5 square miles (475.26 km²).According to the2020 United States Census,47,329 people were living in the CNMI at the time.The vast majority of the population resides onSaipan,Tinian,andRota.The other islands of the Northern Marianas are sparsely inhabited; the most notable among these isPagan,which was left largely uninhabited since a 1981 volcanic eruption.

The administrative center isCapitol Hill,a village in northwestern Saipan. The current governor of the CNMI isArnold Palacios,who entered office in January 2023. The legislative branch has a 9-member Senate and a 20-member House of Representatives.

History

The islands were settled around 1500 BC, when various peoples migrated there. Eventually the islands were claimed bySpainin 1521.In the 18th century the people of the northern Marianas were forced by Spain to relocate, and when they returned new peoples had migrated there. In 1899 Spain sold the Northern Marianas toGermanyin theSpanish-German Treaty of 1899,while Guam went to the United States. At the end of World War I, with the defeat of Germany, the islands became a part of the Japanese Mandate under the League of Nations, starting in 1918. The islands were liberated from the Japanese in theBattle of Saipanin 1944, and after the war became part of the UN Trust Territory called the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). Over the decades integration with Guam was rejected and eventually the islands left the TTPI and became a part of the US in 1986. The Northern Marianas then became the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and its residents are US citizens. In 2009, they elected a non-voting delegate to the US Congress.

Arrival of humans

Main article:Mariana Islands § Prehistory

Pictograms of sea turtles in Mariana's cave

The Mariana Islands were the first islands settled by humans inRemote Oceania.Incidentally their settlement was the first and longest of the ocean-crossing voyages of theAustronesian peoples,separate from the laterPolynesiansettlement of the rest of Remote Oceania. The islands were first settled around 1500 to 1400 BC by people from thePhilippines.This was followed by a second migration from theCaroline Islandsby the first millennium AD, and a third migration fromIsland Southeast Asia(likely the Philippines or easternIndonesia) by 900 AD.

After their first contact with Spaniards, the islanders eventually became known as theChamorros,a Spanish word similar toChamori,the name of the indigenous caste system's higher division.

The ancient people of the Marianas raisedcolonnadesof megalithic capped pillars calledlatte stonesupon which they built their homes. The Spanish reported that by the time of their arrival, the largest of these were already in ruins, and that the Chamorros believed the ancestors who had erected the pillars lived in an era when people possessed supernatural abilities.

In 2013 archaeologists posited that the first people to settle in the Marianas may have made what was at that point the longest uninterrupted ocean-crossing voyage in human history.Archeological evidenceindicates thatTinianmay have been the first Pacific island to be settled.

Spanish possession

Reception of theManila galleonby theChamorroin theLadrones Islands,c. 1590. FromBoxer Codex.

ChamorroHunter with Spear, as depicted in theBoxer Codex(1590) of thePhilippines

ChamorroHunter with Bow, as depicted in theBoxer Codex(1590) of thePhilippines

Main articles:New Spain,Captaincy General of the Philippines,Spanish East Indies,andSpanish-Chamorro Wars

The Portuguese navigatorFerdinand Magellan,sailing under the Spanish flag, arrived in 1521. He and his crew were the first Europeans to arrive in the Mariana Islands. He landed on Guam, the southernmost island of the Marianas, and claimed the archipelago for Spain. The Spanish ships were met offshore by the native Chamorros, who delivered refreshments and then helped themselves to a small boat belonging to Magellan's fleet. This led to a cultural clash: in Chamorro tradition, little property was private and taking something one needed, such as a boat for fishing, did not count as stealing. The Spanish did not understand this custom and fought the Chamorros until the boat was recovered. Three days after he had been welcomed on his arrival, Magellan fled the archipelago. Spain regarded the islands as annexed and later made them part of theSpanish East Indiesin 1565. In 1734, the Spanish built a royal palace, thePlaza de España,in Guam for the governor of the islands. The palace was largely destroyed during World War II, but portions of it remain.

Guam operated as an important stopover between the Philippines andMexicoforManila galleoncarrying trading between Spanish colonies.

In 1668, FatherDiego Luis de San Vitoresrenamed the islandsLas Marianasin honor of his patroness the Spanish regentMariana of Austria(1634–1696), widow ofFelipe IV(reigned 1621–1665).

Most of the islands' native population (90–95%)died from European diseases carried by the Spaniards or married non-Chamorro settlers under Spanish rule. New settlers, primarily from the Philippines and the Caroline Islands, were brought to repopulate the islands. The Chamorro population gradually recovered, and Chamorro,Filipino,andRefaluwaschlanguages and other ethnic groups remain in the Marianas.

During the 17th century, Spanish colonists forcibly moved the Chamorros to Guam, to encourage assimilation and conversion toRoman Catholicism.By the time they were allowed to return to the Northern Marianas, many Carolinians from present-day easternYap Stateand westernChuuk Statehad settled in the Marianas.Both languages, as well as English, are now official in the commonwealth.

In 1720 the Spanish moved the remaining islanders, whose population had been decimated by diseases, from the Marianas to Guam.By 1741, there was about 5000 remaining Chamorros.

Carolinian immigration

The Northern Marianas experienced an influx of immigration from theCarolines(Micronesia region) during the 19th century. Both this Carolinian sub-ethnicity and Carolinians in the Carolines archipelagorefer to themselvesas theRefaluwasch.The indigenous Chamorro word for the same group of people isgu'palao.They are usually referred to simply as "Carolinians", though unlike the other two monikers, this can also mean those who actually live in the Carolines and who may have no affiliation with the Marianas.

The conquering Spanish did not focus attempts at cultural suppression against Carolinian immigrants, whose immigration they allowed during a period when the indigenous Chamorro majority was being subjugated with land alienation, forced relocations and internment. Carolinians in the Marianas continue to be fluent in theCarolinian language,and have maintained many of the cultural distinctions and traditions of their ethnicity's land of ancestral origin.

German possession and Japanese mandate

Main articles:Spanish–American War,Treaty of Paris (1898),German New Guinea,andSouth Seas Mandate

Saipan under the administration ofJapan

Following its loss during theSpanish–American Warof 1898,Spainceded Guam to the United States and sold the remainder of theMarianas(i.e., the Northern Marianas), along with the Caroline Islands, toGermanyunder theGerman–Spanish Treaty of 1899.The United States could have taken the entire Marianas but beyond Guam saw no need for the group.Germany administered the islands as part of its colony ofGerman New Guineaand did little in terms of development.

Germany built an office on Saipan to administer the island, and the head administrator was Georg Fritz.San Jose church was built during the German period.The Germans established a public school system and homesteading program, and some efforts were put intocopraproduction; there was an overall effort to grow the economy with roads being built and vocational/trades training.Pagan and Alamagan were leased to a company called Pagan Gesellschaft, which planned to produce copra there, although its goals were hampered by numeroustyphoons.Eight islands were leased to bird hunters, which used the feathers for hats.

Early inWorld War I,Japandeclared war on Germany and invaded the Northern Marianas. In 1919 after the war concluded, theLeague of Nations(LoN) awarded all of Germany's islands in the Pacific Ocean located north of theEquator,including the Northern Marianas, undermandateto Japan. Under this arrangement, the Japanese thus administered the Northern Marianas as part of theSouth Seas Mandate.During the Japanese period,sugar canebecame the main industry of the islands.GarapanonSaipanwas developed as a regional capital, and numerous Japanese (including ethnic Koreans andOkinawanandTaiwanese) migrated to the islands. In the December 1939 census, the total population of the South Seas Mandate was 129,104, of whom 77,257 were Japanese (including ethnic Taiwanese and Koreans). On Saipan the pre-war population comprised 29,348 Japanese settlers and 3,926 Chamorro and Caroline Islanders;Tinianhad 15,700 Japanese settlers (including 2,700 ethnic Koreans and 22 ethnic Chamorro). The Japanese built military constructions on the island in the 1930s and in December 1941 used it as staging area to invade Guam, which was part of the U.S. at that time.

During the Japanese mandate, the main economic focus was sugar production, and for example about 98% of Tinian island was used to growsugarcane.

World War II

Further information:Pacific Islands home front during World War II

Marineinfantrymen inGarapan,Saipan

On December 8, 1941, hours after theattack on Pearl Harbor,Japanese forces from the Marianas launched aninvasion of Guam.Chamorros from the Northern Marianas, which had been under Japanese rule for more than 20 years, were brought to Guam to assist the Japanese administration. This, combined with the harsh treatment of Guamanian Chamorros during the 31-month occupation, created a rift that would become the main reason Guamanians rejectedthe referendumon reunification of Guam with the Northern Marianas that was approved by the Northern Marianas in the 1960s.

On June 15, 1944, the United States military invaded the Mariana Islands, starting theBattle of Saipan,which ended on July 9. Of the 30,000 Japanese troops defending Saipan, fewer than 1,000 remained alive at the battle's end.Many civilians were also killed, by disease, starvation, enemy fire, or suicide; about 1,000 civilians killed themselves by jumping off cliffs.U.S. forces then recaptured Guam on July 21, andinvaded Tinianon July 24. A year laterTinianwas the takeoff point for theEnola Gay,the plane that dropped the atomic bomb onHiroshima.Rotawas left untouched (and isolated) until the Japanese surrender in August 1945, owing to its military insignificance and U.S. forces' strategy of "island hopping" in which they did not invade islands that they did not need. The story of the holdouts onAnatahanwas told in 1953 byJosef von Sternbergin his filmThe Saga of Anatahan.

The war did not end for everyone with the signing of the armistice. The last group ofJapanese holdoutssurrendered on Saipan on December 1, 1945. However, as mentioned, a group of about 30 held out until 1951 on Anahatan. The bizarre story has been the subject several movies and writings includingThe Saga of Anatahan.On a related note, on Guam, Japanese soldierShoichi Yokoi,unaware that the war had ended, hid in a jungle cave in theTalofofoarea until 1972.

Japanese nationals were eventually repatriated to theJapanese home islands.After World War II, the people of Marianas were able to return to the Northern Marianas, under protection of the United Nations Trusteeship administered by the United States. During this time a series of referendums took place.

United Nations trusteeship ends, Commonwealth begins

See also:Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

The island ofSaipan

After Japan's defeat in World War II, the Northern Marianas were administered by the United States pursuant toSecurity Council Resolution 21as part of the United NationsTrust Territory of the Pacific Islands,which assigned responsibility for defense and foreign affairs to the United States as trustee.Four referendums offering integration with Guam or changes to the islands' status were held in1958,1961,1963and1969.On each occasion, a majority voted in favor of integration with Guam, but this did not happen: Guam rejected integration in a1969 referendum.

In the1975 Northern Mariana Islands status referendumnearly 80% voted to become a commonwealth of the United States, and in 1977 over 93% approved the constitution of the CNMI.

Map showing the Northern Mariana Islands and itsexclusive economic zone(left) in the United States

The people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence, but instead to forge closer links with the United States. Negotiations forcommonwealth statusbegan in 1972 and a covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the United Stateswas approved in a1975 referendum.A new government and constitution came into effect in part on January 9, 1978after being approved in a1977 referendum.The United Nations approved this arrangement pursuant toSecurity Council Resolution 683.The Northern Mariana Islands came under U.S.sovereigntyon November 4, 1986, and the islanders becameUS citizens.Also on November 4, 1986, theNorthern Mariana Islands constitutionbecame fully effective under the Covenant.

In May 1981, volcanic eruptions led to evacuation of the island ofPagan.Most residents of Pagan have not yet returned to Pagan due to ongoing volcanic activity.

In the 1960s and 1970s agriculture and ranching became an important activity with thousands of beef cattle, dairy cows, and hogs, as well as many crops such as pineapple. The food production became an important source of food supply for the Marianas region.

The Chamorro-Carolinian Language Policy Commission was created in 1982 to carry out policies in support of the Chamorro and Carolinian languages and cultures.

In December 1986, 20 percent of the homes on Saipan were destroyed byTyphoon Kim,trees were stripped of foliage, thousands of coconut trees were knocked down, roads were blocked, and there was no electricity or public water supply for weeks.

In April 1990, the inhabitants of the western coast ofAnatahanwere evacuated afterearthquake swarmsand activefumarolesindicated that an eruption might be imminent, but no eruption occurred at that time. A further earthquake swarm occurred in May 1992. The first historical eruption of Anatahan occurred in May 2003, when a large explosive eruption with aVEIof 4 took place forming a new crater inside the easterncalderaand causing an ash plume 12 km (7.5 mi) high which impaired air traffic to Saipan and Guam.

21st century

Pagan Islanderuption in 2012

The Northern Mariana Islands does not have voting representation in theUnited States Congress,but, since 2009, has been represented in theU.S. House of Representativesby adelegate;congressional delegates may participate in debates and serve on congressional committees but may not cast decisive votes on the House floor.In the United States, a non-voting delegate is not a new concept, but rather goes back to before 1800. Territorial delegates represent their region's interest in Congress, and their powers have been established over time, beginning in 1795. A major power of the territorial delegates (which have also been called Resident Commissioners), besides serving on committees, is speaking on the floor.Perhaps more importantly, the position is seen as a precursor to establishing voting rights, and discussion about granting a delegate voting rights have occurred.

In 2018, 18 people embarked on a mission to repopulate the northern islands of Alamagan and Agrihan. They left Saipan aboard the M/V Super Emerald; the families involved originally had come from Alamagan. The months-long project was coordinated by the Mayor's office: plans include a clean water supply, establishment of radio contact, and hopefully sending more families to the two islands.One returning Marianan remarked, "I was born and raised on Saipan but my family is from Alamagan. We are going to live there for a long time."The 2020 United States Census reported a total of 7 people living on Alamagan and Agrihan.

Typhoon Yutucaused widespread damage in October 2018, and was the strongest typhoon known to hit the islands.Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) personnel deployed to both Tinian and Saipan ahead of the storm. U.S. President Donald Trump declared an emergency for the Northern Islands on October 24, 2018.

Geography

Main article:Geography of the Northern Mariana Islands

Saipanseen from theInternational Space Station

Map of the Northern Mariana Islands

Long Beach, Tinian

The Northern Mariana Islands, together withGuamto the south, compose theMariana Islandsarchipelago. The southern islands arelimestone,with level terraces and fringingcoralreefs. The northern islands are volcanic, with activevolcanoeson several islands, includingAnatahan,Pagan,andAgrihan.The volcano on Agrihan,Mount Agrihan,has the highest elevation at 3,166 feet (965 m).An expedition organized by John D. Mitchler and Reid Larson made the first complete ascent to the summit of this peak on June 1, 2018.

The islands going from north to south comprise 14 main islands, but some smaller islands are often grouped together. Also, Zealandia Bank can be an island at times depending on the tide. In terms of area, it is smaller than Guam, however as an island chain its hundreds of kilometers/miles from northern most to southernmost. Many islands have multiple names, due to popular nicknames; the names are usually Spanish, Chamorro, or English origin. Many of the islands have had to be evacuated due to volcanic activity.

• Farallon de Pajaros(or Uracus),
• Maug Islands(actually three islands, North, East, and West)
  • Supply reef,about 10 km from Maug has an active submarine volcano and various corals, it rises to within 8 meters of the surface.
• Asuncion Island
• Agrihan
• Pagan(Mostly uninhabited since a 1981 eruption)
• Alamagan
• Guguan
• Zealandia Bank,mostly submerged rocky outcops break the surface at low tide.
• Sarigan
• Anatahan,eruptions in 2003 and 2007–8
• Farallon de Medinilla
• Saipan
  • Mañagaha (small island West of Saipan)
  • Bird Island (Partially connected island on East of Saipan)
  • Forbidden Island (Partially connected island on South East of Saipan)
• Tinian,quiet rural island with many cattle ranches and historical sites
• Aguijan(Goat Island) (This uninhabited island south of Tinian is filled with birds and goats)
  • Naftan Rock
• Rota,(also known as Friendly Island) Also inhabited.

Anatahan Volcano is a small volcanic island 80 miles (130 km) north of Saipan. It is about 6 miles (10 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide. Anatahan began erupting from its east crater on May 10, 2003. It has since alternated between eruptive and calm periods.On April 6, 2005, an estimated 50,000,000 cubic feet (1,416,000 m³) of ash and rock were ejected, causing a large, black cloud to drift south over Saipan and Tinian.

• Northernmost point –Farallon de Pajaros
• Easternmost point –Farallon de Medinilla
• Southernmost point –Puntan Malikok,Rota
• Westernmost point –Farallon de Pajaros

The islands lie in theMarianas tropical dry foreststerrestrial ecoregion.

The area of ocean to the east of the islands, along with parts of the islands themselves, is part of theMarianas Trench Marine National Monument.This area includes three northernmost islands; the "Arc of Fire" refuge, which includes 21 underwater volcanic sites; and the trench region, which goes to the maximum limit of the EEZ. The nature preserve aims to protect the unique marine life which includes seabirds, sea turtles, unique coral reefs, and life around under-sea vents. The Marianas Trench itself includes the deepest ocean water on the planet, along with other underwater wonders, including a pool of liquid sulfur located at Daikoku, which is an underwater volcano.(see alsoChallenger Deep)

Heading south from the CNMI, south of Rota is Guam. To the east is Wake island, then further east is the island of Midway, and eventually the start of the Hawaiian island chain. American Samoa is located to the east and south, and lies below the Equator. To the north and east, lies Alaska, which is a string of islands known as theAleutians.To the west of the CNMI is the Philippines, and to the south and west is Palua, home toChamorropeople. To the south and east is Micronesia, which is home to the Carolinian people, many of which also settled on the CNMI centuries ago.

Saipan has some additional semi-attached islets, one of which being Bird Island, a nature reserve for birds. It is connected to Saipan only at low tide.Forbidden Island is similar, but larger on the south east side of Saipan.

Climate

The Northern Mariana Islands have atropical rainforest climate(Köppen:Af) moderated by seasonal northeasttrade winds,with little seasonal temperature variation. The dry season runs from December to June; the rainy season runs from July to November and can includetyphoons.TheGuinness Book of World Recordshas said Saipan has the mostequableclimate in the world.

Climate data forSaipan International Airport(1991–2020 normals, extremes 2000–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	89 (32)	90 (32)	91 (33)	93 (34)	96 (36)	94 (34)	99 (37)	95 (35)	94 (34)	92 (33)	92 (33)	90 (32)	99 (37)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	84.1 (28.9)	84.0 (28.9)	84.9 (29.4)	87.1 (30.6)	88.2 (31.2)	88.4 (31.3)	87.8 (31.0)	87.2 (30.7)	87.2 (30.7)	86.6 (30.3)	86.5 (30.3)	85.7 (29.8)	86.5 (30.3)
Daily mean °F (°C)	79.5 (26.4)	79.1 (26.2)	80.0 (26.7)	82.0 (27.8)	83.1 (28.4)	83.4 (28.6)	82.9 (28.3)	82.4 (28.0)	82.2 (27.9)	81.8 (27.7)	81.9 (27.7)	81.0 (27.2)	81.6 (27.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	74.8 (23.8)	74.1 (23.4)	75.2 (24.0)	76.9 (24.9)	78.0 (25.6)	78.5 (25.8)	78.1 (25.6)	77.5 (25.3)	77.2 (25.1)	77.1 (25.1)	77.3 (25.2)	76.4 (24.7)	76.8 (24.9)
Record low °F (°C)	70 (21)	69 (21)	69 (21)	70 (21)	73 (23)	72 (22)	71 (22)	69 (21)	72 (22)	69 (21)	69 (21)	69 (21)	69 (21)
Average rainfall inches (mm)	3.65 (93)	2.50 (64)	1.96 (50)	2.75 (70)	3.12 (79)	4.24 (108)	7.43 (189)	12.86 (327)	11.42 (290)	10.72 (272)	5.21 (132)	3.78 (96)	69.64 (1,769)
Average rainy days(≥ 0.01 in)	17.4	15.3	14.2	16.4	17.9	20.2	24.3	23.9	23.3	24.5	20.7	18.9	237.0
Source:NOAA

Politics and government

Main article:Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands

Further information:Political party strength in the Northern Mariana Islands

Arnold Palacios,thegovernor of the Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands have amultipartypresidentialrepresentative democraticsystem. They are a commonwealth of the United States. Federal funds to the commonwealth are administered by theOffice of Insular Affairsof theU.S. Department of the Interior.

Replicating the separation of powers elsewhere in the United States, theexecutive branchis headed by thegovernor of the Northern Mariana Islands;legislative poweris vested in the bicameralNorthern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislatureand thejudicial poweris vested in theCNMI Supreme Courtand the trial courts inferior to it.

Some critics, including the author of the political websiteSaipan Sucks,say that politics in the Northern Mariana Islands is often "more a function of family relationships and personal loyalties" where the size of one's extended family is more important than a candidate's personal qualifications. They charge that this isnepotismcarried out within the trappings of democracy.

In April 2012, anticipating a loss of funding by 2014, the commonwealth'spublic pension funddeclaredChapter 11 bankruptcy.The retirement fund is adefined benefit-type pension plan and was only partially funded by the government, with only $268.4 million inassetsand $911 million inliabilities.The plan experienced low investment returns and a benefit structure that had been increased without raises in funding.

In August 2012, cries for impeachmentarose, as the sitting governorBenigno Fitialwas being held responsible for withholding payments from the pension fund,not paying the local utility (Commonwealth Utilities or "CUC" ) for government offices,cutting off funding to the only hospital in the Northern Marianas,interfering with the delivery of asubpoenato his attorney general,withholding required funds from the public schools,and for signing a sole source $190 million contract for power generation.

Northern Mariana Islands' delegation to the2016 Republican National Conventionboasted about being "the most Republican territory" in the U.S.In 2017, theRepublican Partyhad large majorities in both theNorthern Mariana Islands Senateand theNorthern Mariana Islands House of Representatives,though no party has a majority in either chamber as of 2023.

Administrative divisions

The islands total 179.01 square miles (463.63 km²). The table gives an overview, with the individual islands listed from north to south:

No.	Islands/features	Area		Population (2020 census)	Height		Highest peak	Location
		sq mi	km2		feet	m
Northern Islands (Northern Islands Municipality)
1	Farallon de Pajaros(Urracas)	0.985	2.55	—	1,047	319		20°33′N144°54′E
	Supply Reef	0.00	0.00	—	−26	−8		20°08′N145°6′E
2	Maug Islandsincluding -North Island -East Island -West Island	0.822	2.13	—	745	227	North Island	20°02′N145°19′E
3	Asuncion	2.822	7.31	—	2,923	891		19°43′N145°41′E
4	Agrihan(Agrigan)	16.80	43.51	4	3,166	965	Mount Agrihan	18°46′N145°40′E
5	Pagan	18.24	47.24	2	1,900	579	Mount Pagan	18°08′36″N145°47′39″E
6	Alamagan	4.29	11.11	1	2,441	744	Alamagan	17°35′N145°50′E
7	Guguan	1.494	3.87	—	988	301		17°20′N145°51′E
	Zealandia Bank	0.0	0.0	—	0	0		16°45′N145°42′E
8	Sarigan	1.92	4.97	—	1,801	549	—	16°43′N145°47′E
9	Anatahan	12.05	31.21	—	2,582	787		16°22′N145°40′E
10	Farallon de Medinilla	0.328	0.85	—	266	81		16°01′N146°04′E
Southern Islands (3 municipalities)
11	Saipan	44.55	115.38	43,385	1,555	474	Mount Tapochau	15°11′06″N145°44′28″E
12	Tinian	39.00	101.01	2,044	558	170	Kastiyu (Lasso Hill)	14°57′12″N145°38′54″E
13	Aguijan(Agiguan)	2.74	7.10	—	515	157	Alutom	14°42′N145°18′E
14	Rota	32.97	85.39	1,893	1,611	491	Mount Manira	14°08′37″N145°11′08″E
	Northern Mariana Islands	179.01	463.63	47,329	3,166	965	Mount Agrihan	14°08' to 20°33'N, 144°54° to 146°04'E
Notes

Map showing the four municipalities of the Northern Mariana Islands, with Guam shown for context and indicating which islands have airports

Administratively, the CNMI is divided into four municipalities:

The Northern Islands (north of Saipan) form theNorthern Islands Municipality.The three main islands of the Southern Islands form the municipalities ofSaipan,Tinian,andRota,with uninhabited Aguijan forming part of Tinian municipality.

Because of volcanic threat, the northern islands have been evacuated. Human habitation was limited to Agrihan, Pagan, and Alamagan, but population varied due to various economic factors, including children's education. The 2020 census showed only seven residents in the Northern Islands Municipality, and the Northern Islands' mayor office is located in "exile" on Saipan.

Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have the only ports and harbors and are the only permanently populated islands.

For statistical purposes, theUnited States Census Bureaucounts the four municipalities of the Northern Mariana Islands ascounty equivalents.

Political status and autonomy

Further information:Law of the Northern Mariana Islands

In 1947, the Northern Mariana Islands became part of the post–World War II United NationsTrust Territory of the Pacific Islands(TTPI). The United States became the TTPI's administering authority under the terms of a trusteeship agreement. In 1976, Congress approved the mutually negotiated Covenant to establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America.The Covenant was codified on March 24, 1976, asPublic Law94-241.The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) government adopted its own constitution in 1977, and the new government took office in January 1978. Implementation of Covenant, which took effect on January 1, 1978, was completed on November 3, 1986, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation no. 5564; which placed into effect the Covenant With the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Compacts of Free Association With the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.This allowed the CNMI to be represented to the United States Government in Washington, DC by aResident Representative,elected at-large by CNMI voters and whose office was paid for by the CNMI government. TheConsolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008( "CNRA" ), approved by theU.S. Congresson May 8, 2008, established aCNMI delegate's seat; DemocratGregorio Sablanwas elected inNovember 2008as the first CNMI delegate and took office in the111th Congress.Like the other five delegates in the House, the CNMI delegate participates in debates and vote in committee but has no vote on the floor of the House of Representatives, and has no role in the U.S. Senate, but is equal to a Senator when serving on a conference committee.

On December 22, 1990, theUnited Nations Trusteeship Councilterminated the TTPI as it applied to the CNMI and five other of the TTPI's original seven districts (theMarshall Islandsand theFederated States of Micronesia(Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap)), this was acknowledged inUnited Nations Security Council Resolution 683passed on the same day.

TTPI High Court judges (some time between 1968 and 1978)

Under the Covenant, only certain provisions of the U.S. Constitution apply to the Commonwealth and legislation passed by the U.S. Congress can only apply to the Commonwealth if it applies to all 50 states.The CNMI is outside the customs area of the United States andbona fideresidents of the Commonwealth are exempt from U.S. federal income tax, as is the case in the four self-governing territories. According to the Covenant, the federal minimum wage and federal immigration laws "will not apply to the Northern Mariana Islands except in the manner and to the extent made applicable to them by the Congress by law after termination of the Trusteeship Agreement."Local control of minimum wage was superseded by the United States Congress in 2007; it was slowly raised until in 2015 it reached parity with the 50 states.

Initially under the Covenant a separate immigration system existed in the CNMI, and U.S. immigration law did not apply; but the Covenant gave the United States power of reservation over immigration law in the Commonwealth. After reports surfaced of abusive practices for immigrant workers, on November 28, 2009, the United States exercised its power of reservation; specifically, CNRA § 702(a) amended the Covenant to state that "the provisions of the 'immigration laws' (as defined in section 101(a)(17) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17))) shall apply to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands." Further, under CNRA § 702(a), the "immigration laws," as well as the amendments to the Covenant, "shall...supersede and replace all laws, provisions, or programs of the Commonwealth relating to the admission of aliens and the removal of aliens from the Commonwealth."Transition to U.S. immigration laws began November 28, 2009.

Judicial system

Cases under federal law are heard by theDistrict Court for the Northern Mariana Islands,which was established byact of Congressin 1977, and began operations in January 1978. The court sits on the island ofSaipan,but may sit in other places within the commonwealth. The district court has the same jurisdiction as all other United States district courts, including diversity jurisdiction and bankruptcy jurisdiction. Appeals are taken to theNinth Circuit.As aUnited States territorial courtestablished under Congress's territorial power granted by Article IV of the United States Constitution, judges do not have lifetime appointments, unlike the Article III courts in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Cases under territorial law are heard by theSuperior Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,with appeals heard by theSupreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

In June 2024,Julian Assangepleaded guilty in a court in Saipan, the capital of the US territory, before flying home to Australia.

Citizenship

Further information:Northern Mariana citizenship and nationality

Article III of the Covenant conferredUnited States citizenshipon legally qualified CNMI residents, which generally included all citizens of the CNMI, and established U.S.birthright citizenshipfor persons born in the CNMI. The CNMI has a number of special visa programs and conditions, one of the latest was the CNMI Long-Term Resident Status program.However, the visa exemptions for Guam-CNMI are more restrictive than the general U.S.Visa Waiver Program.

Per the terms of the covenant, since 1986 the Northern Marianas have the right ofjus soli;children born here, as anywhere in the U.S. are citizens at birth.This has also made the CNMI a refuge for pregnant women who escape authoritarian regimes in East Asia: when their child is born in the Northern Marianas it can be a U.S. citizen.There are a number of serious restrictions on immigration and citizenship rules in the CNMI. For example, it is not possible to apply for asylum before 2030.The U.S. has tried to work with Asian countries and local Marianas to create a realistic balance that allows access but not abuse of the CNMI system and realistic pathways to citizenship according to the rules of the United States and a respect for human situations.

Economy

Main article:Economy of the Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan sunset

Rota's natural seawater swimming hole

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands benefits from its trading relationship with the federal government of the United States and cheap trained labor from Asia. Historically, the CNMI's economy has relied on tourism, mostly from Japan, and on the garment manufacturing sector. The economy has declined since quotas were lifted in 2005, eventually leading all the garment factories on Saipan to close by February 2009. Tourism also declined after 2005 whenJapan Airlinesstopped serving the Marianas.

Agricultural production, primarily oftapioca,cattle,coconuts,breadfruit,tomatoes and melons, is relatively unimportant in the economy, representing only 1.7% of CNMI GDP as of 2016.It remains important for the community, and the Marianas with their thousands of cattle and rich soils are important for feeding the region, with Tinian being known as the breadbasket of the Marianas.The cattle herds in the CNMI supply beef not only locally but also to Guam,Palau,andMicronesia.Some of the cattle breeds on Tinian in the 21st century includeSenepol,Brangus(Brahman X Angus),Red Angus,andAmerican Brahman,and various modern ranching techniques are utilized.

Non-native islanders are not allowed to own land, but can lease it.

Tourism

Looking at Saipan from Managaha

Micro Beach view

Northern Marianas Islands Museum

Pagan Island's natural stone arch

Tourism is popular and several hundred thousand people in a typical year will visit the CNMI, and one of highest years was 1997 when over 700 thousand visited the islands.Activities known to be popular are jungle hikes, golfing, diving, and historical sites such as prehistoric stones.One of the golf courses was designed by professional champion golferGreg Norman.A tourism hot spot is Managaha Island, which must be accessed by ferry and has variousbbqvendors,water sportactivities, and has wide sandy beaches surrounding a tropical forest.Tourists from the U.S. do not need a visa, while those from other countries that qualify for ESTA or the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program can usually stay for up to 45 or 90 days.

Noted tourist destinations in the CNMI include:

• Managaha Island (100 acre tropical beach island visited by ferry)
• American Memorial Park
• Micro Beach, a 1 km beach on the west side, so possible to see sunset.
• San Juan beach, with unique stone formation that is known for looking a bit like a crocodile.
• Rad/Ladder/Coral Beach on the southern part of Saipan, and is about 100 yards long and is mostly coral fragments. It is popular for local barbeques and beach running.
• Obyan Beach, a long beach in the south known for colorful underwater life.
• Taga Beach (on Tinian island), the largest beach on Tinian and known for Sunset views.
• Latte StonesQuarry (a very old stone quarry of the Chamorro people)
• Mount Tapochau(highest point with views of Saipan), this site is known for its views and its possible to see other islands on clear day and is topped by statue of Jesus Christ.
• Kalabera Cave(features ancient cave drawings)
• Last Command Post (The final Japanese command post in the Battle of Saipan)
• Bird Island Sanctuary beach (beach by Bird Island sanctuary), faces east. There is also a Bird Island observatory to the south for observing the birds)
• Forbidden Island, this small island connected to Saipan is connected at low tide and can be hiked onto, but at high tide the water separates it. There is a lookout near this small island.
• Japanese Lighthouse(a lighthouse built in 1934 when the Northern Marianas were in the Japanese Mandate, currently a cafe with island views)
• NMI Museum of History and Culture
• The Grotto, on Saipan is a large underwater limestone cavern.
• Birth tourism,became more popular in the 2010s century with mothers coming from Asia to give birth, thus giving the baby a chance to be a U.S. Citizen.

Labor controversies

Further information:Saipan § Labor controversies

The Northern Mariana Islands had successfully used its position as a free trade area with the U.S., while at the same time not being subject to the samelabor laws.For example, the $3.05 per hour minimum wage in the commonwealth, which lasted from 1997 to 2007, was lower than in the U.S. and some other worker protections are weaker, leading to lower production costs. That allowed garments to be labeled "Made in USA" without having to comply with all U.S. labor laws. However, the U.S. minimum wage law signed byPresident George W. Bushon May 25, 2007, resulted in stepped increases in the Northern Marianas' minimum wage, which allowed it to reach the U.S. level in 2015.The first step (to $3.55) became effective July 25, 2007, and a yearly increase of $0.50 will take effect every May thereafter until the CNMI minimum wage equals the nationwide minimum wage. However, a law signed byPresident Obamain December 2009 delayed the yearly increase from May to September. In 2018 the minimum wage finally reached $7.25, matching the U.S. federal minimum wage.

The island's exemption from U.S. labor laws had led to many alleged exploitations, including recent claims ofsweatshops,child labor,child prostitutionand forced abortions.

An immigration system mostly outside of federal U.S. control (which ended on November 28, 2009) resulted in a large number of Chinese migrant workers (about 15,000 during the peak years) employed in the islands' garment trade. However, the lifting ofWorld Trade Organizationrestrictions on Chinese imports to the U.S. in 2005 had put the commonwealth-based trade under severe pressure, leading to a number of recent factory closures. Adding to the U.S.-imposed scheduled wage increases, the garment industry became extinct by 2009.

Infrastructure

Saipan International Airport entrance

The islands have more than 220 miles (350 km) of highways, three airports with paved runways (one about 9,800 feet (3,000 m) long; two around 6,600 feet (2,000 m)), three airports with unpaved runways, and one heliport. The main commercial airport isSaipan International Airport.

Commuter airlineStar Marianas Airprovides short-haul flights between Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.International carriers connect Saipan with Korea, China, and Japan; flights to the U.S. mainland typically connect through Guam or Hawaiʻi.

In addition to by air, inter-island travel within the commonwealth is possible via ferry or chartered vessel services. For example, to visit Pagan is a 200-mile (320 km) boat trip.

Mail service for the islands is provided by theU.S. Postal Service(USPS). Each major island has its own ZIP code in the 96950–96952 range, and the USPS two-letter abbreviation for the CNMI is MP( "Marianas Pacific",NMandMIbeing taken). "CM" has been used previously and is still used in some contexts, but can be confused withCameroon.For phone service, the islands are included in theNorth American Numbering Plan,usingarea code 670.

Television service is provided byKPPI-LD,Channel 7, which simulcasts Guam'sABCaffiliate,KTGM,as well asWSZE,Channel 10, which simulcasts Guam'sNBCaffiliate,KUAM-TV.About 10 radio stationsbroadcast within the CNMI.

In 2012,Slatereported that CNMI internet prices were five times those of Guam, and that the price per megabit increases if a customer chooses a higher level internet package due to the limited bandwidth.In 2023, some Federal funding for improving broadband was allocated to the territory.

Demographics

Main article:Demographics of the Northern Mariana Islands

See also:List of U.S. states and territories by population

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1960	8,286		—
1970	9,436		13.9%
1980	16,780		77.8%
1990	43,345		158.3%
2000	69,221		59.7%
2010	53,883		−22.2%
2020	47,329		−12.2%

According to the 2020 Census, the population of the CNMI was 47,329, down from 69,221 in 2000.The decrease was reportedly due to a combination of factors including the demise of the garment industry (the vast majority of whose employees were females from China), economic crises, and a decline in tourism, one of the CNMI's primary sources of revenue.

As of the 2020 Census, except for theU.S. Minor Outlying Islands,the Northern Mariana Islands are the second least populous sub-federal jurisdiction in the United States, next toAmerican Samoa.However, the islands population has fluctuated over time hitting 80 thousand in 2000, then declining to around 50 thousand in the 2010s. In 1986, when the people of the CNMI became U.S. citizens, it had a population of about 36 thousand. In 1950, the population was about 7 thousand.In comparison, in 1776 the smallest American state by population was Delaware with a population of about 60 thousand.

As of 2020, about 60% of the population are U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, and the other 40% are Foreign workers.The United States has a program that monitors the ratio of workers to citizens and the number of lawful residents of different types.

A modest amount of Marianans have migrated to the continental US, with moves to the west coast being slightly more popular. One of the largest communities is in Washington State, with a community of almost 5,000 people from the islands.

Languages

The official languages on the Northern Mariana Islands includeEnglish,Chamorro,andCarolinian.Few people still speak the nearly extinctTanapag language.ManyPhilippine languages,Chinese, and otherPacific island languagesare also spoken.Spanishis still retained in surnames but is no longer commonly used, though it is still familiar to some elders as a third or fourth language.

Ethnic groups

Northern Marianas students on Tinian in 2012

Based on the 2010 Census in the CIA World Factbook: The Northern Marianas is mostly a diverse mix of Asian and Pacific peoples

• Filipino 35.3%
• Chamorro 23.9%
• Multiracial 12.7% (2 or more backgrounds)
• Chinese 6.8%
• Other Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 6.4%
• Carolinian 4.6%
• Korean 4.2%
• Other Asian 3.7%
• Other 2.5%

Religion

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Chalan Kanoa

Owing to the Spanishmissionariesin the Marianas, a large majority of Chamorros and Carolinians practiceRoman Catholicism.The Japanese occupation had the effect of creating a sizableBuddhistcommunity which remained even after their departure. Due to influence of the United States, diverse denominations ofProtestantismalso entered the islands. Many people on the Northern Mariana Islands are Roman Catholic or have traditional beliefs. According to thePew Research Center,2010:

• Roman Catholic64.1%
• Protestants16%
• Buddhists10.6%
• Folk religions 5.3%
• Other Christians 1.2%
• Other religions 1.1%
• Unaffiliated 1.0%
• Eastern Orthodox<1%
• Hindu<1%
• Muslim<1%
• Jews <1%

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsreported 865 members in award(congregation) in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Education

TheCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School Systemoperates public schools in the commonwealth and there are numerous private schools.Northern Marianas Collegeis accredited by theWestern Association of Schools and Collegesand offers a range of programs similar to other small U.S.community colleges.

Culture

Women performing a folk stick dance in Saipan, 2000

Chamorro people

Much of the Chamorro culture in the Mariana Islands was influenced by Spanish rule; it also displays influence from the Germans and Japanese. Respect is an important part of Chamorro culture, and one common display is the tradition of "manngingi'". This tradition has been around for centuries and involves an elder and a young Chamorro child. The child takes the hand of the elder, places it on their nose and saysñotto the men andñorato the women with the elders respondingdiosti ayudi(from SpanishSeñor,Señora,Dios Te Ayude), meaning "God help you".

TheCarolinianculture is very similar to that of the Chamorros, with respect being very important. Carolinian culture can be traced toYapandChuuk,where the population originated. One of the differences between Guam and the Northern Marianas is the significant migration of the Carolinian (Modern day Micronesia) people and culture, in addition to the Chamorros.

Cuisine

Tianaktak, finely ground meat cooked in coconut milk with vegetables

Estufao,a stewed meat dish similar toKaddon pika

Main article:Cuisine of the Mariana Islands

Much of Chamorro cuisine is influenced by various cultures. Examples of popular foods of foreign origin include various types of sweet or savoryempanada,originally introduced from Spain, andpancit,a noodle dish from the Philippines.

Archeological evidence reveals that rice has been cultivated in the Marianas since prehistoric times. Red rice made withachotiis a distinct staple food that strongly distinguishes Chamorro cuisine from that of other Pacific islands. It is commonly served for special events, such as parties (gupot or "fiestas" ), novenas, and high school or college graduations. Fruits such aslemmai(breadfruit),mangga(mangoes),niyok(coconuts), andbilimbines(bilimbi, a fruit related tostarfruit) are included in various local recipes. Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and American cuisine are also commonly available.

Local specialities includekelaguen,a dish in which meat is cooked in whole or in part by the action ofcitric acidrather than heat;tinaktak,a meat dish made with coconut milk; and kå'du fanihi (flying fox/fruit bat soup). Fruit bats have become scarce in modern times on several islands, primarily due to the overharvesting of the species and loss of habitat; hunting them is now illegal even though poaching still occurs.

The Marianas and the Hawaiian islands are the world's foremost consumers, per capita, ofSpam,with Guam at the top of the list, and Hawaii second (details regarding the rest of the Marianas are often absent from statistics). Spam was introduced to the islands by the American military as war rations during the World War II era.

Spam is considered a "default" meal or snack and is often incorporated into recipes such as Spam sushi, Spam pizza, Spam and eggs, Spam-fried rice.The food is popular on other islands also including Guam and Hawaiian islands, and one popular flavor is hot and spicy spam.

Cinema

Main article:Cinema of Northern Mariana Islands

A small independentcinema of Northern Mariana Islands,producing mostly documentary films, developed in the 21st century thanks to the efforts of the Commonwealth and of theNorthern Marianas College.Films had already been shot in the islands in the 20th century by foreign producers.

In 2002, a new § 2151 of the Commonwealth Code established within the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), a Commonwealth Film, Video and Media Office, also known as the Northern Mariana Islands Film Office, with the purpose of attracting foreign companies to produce movies in the Commonwealth and to develop a local cinema industry.

Sports

Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field

Teamsportspopular in the United States were introduced to the Northern Mariana Islands by American soldiers during World War II.Baseballis the islands' most popular sport. CNMI teams have made appearances in theLittle League World Series(in the Little, Junior, Senior and Big league divisions) as well as winning gold medals in theMicronesian GamesandSouth Pacific Games.

Basketballandmixed martial artsare also popular in the islands, which hosted the official 2009Oceania Basketball Tournament.Trench Wars is the CNMI's Mixed Martial Arts brand.Fighters from the CNMI have competed in the Pacific Xtreme Combat as well as theUFC.

Other sports in the CNMI includeUltimate Frisbee,volleyball,tennis,soccer,outriggersailing,softball,beach volleyball,rugby,golf,bo xing,kickbo xing,tae kwon do,track and field,swimming,triathlon,andfootball.

The islands have several golf courses, mostly on Saipan and often near resorts.There are four golf courses on Saipan as of the 2020s: Marianas Country Club, Laolao Bay Country Club, Coral Ocean Point Resort Clu, and Kingfisher Golf Links. On Rota island to south there is another Rota Resort & Country Club. All the courses have 18 holes, but the level of difficulty varies.

Flora and fauna

See also:List of endemic plants in the Mariana Islands

Mariana Fruit Dove

The official bird of the Northern Marianas islands is theMariana fruit doveand the official flower is thePlumeria.The islands are home to many tropical plants and animals, as well as around the islands marine life such aswhalesanddugongs.The islands are heavily forested, at about 80% ground cover consisting of tropical forest. Trees include palm, banana, pine, fern, and plumeria.There are many species of coral around the islands, many of which are ringed by coral reefs, and some islands have upwards of 60 species of coral.

There are nine known species of bird endemic to the northern Marianas, such as theSaipan Reed WarblerandGolden white-eye,as well as a variety of invertebrate, insect, and plants. Some of examples include Langford's Tree SnailPartula langfordior the Tree FernCyathea aramaganensis.

See also

• An Act to amend Public Law 93-435 with respect to the Northern Mariana Islands
• Outline of the Northern Mariana Islands
• Index of Northern Mariana Islands-related articles
• List of National Register of Historic Places in the Northern Mariana Islands

Further reading

• The World Factbook,2000.
• Land areas and population data fromUnited States Census Bureau.
• Northern Mariana Islands and constituent municipalities, United States Census Bureau

External links

Government

• Official website– Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (archived April 28, 2009)
• The CNMI Covenant
• The CNMI Constitution(archived October 5, 2008)
• CNMI Office of Resident Representative Pedro A. Tenorio(archived May 23, 2007)
• H.R. 873 – The Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Act(archived December 24, 2008)
• H.R. 5550 – The United States-Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Human Dignity Act(archived December 23, 2008)

General

• U.S. Census Bureau: Island Areas Census 2000
• Northern Mariana Islands.The World Factbook.Central Intelligence Agency.
• Northern Mariana IslandsatCurlie
• Wikimedia Atlas of Northern Mariana Islands
• Northern Mariana Islandstravel guide from Wikivoyage

News media

• KSPN-TV Channel 2 News
• Saipan Tribune
• Marianas Variety
• The Pacific Times
• Food for Thought – Weekly commentary on CNMI society by KZMI and KCNM manager Harry Blalock

Other

• The Insular Empire: America in the Mariana Islands,PBS documentary film & website
• Northern Mariana Islands Online Encyclopedia
• U.S. Department of the Interior – Insular Area Summary for the Northern Mariana Islands