2012 Edition

Background

Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Area

464 sq km 464 sq km 0 sq km consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

total

464 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October

Coastline

1,482 km

Elevation extremes

Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

highest point

unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geographic coordinates

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Geography - note

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

Irrigated land

1 sq km

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

13.04% 4.35% 82.61% (2005)

arable land

13.04%

other

82.61% (2005)

permanent crops

4.35%

Location

Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Natural resources

arable land, fish

Terrain

southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Age structure

26% (male 7,057/ female 6,321) 70% (male 16,719/ female 19,283) 3.9% (male 958/ female 1,057) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

26% (male 7,057/ female 6,321)

15-64 years

70% (male 16,719/ female 19,283)

65 years and over

3.9% (male 958/ female 1,057) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

20.2 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Death rate

3.4 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

NA

Ethnic groups

Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Infant mortality rate

5.7 deaths/1,000 live births 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

5.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro (official) 22.4%, English (official) 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census)

Life expectancy at birth

77.27 years 74.62 years 80.07 years (2012 est.)

female

80.07 years (2012 est.)

total population

77.27 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 97% 97% 96% (1980 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

96% (1980 est.)

male

97%

total population

97%

Major cities - population

SAIPAN (capital) NA (2009)

Median age

30.6 years 29.6 years 31 years (2012 est.)

female

31 years (2012 est.)

male

29.6 years

total

30.6 years

Nationality

NA (US citizens) NA

adjective

NA

noun

NA (US citizens)

Net migration rate

-41.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Population

51,395 (July 2012 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.96% (2012 est.)

Religions

Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 92% of population rural: 93% of population total: 92% of population urban: 8% of population rural: 7% of population total: 8% of population

rural

7% of population

total

8% of population

urban

8% of population

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.12 male(s)/female 0.87 male(s)/female 0.91 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

0.87 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.91 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.93 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.12 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

2.09 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

5.9% 11.2% 4.4% (2003)

female

4.4% (2003)

total

5.9%

Urbanization

91% of total population (2010) 1.7% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.7% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

91% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order

Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Capital

Saipan 15 12 N, 145 45 E UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

15 12 N, 145 45 E

name

Saipan

time difference

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

Constitution

Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

Country name

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Northern Mariana Islands CNMI Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

abbreviation

CNMI

conventional long form

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form

Northern Mariana Islands

former

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Dependency status

commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Executive branch

President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009) Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009) the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include special assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November 2009 with a run-off election held on 23 November 2009 (next to be held in 2013) Benigno R. FITIAL reelected governor in a run-off election held 23 November 2009; percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL 51.4%, Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER 48.6%

cabinet

the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include special assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor

chief of state

President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

election results

Benigno R. FITIAL reelected governor in a run-off election held 23 November 2009; percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL 51.4%, Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER 48.6%

elections

under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November 2009 with a run-off election held on 23 November 2009 (next to be held in 2013)

head of government

Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)

Flag description

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture

Government type

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Independence

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

International organization participation

SPC, UPU

Judicial branch

Commonwealth Supreme Court (consists of three justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Commonwealth Senate; appeals of Commonwealth Supreme Court decisions referred to the US Supreme Court); Superior Court (consists of five judges appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Commonwealth Senate); US Federal District Court (judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the US Senate)

Legal system

US system applies, except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation

Legislative branch

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms) Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4, Democratic Party 1, independents 3 the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); seats by party - independent 1

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4, Democratic Party 1, independents 3

elections

Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011)

National anthem

"Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (In the Middle of the Sea) Jose S. PANGELINAN [Chamoru], David PETER [Carolinian]/Wilhelm GANZHORN adopted 1996; the Carolinian version of the song is known as "Satil Matawal Pacifico;" as a commonwealth of the United States, in addition to the local anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

lyrics/music

Jose S. PANGELINAN [Chamoru], David PETER [Carolinian]/Wilhelm GANZHORN

name

"Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (In the Middle of the Sea)

National holiday

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

National symbol(s)

latte stone

Political parties and leaders

Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

Political pressure groups and leaders

NA

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal; note - indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$193 million $223 million (FY91/92)

expenditures

$223 million (FY91/92)

revenues

$193 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.7% of GDP (FY91/92)

Debt - external

$NA

Economy - overview

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Exports

$98.2 million (2008)

Exports - commodities

garments

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition by sector

NA% NA% NA%

agriculture

NA%

industry

NA%

services

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$12,500 (2000 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$633.4 million (2000)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$900 million (2000 est.) GDP estimate includes US subsidy

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$214.4 million (2001)

Imports - commodities

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-0.8% (2000)

Labor force

38,450 nearly 29,000 of these were foreign workers (2005 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

NA% NA% NA%

agriculture

NA%

industry

NA%

services

NA%

Population below poverty line

NA%

Taxes and other revenues

30.5% of GDP (FY91/92)

Unemployment rate

8% (2005 est.) 3.9% (2001)

Electricity - consumption

48,300 kWh (January 2009)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity - production

60,600 kWh (January 2009)

Broadcast media

1 TV broadcast station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio broadcast stations (2009)

Internet country code

.mp

Internet hosts

17 (2012)

Telephone system

NA NA country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

domestic

NA

general assessment

NA

international

country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Airports

5 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1 (2012)

2,438 to 3,047 m

2

total

3

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2012)

2,438 to 3,047 m

1

total

2

under 914 m

1 (2012)

Heliports

1 (2012)

Ports and terminals

Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Roadways

536 km (2008)

total

536 km (2008)

Manpower fit for military service

8,793 11,569 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

11,569 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

8,793

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

306 (2010 est.)

female

306 (2010 est.)

male

410

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the US

Disputes - international

none