2019 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

Land

464 sq km

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

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 (2012)

Land Boundaries

0 km

Land Use

Agricultural Land

6.6% (2011 est.)

Agricultural Land Arable Land

2.2% (2011 est.)

Agricultural Land Permanent Crops

2.2% (2011 est.)

Agricultural Land Permanent Pasture

2.2% (2011 est.)

Forest

65.5% (2011 est.)

Other

27.9% (2011 est.)

Location

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

Map References

Oceania

Maritime Claims

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

Population Distribution

approximately 90% of the population lives on the island of Saipan

Terrain

the southern islands in this north-south trending archipelago are limestone, with fringing coral reefs; the northern islands are volcanic, with active volcanoes on several islands

Age Structure

0 14 Years

26.17% (male 7,355 /female 6,252)

15 24 Years

15.71% (male 4,365 /female 3,804)

25 54 Years

39.14% (male 10,545 /female 9,805)

55 64 Years

13% (male 3,701 /female 3,057)

65 Years And Over

5.98% (male 1,672 /female 1,438) (2018 est.)

Birth Rate

14.9 births/1,000 population (2018 est.)

Death Rate

4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2018 est.)

Drinking Water Source

Improved Rural

97.5% of population

Improved Total

97.5% of population

Improved Urban

97.5% of population

Unimproved Rural

2.5% of population

Unimproved Total

2.5% of population (2015 est.)

Unimproved Urban

2.5% of population

Ethnic Groups

Asian 50% (includes Filipino 35.3%, Chinese 6.8%, Korean 4.2%, and other Asian 3.7%), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 34.9% (includes Chamorro 23.9%, Carolinian 4.6%, and other Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 6.4%), other 2.5%, two or more ethnicities or races 12.7% (2010 est.)

Infant Mortality Rate

Female

9.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Male

14.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Total

12.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2018 est.)

Languages

Philippine languages 32.8%, Chamorro (official) 24.1%, English (official) 17%, other Pacific island languages 10.1%, Chinese 6.8%, other Asian languages 7.3%, other 1.9% (2010 est.)

Life Expectancy at Birth

Female

78.1 years

Male

73.6 years

Total Population

75.6 years (2018 est.)

Major Urban Areas Population

51,000 SAIPAN (capital) (2018)

Median Age

Female

34.3 years

Male

32.4 years

Total

33.4 years (2018 est.)

Nationality

Noun

NA (US citizens)

Net Migration Rate

-15.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2018 est.)

Population

51,994 (July 2018 est.)

Population Growth Rate

-0.52% (2018 est.)

Religions

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

Sanitation Facility Access

Improved Rural

79.7% of population (2015 est.)

Improved Total

79.7% of population (2015 est.)

Improved Urban

79.7% of population (2015 est.)

Unimproved Rural

20.3% of population (2015 est.)

Unimproved Total

20.3% of population (2015 est.)

Unimproved Urban

20.3% of population (2015 est.)

Sex Ratio

0 14 Years

1.18 male(s)/female

15 24 Years

1.15 male(s)/female

25 54 Years

1.08 male(s)/female

55 64 Years

1.21 male(s)/female

65 Years And Over

1.16 male(s)/female

At Birth

1.17 male(s)/female

Total Population

1.13 male(s)/female (2018 est.)

Total Fertility Rate

2.76 children born/woman (2018 est.)

Urbanization

Rate Of Urbanization

0.29% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

Urban Population

91.7% of total population (2019)

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 4 municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Capital

Geographic Coordinates

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Name

Saipan

Time Difference

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

Citizenship

see United States

Constitution

Amendments

proposed by constitutional convention, by public petition, or by the Legislature; ratification of proposed amendments requires approval by voters at the next general election or special election; amendments proposed by constitutional convention or by petition become effective if approved by a majority of voters and at least two-thirds majority of voters in each of two senatorial districts; amendments proposed by the Legislature are effective if approved by majority vote; amended several times, last in 2012 (2017)

History

partially effective 9 January 1978 (Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands); fully effective 4 November 1986 (Covenant Agreement)

Country Name

Abbreviation

CNMI

Conventional Long Form

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Conventional Short Form

Northern Mariana Islands

Etymology

formally claimed and named by Spain in 1667 in honor of the Spanish Queen, MARIANA of Austria

Former

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Dependency Status

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

Executive Branch

Cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate

Chief Of State

President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2017); Vice President Michael R. PENCE (since 20 January 2017)

Election Results

Ralph TORRES elected governor; percent of vote - Ralph TORRES (Republican) 62.2%, Juan BABAUTA (Independent) 37.8%; Arnold PALACIOS elected Lieutenant Governor

Elections Appointments

president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Northern Mariana Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed; election last held on 13 November 2018 (next to be held in 2022)

Head Of Government

Governor Ralph TORRES (since 29 December 2015); Lieutenant Governor Victor HOCOG (since 29 December 2015)

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

republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches; a commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US

Independence

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

International Organization Participation

PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Judicial Branch

Highest Courts

Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices); US Federal District Court (consists of 1 judge); note - US Federal District Court jurisdiction limited to US federal laws; appeals beyond the CNMI Supreme Court are referred to the US Supreme Court

Judge Selection And Term Of Office

CNMI Supreme Court judges appointed by the governor and confirmed by the CNMI Senate; judges appointed for 8-year terms and another term if directly elected in a popular election; US Federal District Court judges appointed by the US president and confirmed by the US Senate; judges appointed for renewable 10-year terms

Subordinate Courts

Superior Court

Legal System

the laws of the US apply, except for customs and some aspects of taxation

Legislative Branch

Description

bicameral Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature consists of: Senate (9 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) House of Representatives (20 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 2-year terms) the Northern Mariana Islands directly elects 1 delegate to the US House of Representatives by simple majority vote to serve a 2-year term

Election Results

CNMI Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 6, independent 3; composition - men 8, women 1, percent of women 11.1% CNMI House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 13, independent 7; composition - men 17, women 3, percent of women 15%; note - total CNMI Legislature percent of women 13.8% delegate to US House of Representatives - seat won by Democratic Party; composition - 1 man

Elections

CNMI Senate - last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020) CNMI House of Representatives - last held on 13 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2020) Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands delegate to the US House of Representatives - last held on 13 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2020)

National Anthem

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; national colors: blue, white

Political Parties And Leaders

Democratic Party [Daniel QUITUGUA] Republican Party [James ADA]

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, eggs; fish and aquaculture products

Budget

Expenditures

344 million (2015 est.)

Revenues

389.6 million (2016 est.)

Budget Surplus Or Deficit

3.7% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Debt External

NA

Economy Overview

The economy of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands(CNMI) has been on the rebound in the last few years, mainly on the strength of its tourism industry. In 2016, the CNMI’s real GDP increased 28.6% over the previous year, following two years of relatively rapid growth in 2014 and 2015. Chinese and Korean tourists have supplanted Japanese tourists in the last few years. The Commonwealth is making a concerted effort to broaden its tourism by extending casino gambling from the small Islands of Tinian and Rota to the main Island of Saipan, its political and commercial center. Investment is concentrated on hotels and casinos in Saipan, the CNMI’s largest island and home to about 90% of its population.Federal grants have also contributed to economic growth and stability. In 2016, federal grants amounted to $101.4 billion which made up 26% of the CNMI government’s total revenues. A small agriculture sector consists of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons.Legislation is pending in the US Congress to extend the transition period to allow foreign workers to work in the CNMI on temporary visas.

Exchange Rates

the US dollar is used

Exports

2015

$520 million

2016

$914 million

Exports Commodities

garments

Fiscal Year

1 October - 30 September

GDP Composition By End Use

Exports Of Goods And Services

73.6% (2016 est.)

Government Consumption

28.9% (2016 est.)

Household Consumption

43.1% (2016 est.)

Imports Of Goods And Services

-71.9% (2016 est.)

Investment In Fixed Capital

26.3% (2016 est.)

Investment In Inventories

NA (2016 est.)

GDP Composition By Sector Of Origin

Agriculture

1.7% (2016)

Industry

58.1% (2016 est.)

Services

40.2% (2016)

GDP Official Exchange Rate

$1.242 billion (2016 est.) (2016 est.)

GDP Per Capita Ppp

2014

$16,600

2015

$18,400

2016

$24,500

GDP Purchasing Power Parity

2014

$845 million

2015

$933 million

2016

$1.242 billion

GDP Real Growth Rate

2014

3.5%

2015

3.8%

2016

28.6%

Imports

2015

$638 million

2016

$893 million

Imports Commodities

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Industries

tourism, banking, construction, fishing, handicrafts, other services

Inflation Rate Consumer Prices

2015

0.1%

2016

0.3%

Labor Force

27,970 (2010 est.)

Labor Force By Occupation

Agriculture

1.9%

Industry

10%

Services

88.1% (2010 est.)

Public Debt

2017

7.1% of GDP

Taxes And Other Revenues

31.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Unemployment Rate

2005

8%

2010

11.2%

Electricity Access

100% (2016)

Electricity Consumption

48,300 kWh (2009)

Electricity Exports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity Imports

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity Production

60,600 kWh (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 Users

Percent Of Population

30.6% (July 2016 est.)

Total

16,000

Telephone System

Domestic

wide variety of services available including dial-up and broadband Internet, mobile cellular, international private lines, payphones, phone cards, voicemail, and automatic call distribution systems (2018)

General Assessment

digital fiber-optic cables and satellites connect the islands to worldwide networks; future launch of 5G (2018)

International

country code - 1-670; landing points for the Atisa and Mariana-Guam submarine cables linking Mariana islands to Guam; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019)

Airports

5 (2013)

Airports With Paved Runways

1 524 To 2 437 M

1 (2017)

2 438 To 3 047 M

2 (2017)

Total

3 (2017)

Airports With Unpaved Runways

2 438 To 3 047 M

1 (2013)

Total

2 (2013)

Under 914 M

1 (2013)

Heliports

1 (2013)

Merchant Marine

By Type

other 1 (2018)

Total

1

Ports And Terminals

Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Roadways

536 km (2008)

Military Note

defense is the responsibility of the US

Disputes International

none