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Northern Mariana Islands is a country or territory in Micronesia. Its capital is Saipan.
Northern Mariana Islands is located in Micronesia, and its capital is Saipan. It has a population of approximately 44,278 and covers an area of about 460 km². Its official currency is the United States dollar (USD).
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Practical reference
The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a commonwealth in political union with the United States. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, south of Japan, east of the Philippines, and north of Guam.
The archipelago consists of 15 islands, with the largest and most populated being Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The islands are volcanic in origin and characterized by rugged terrain, with Mount Tapochau on Saipan being the highest point. The climate is tropical marine, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
The culture of the Northern Mariana Islands is a blend of indigenous Chamorro traditions and influences from its colonial past, particularly from Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States. Chamorro heritage is evident in its language, customs, and cuisine. English is the official language, but Chamorro and Carolinian are also spoken.
The islands were first settled by Austronesian peoples. They were later colonized by Spain, then Germany, and subsequently administered by Japan under a League of Nations mandate. After World War II, they became a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administered by the United States, culminating in the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in 1978.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Capital
Saipan
Population
44,278 (96.3 /km²)
Surface Area
460 km²
GDP
$1.10 billion (2022)
GDP per Capita
$23,786 (2022)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
Northern Mariana Islands
Nationality
Northern Marianan
Currency
United States dollar (USD - $)Phone Code
+1
Top-Level Domain
.mp
ISO Codes
MP / MNP
Coordinates
15.2, 145.75
Timezones
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
The capital of Northern Mariana Islands is Saipan.
Northern Mariana Islands has a recorded population of approximately 44,278 people.
Northern Mariana Islands covers an area of about 460 km².
Northern Mariana Islands has a population density of roughly 96.3 /km² (people per square kilometre).
Northern Mariana Islands has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $1.10 billion as of 2022.
Northern Mariana Islands has a GDP per capita of approximately $23,786.
Northern Mariana Islands uses the United States dollar (USD), with the symbol $.
Northern Mariana Islands is located in Micronesia, Oceania.
People from Northern Mariana Islands are referred to as Northern Marianan.
The international dialing code for Northern Mariana Islands is +1.
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Northern Mariana Islands is .mp.
Northern Mariana Islands uses the Pacific/Saipan time zone.
The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a commonwealth in political union with the United States. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, south of Japan, east of the Philippines, and north of Guam.
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