Country exposure · MP
Northern Mariana Islands
Australia Oceania · Saipan · a commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches
What Northern Mariana Islands means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
51K
Population
$1.1B
GDP
U.S. exposure
Minimal direct economic exposure
Northern Mariana Islands is not a significant U.S. goods-trade partner and has no tracked tariff actions. Policy changes here are unlikely to reach American prices directly.
Reference
The country itself
Australia Oceania · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
Austronesian people settled the Northern Mariana Islands around 1500 B.C. These people became the indigenous Chamorro and were influenced by later migrations, including Micronesians in the first century A.D. and island Southeast Asians around 900. Spanish explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN sailed through the Mariana Islands in 1521, and Spain claimed them in 1565. Spain formally colonized the Mariana Islands in 1668 and administered the archipelago from Guam. Spain’s brutal repression of the Chamorro, along with new diseases and intermittent warfare, reduced the indigenous population by about 90% in the 1700s. With a similar dynamic occurring on Guam, Spain forced the Chamorro from the Northern Mariana Islands to resettle there. By the time they returned, many other Micronesians, including Chuukese and Yapese, had already settled on their islands. In 1898, Spain ceded Guam to the US after the Spanish-American War but sold the Northern Mariana Islands to Germany under the German-Spanish Treaty of 1899. Germany administered the territory from German New Guinea but took a hands-off approach to day-to-day life. Following World War I, Japan administered the islands under a League of Nations mandate. Japan focused on sugar production and brought in thousands of Japanese laborers, who quickly outnumbered the Chamorro on the islands. During World War II, Japan invaded Guam from the Northern Mariana Islands and used Marianan Chamorro as translators with Guamanian Chamorro, creating friction between the two Chamorro communities that continues to this day. The US captured the Northern Mariana Islands in 1944 after the Battle of Saipan and later administered them as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). On four occasions in the 1950s and 1960s, voters opted for integration with Guam, which Guam rejected in 1969. In 1978, the Northern Mariana Islands was granted self-governance separate from the rest of the TTPI, and in 1986, islanders were granted US citizenship, with the territory coming under US sovereignty as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In 2009, the CNMI became the final US territory to elect a nonvoting delegate to the US Congress.
Geography
- Location
- Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
- Area
- 464 sq km
- Climate
- tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
- 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
- Natural resources
- arable land, fish
- Coastline
- 1,482 km
- Natural hazards
- active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)
People & society
- Population
- 51,118 (2024 est.)
- Nationality
- NA (US citizens)
- 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.)
- Languages
- Philippine languages 32.8%, Chamorro (official) 24.1%, English (official) 17%, other Pacific island languages 10.1% (includes Carolinian (official), Chinese 6.8%, other Asian languages 7.3%, other 1.9% (2010 est.)
- Religions
- Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
- Median age
- 32.6 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 77.1 years (2024 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- US Pacific island commonwealth economy; growing Chinese and Korean tourist destination; hit hard by 2018 typhoon; dependent on energy imports; exempt from some US labor and immigration laws; longstanding garment production
- Industries
- tourism, banking, construction, fishing, handicrafts, other services
- Agricultural products
- vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry, eggs; fish and aquaculture products
- Exports - partners
- Sweden 21%, Singapore 20%, Hong Kong 12%, UK 8%, India 7% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- Singapore 63%, Japan 12%, Hong Kong 8%, Taiwan 4%, Philippines 3% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- a commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches
- Capital
- Saipan
- Independence
- none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
- Constitution
- partially effective 9 January 1978 (Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands); fully effective 4 November 1986 (Covenant Agreement)
- Executive branch
- President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2025)
- Legislative branch
- note: the Northern Mariana Islands delegate to the US House of Representatives can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the "Committee of the Whole House," but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
Austronesian people settled the Northern Mariana Islands around 1500 B.C. These people became the indigenous Chamorro and were influenced by later migrations, including Micronesians in the first century A.D. and island Southeast Asians around 900. Spanish explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN sailed through the Mariana Islands in 1521, and Spain claimed them in 1565. Spain formally colonized the Mariana Islands in 1668 and administered the archipelago from Guam. Spain’s brutal repression of the Chamorro, along with new diseases and intermittent warfare, reduced the indigenous population by about 90% in the 1700s. With a similar dynamic occurring on Guam, Spain forced the Chamorro from the Northern Mariana Islands to resettle there. By the time they returned, many other Micronesians, including Chuukese and Yapese, had already settled on their islands. In 1898, Spain ceded Guam to the US after the Spanish-American War but sold the Northern Mariana Islands to Germany under the German-Spanish Treaty of 1899. Germany administered the territory from German New Guinea but took a hands-off approach to day-to-day life. Following World War I, Japan administered the islands under a League of Nations mandate. Japan focused on sugar production and brought in thousands of Japanese laborers, who quickly outnumbered the Chamorro on the islands. During World War II, Japan invaded Guam from the Northern Mariana Islands and used Marianan Chamorro as translators with Guamanian Chamorro, creating friction between the two Chamorro communities that continues to this day. The US captured the Northern Mariana Islands in 1944 after the Battle of Saipan and later administered them as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). On four occasions in the 1950s and 1960s, voters opted for integration with Guam, which Guam rejected in 1969. In 1978, the Northern Mariana Islands was granted self-governance separate from the rest of the TTPI, and in 1986, islanders were granted US citizenship, with the territory coming under US sovereignty as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In 2009, the CNMI became the final US territory to elect a nonvoting delegate to the US Congress.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
Passport/Visa Requirements
A foreign national or alien entering the US is generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a US Consular Official, unless they are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or are a lawful permanent resident of the US or a citizen of Canada. The VWP allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the US under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa. The foreign national must arrive on an approved carrier (if coming by air or sea), stay no more than 90 days (for pleasure, medical purposes, and/or business), and be able to prove they are not inadmissible. The foreign national is still required to have a passport. To obtain a list of VWP-eligible countries and VWP passport requirements, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program. Note: all travelers transiting the US are subject to US customs and/or immigration laws.
US Embassy/Consulate
N/A
Telephone Code
1-670
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
Currency (Code)
US dollar is used
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Philippine languages, Chamorro, English, other Pacific island languages, Chinese, other Asian languages
Major Religions
Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
Time Difference
UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested for non-US citizens.
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Saipan Grotto Cave; Managaha Island; American Memorial Park; Saipan Battlefields; Mount Tapochao; Suicide Cliff; Bird Island
Major Sports
Baseball, basketball, mixed martial arts, ultimate (flying disc)
Cultural Practices
It is best to ask the waiter or waitress if they are permitted to keep your tip. In some establishments the tips are put back into the company. Some locals do not tip. Leave your tip accordingly.
Tipping Guidelines
A tip of 10-18% is common in restaurants. Tip taxi drivers about 10% of the fare. Bellboys usually get about $2 (USD) per luggage item.
Souvenirs
Traditional sarongs, shell jewelry, wishing dolls, coconut- and wood-carved crafts, crab shell crafts
Traditional Cuisine
Kelaguen — chicken, meat, or raw seafood marinated in lemon juice, salt, and hot peppers topped with coconut and scallions; the chicken or meat is grilled while the seafood is prepared raw and “cooked” for only a few hours in lemon juice
CIA source last updated
Monday, June 20, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, June 20, 2022
Geography
Location
Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
Geographic coordinates
15 12 N, 145 45 E
Map references
Oceania
Area - total
464 sq km
Area - land
464 sq km
Area - water
0 sq km
Area - note
note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian
Area - comparative
2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries - total
0 km
Coastline
1,482 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
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
Elevation - highest point
Agrihan Volcano 965 m
Elevation - lowest point
Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
arable land, fish
Land use - agricultural land
1.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
53% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
45.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
approximately 90% of the population lives on the island of Saipan
Natural hazards
active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)
Geography - note
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean
People and Society
Population - total
51,118 (2024 est.)
Population - male
27,044
Population - female
24,074
Nationality - noun
NA (US citizens)
Nationality - adjective
NA
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.)
Languages
Philippine languages 32.8%, Chamorro (official) 24.1%, English (official) 17%, other Pacific island languages 10.1% (includes Carolinian (official), Chinese 6.8%, other Asian languages 7.3%, other 1.9% (2010 est.)
Religions
Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
Age structure - 0-14 years
22.1% (male 6,066/female 5,231)
Age structure - 15-64 years
67.7% (male 18,206/female 16,377)
Age structure - 65 years and over
10.2% (2024 est.) (male 2,772/female 2,466)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
47.8 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
32.7 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
15.1 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
6.6 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
32.6 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
31.8 years
Median age - female
33.2 years
Population growth rate
-0.33% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
15.8 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.91 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-13.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
approximately 90% of the population lives on the island of Saipan
Urbanization - urban population
92.1% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.36% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
51,000 SAIPAN (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.17 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.16 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.11 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
1.12 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1.12 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
11.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
14.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
9 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
77.1 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
75 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
79.5 years
Total fertility rate
2.53 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.17 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
38.2% (2020 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Country name - conventional short form
Northern Mariana Islands
Country name - former
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District
Country name - abbreviation
CNMI
Country name - etymology
Spain named the islands in 1667 in honor of the Spanish Queen, MARIANA of Austria
Government type
a commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches
Dependency status
commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; federal funds administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs
Capital - name
Saipan
Capital - geographic coordinates
15 12 N, 145 45 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the origin of the name is unclear; it probably comes from a local word meaning "deserted" or "uninhabited," but stories vary on how it came to be used
Administrative divisions
no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US government, but 4 municipalities are considered second-order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian
Legal system
the laws of the US apply, except for customs and some aspects of taxation
Constitution - history
partially effective 9 January 1978 (Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands); fully effective 4 November 1986 (Covenant Agreement)
Constitution - amendment process
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
Citizenship
see United States
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Suffrage - note
note: inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch - chief of state
President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2025)
Executive branch - head of government
Governor David M. APATANG (since 24 July 2025)
Executive branch - cabinet
Sworn in by CNMI Chief Justice Alexandro Castro on Thursday, 24 July 2025
Executive branch - election/appointment process
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
Executive branch - most recent election date
8 November 2022, with a runoff held on 25 November 2022
Executive branch - election results
2022: Arnold PALACIOS elected governor in second round; percent of vote in first round - Ralph TORRES (Republican) 38.8%; Arnold PALACIOS (independent) 32.2%, Tina SABLAN (Democrat) 28%; percent of vote in second round - Arnold PALACIOS 54%, Ralph TORRES 46%; David APATANG (independent) elected lieutenant governor 2018: Ralph TORRES elected governor; percent of vote - Ralph TORRES (Republican) 62.2%, Juan BABAUTA (independent) 37.8%; Arnold PALACIOS elected lieutenant governor
Executive branch - expected date of next election
2026
Legislative branch - note
note: the Northern Mariana Islands delegate to the US House of Representatives can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the "Committee of the Whole House," but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
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)
Judicial branch - 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
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Superior Court
Judicial branch - note
note: US Federal District Court jurisdiction limited to US federal laws; appeals beyond the CNMI Supreme Court are referred to the US Supreme Court
Political parties
Democratic Party Republican Party
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
International organization participation
PIF (observer), SPC, UPU
Independence
none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
National holiday
Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)
Flag
description: blue with a five-pointed white star on a gray latte stone (a traditional foundation stone) in the center, surrounded by a mwáár or head lei (wreath) meaning: blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star for the Commonwealth, and the latte stone and mwáár for Marianas culture; the mwáár is made from four kinds of flowers: flores mayo ( Plumeria ), ylang-ylang or langilang ( Cananga odorata ), angagha or peacock flower ( Caesalpinia pulcherrima ), and teibwo or Pacific basil ( Ocimum tenuiflorum )
National symbol(s)
latte stone
National color(s)
blue, white
National anthem(s) - title
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Francis Scott KEY/John Stafford SMITH
National anthem(s) - history
official anthem, as a US commonwealth
Economy
Economic overview
US Pacific island commonwealth economy; growing Chinese and Korean tourist destination; hit hard by 2018 typhoon; dependent on energy imports; exempt from some US labor and immigration laws; longstanding garment production
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2016
$1.242 billion (2016 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2015
$933 million (2015 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2014
$845 million (2014 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy; data are in 2013 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
16.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2021
5% (2021 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2020
-29.1% (2020 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.096 billion (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Agricultural products
vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry, eggs; fish and aquaculture products
Industries
tourism, banking, construction, fishing, handicrafts, other services
Budget - revenues
$389.6 million (2016 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$344 million (2015 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$244 million (2022 est.)
Exports - Exports 2021
$55 million (2021 est.)
Exports - Exports 2020
$128 million (2020 est.)
Exports - note
note: GDP expenditure basis - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Sweden 21%, Singapore 20%, Hong Kong 12%, UK 8%, India 7% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
scrap iron, refined petroleum, scrap copper, hydraulic engines, integrated circuits (2021)
Exports - commodities - note
top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2022
$777 million (2022 est.)
Imports - Imports 2021
$666 million (2021 est.)
Imports - Imports 2020
$556 million (2020 est.)
Imports - note
note: GDP expenditure basis - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Singapore 63%, Japan 12%, Hong Kong 8%, Taiwan 4%, Philippines 3% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, jewelry, trunks and cases, flavored water (2023)
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
20,000 (2021 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
42 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
20,474 (2004 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
28 (2004)
Broadcast media
1 TV station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio stations (2009)
Internet country code
.mp
Internet users - percent of population
25.1% (2021 est.)
Transportation
Airports
4 (2025)
Heliports
7 (2025)
Ports - total ports
3 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
0
Ports - small
1
Ports - very small
2
Ports - ports with oil terminals
1
Ports - key ports
Rota, Saipan, Tinian
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of the US
Environment
Environmental issues
contamination of groundwater on Saipan; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species
Climate
tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
Land use - agricultural land
1.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
53% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
45.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
92.1% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.36% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
32,800 tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
36% (2016 est.)