Northern Mariana Islands
Archipelago in the NW Pacific, with Guam known collectively as the
Mariana Islands. The Northern Marianas are a commonwealth in union
with the USA.
Area:
471 sq km/182 sq mi
Capital:
Garapan on Saipan
Physical:
16 islands and atolls extending 560 km/350 mi N of Guam
Political System:
Liberal democracy
Currency:
US dollar
Population:
(1995 est) 47,200
Language:
English
Religion:
Mainly Roman Catholicism
History:
Came under Spanish control 1565; sold to Germany 1899; came under Japanese
control 1914 and Japanese rule under a League of Nations mandate
1921. Taken by US marines in World War II, the islands became
a UN Trust Territory administered by the USA 1947 and a US commonwealth
territory 1978. Granted internal self-government and full US citizenship
1986. UN Trusteeship status ended 22 Dec 1990.
|
