NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
A state in Oceania, in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, in the group of Mariana Islands. Area — 457 km² (the largest islands: Saipan, Tinian, Rota, etc.). The administrative center is Susupe (on Saipan Island, more than 65,000). Population — about 80,300 (2005), predominantly Chamorro and Carolinians. The official language is English. Religion: the majority of believers are Catholics. Currency - US dollar:
The islands were under UN trusteeship from 1947 to 1992, administered by the USA (historical information - see Marshall Islands). In 1975, a plebiscite was held, as a result of which the islands were declared a "freely associated territory of the USA." They obtained self-governing status after the constitution came into effect in 1978. Since 1986, the Commonwealth has been in a political union with the USA. Most local residents are American citizens.
However, the Commonwealth does not have its representatives in the US Congress.
The executive power is exercised by a governor (since 2002 - X. N. Babauta), elected by the population. There are local branches of the Republican and Democratic parties of the USA on the islands. The legislative body is the Legislature (Senate - 9 members and House of Representatives - 18 deputies, elected for terms of 4 and 2 years, respectively).
The islands are of volcanic and coral origin. They cultivate heat-resistant grains, coconut palms, sugarcane, breadfruit, coffee, tomatoes, and melons. Fishing and processing of fish (mainly tuna) are also significant.
Foreign tourism is of great importance, with most tourists coming from Japan.
Two weekly newspapers are published, and there are 6 radio stations. Cable television is available.
