| Surface : 457
sq km (176.5 sq miles) - The Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (CNMI) forms a chain of 14 volcanic islands: Agrihan,
Alamagan, Anatahan, Asuncion, Farallon De Medinilla, Farallon De
Pajaros (Uracas), Guguan, Maug (three islands), Pagan, Rota, Saipan,
Sarigan and Tinian. There are three major inhabited islands, but most
live on Saipan |
| Population : 58,846 inhabitants |
Climate: Tropical
climate, tempered by trade winds. The Commonwealth is situated some
600 miles east of an area in the western Pacific which is the
breeding area of cyclonic disturbances. As a result the
Commonwealth is
in what is known as weather condition four at all times which means
that 40 mile an hour winds are possible within 72 hours. These
cyclonic disturbances can quickly and sometimes unexpectedly
develop into typhoon force winds of 120 miles per hour or greater. The
months of greatest humidity are July to November. The mean annual
rainfall is approximately 83.8 inches, but rainfall varies from year
to year. Sometimes the islands experience droughts generally during the
period from December through June. Some rain does occur during
the dry season. The wet season is from July through October. |
| Electricity: 220/240V,
50Hz |
| PASSPORTS:
Passports valid for at least 60 days after date of entry are
required by all except nationals of the USA with proof of citizenship,
and holders of a re-entry permit issued by the Japanese Government. VISAS:
Not required for touristic visits of less than 30 days; Entry
Permits are issued on arrival. For longer stays, advance permission is
required |
| Capital : Saipan - Population:
52,846 |
| System :
Self-governing US Commonwealth Territory
(incorporated). Gained internal autonomy in 1986 - The constitution,
which came into operation in January 1978, allows for an executive
governor and a bicameral legislature consisting of an 18-seat House of
Representatives and a nine-member Senate. |
| Languages : English, Chamorro,
Carolinian, but Japanese and Korean are also spoken at most
tourist oriented businesses |
| Religions : Roman Catholic
is the main religion. |
| Money :
United States dollar (US$) |
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