Towns and Cities in Northern Mariana Islands, USA

Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Mariana Islands, also called Northern Marianas, officially Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States. It is composed of 22 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Its capital and largest city is Saipan. Its governor is Ralph Torres.

The climate is tropical; heavy rains are common, and typhoons strike the islands periodically. It is a part of the Mariana Islands, a chain of volcanic mountain peaks and uplifted coral reefs. The islands are major nesting sites for many types of migratory seabirds, including several endangered species.

The Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to arrive on the Marianas when he stopped there briefly in 1521. In 1565, Miguel López de Legazpi landed at Umatac, Guam, and proclaimed Spanish sovereignty. The permanent colonization of the islands began with the arrival of the Jesuit priest Diego Luis de Sanvitores in 1668. By the 19th century the Marianas had become involved in European colonial rivalries. In 1898, war with the United States was at hand. In 2008, the commonwealth elected a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time; the delegate may introduce legislation but may vote only in committees.

Tourism is the principal economic activity. Saipan and Rota are the main tourist centres and offer luxury hotels.