Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands United States of America
Formerly party of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,
the Northern Mariana Islands became a Commonwealth of the United States in 1978.
The Marianas are in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from
Hawai'i to the Philippines. Having achieved home rule status, residents have the right
to a locally elected Governor and bicameral Legislature.
The Northern Mariana Islands have a population (2005 est) of 80,362.
Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are the only permanently populated islands.
90% of the island's population resides on Saipan.
Tinian and Rota each have approximately 5% of the population.
