Saipan

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. They stretch over 375 miles north to south, with a land area of 181 square miles. There are three major inhabited islands, but most live on Saipan.

Economy: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

Export Commodities: Garments

Export Partners: US

Import Commodities: food, construction equipment and materials and petroleum products

Import Partners: US, Japan, Australia

Population: 78,252

Location: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines.

Geographic coordinates are 15 12 N, 145 45 E.

Climate: Tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October