Difference between revisions of "Northern Mariana Islands" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
m
m
Line 55: Line 55:
 
| +1 670  
 
| +1 670  
 
|}
 
|}
−
The '''Northern Mariana Islands''', officially the '''Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands''' (CNMI), is a [[commonwealth (U.S. insular area)|commonwealth]] in political union with the [[United States|United States of America]] at a strategic location in the western [[Pacific Ocean]]. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from [[Hawaii]] to the [[Philippines]], at {{coor dms|15|1|2|N|145|4|5|E|}}.  It has a population ([[2005]] est) of 80,362. The official [[United States 2000 census|2000 census]] count was 69,221 [http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2001/cb01cn173.html]. The total land area of all islands is 463.63 km (179.01 sq mi), as reported by the [[United States Census Bureau]].
+
The '''Northern Mariana Islands''', officially the '''Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands''' (CNMI), is a commonwealth in political union with the [[United States|United States of America]] at a strategic location in the western [[Pacific Ocean]]. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from [[Hawaii]] to the [[Philippines]].   
  
−
==Geography and climate==
+
==Geography==
−
The Northern Mariana Islands—together with [[Guam]] to the south—comprise the [[Mariana Islands]].
 
  
−
The southern islands are [[limestone]] with level terraces and fringing [[coral]] reefs; the northern islands are volcanic, with active [[volcano]]es on [[Anatahan]], [[Pagan Island|Pagan]] and [[Agrihan]]. The volcano on Agrihan is the highest elevation in the islands at 965 meters. About one-fifth of the land is arable, another tenth is permanent pasture. The primary natural resource is fish, which causes conflict with the protection of [[endangered species]]. Past development has created [[landfill]]s that must be cleaned up and has caused contamination of groundwater on Saipan, which may contribute to disease.
+
The Northern Mariana Islands—together with [[Guam]] to the south—comprise the [[Mariana Islands]]. They are the southern part of a submerged mountain range that extends 2519 km from [[Guam]] to near [[Japan]]. The Marianas are the northernmost islands of a larger island group called [[Micronesia]].
  
−
Anatahan Volcano is a small volcanic island located 120 km (80 miles) north of Saipan Island and 320 km (200 miles) north of [[Guam]]. The island is about 9 km (5.6 miles) long and 3 km (2 miles) wide. Anatahan began erupting suddenly from its east crater on [[May 10]], [[2003]] at about 5:00 p.m. (17h)..  Since then it has continued to alternate between eruptive and calm periods.  On April 6, 2005, approximately 50,000 cubic meters of ash and rock were ejected, causing a large, black cloud to drift southward over Saipan and Tinian. Recent eruptions have caused some commercial flights to re-route.
+
The land area of the Northern Mariana Islands is 477 square kilometres, 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC.
  
−
The islands have a tropical marine climate moderated by seasonal northeast [[trade winds]].  There is little seasonal temperature variation; the dry season runs from December to June, and the rainy season from July to October can include [[typhoon]]s.  The [[Guinness Book of World Records]] has cited [[Saipan]] as having the most equable temperature in the world.[http://net.saipan.com/personal/vanlanen/info/info_pg4.htm]
+
The southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; the northern islands are volcanic, with active volcanoes on Anatahan, Pagan Island and Agrihan. The volcano on Agrihan is the highest elevation in the islands at 965 meters.
 +
 
 +
Anatahan Volcano is a small volcanic island located 120 km (80 miles) north of Saipan Island and 320 km (200 miles) north of [[Guam]]. The island is about nine kilometers (5.6 miles) long and three kilometers (two miles) wide. Anatahan began erupting suddenly from its east crater in May 2003..  Since then it has continued to alternate between eruptive and calm periods.  On April 6, 2005, approximately 50,000 cubic meters of ash and rock were ejected, causing a large, black cloud to drift southward over Saipan and Tinian. Recent eruptions have caused some commercial flights to re-route.
 +
 
 +
The islands have a tropical marine climate moderated by seasonal northeast trade winds.  There is little seasonal temperature variation; the dry season runs from December to June, and the rainy season from July to October can include typhoons.  The Guinness Book of World Records has cited Saipan as having the most equable temperature in the world.
 +
 
 +
Flora and fauna
 +
 
 +
The primary natural resource is fish, which causes conflict with the protection of endangered species. About one-fifth of the land is arable, another tenth is permanent pasture.  
 +
 
 +
Past development has created landfills that must be cleaned up and has caused contamination of groundwater on Saipan, which may contribute to disease.
 +
 
 +
Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have the only ports and harbors, and are the only permanently populated islands.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
{{unreferenced|section}}
+
[[Guam]] was first discovered by sea-faring people who migrated from [[Indonesia]] or the [[Philippines]] around 2000 B.C.E..e., according to legends and myths, archaeological evidence, [[Jesuit]] [[missionary]] accounts, and observations from visiting scientists.
−
The first European in these waters was [[Ferdinand Magellan]] in [[1521]], who landed on nearby [[Guam]] and claimed the islands for Spain.  After being met offshore and accepting the refreshments offered to them by the native [[Chamorros]], the latter then in exchange helped themselves to a small boat belonging to Magellan's fleet. This was a clash of Cultures because in the old Chamorro culture there was little if any private property and to take something that one needed such as a boat to fish with was not a crime and not theivery in thier eyes. (The Catholic Church has done much to change this but today some young  Chomorros grieving over the cultural heritage that they have lost sometimes try to resurrect inappropriate aspects of their culture in a modern world and have come in conflict with the Law over this on the Islands)  Due to this cultural misunderstanding, over half a dozen locals were killed and a village of 40 homes burned before the boat was retrieved, and the archipelago subsequently acquired the ignominious name ''Islas de los Ladrones'' ("Islands of the Thieves").  Three days after he had arrived, Magellan fled the archipelago under attack—a portentous beginning to its relationship with the Spanish.  The islands were henceforth considered by [[Spain]] to be [[annex]]ed  and therefore under their governance, from the [[Philippines]], as part of the [[Spanish East Indies]]. The Spanish built a Royal Palace in Guam for the Govenor of the Islands (it's remains can still be seen in 2006). Guam was an important stop over from Mexico for galleons carrying Gold and other goods to and  the Phillipines and to Spain.  There are several unfound sunken Spanish galleons off Guam.  In [[1668]] their name was changed by Padre Diego Luis de Sanvitores to ''Las Marianas'' after [[Mariana of Austria]], widow of Spain's [[Philip IV of Spain|Philip IV]]. Nearly all of the islands' native population (90%-95%) died out under Spanish rule, but new settlers, primarily from the Philippines and the [[Caroline Islands]], were brought in to repopulate them.  Despite this, the [[Chamorro]] population did gradually resurge, and Chamorro, [[Filipino]] and [[Carolinian]] language and ethnic differences remain basically distinct in the Marianas to this day.
+
 
 +
The first European to discover the island group was [[Ferdinand Magellan]] who on  March 6, 1521, observed the two southernmost islands, sailed between them. Magellan's crew called the islands “Islas de los Ladrones” (The Island of Thieves). The common account for this naming is the supposed predilection of the natives for theft, which may, in fact, have stemmed from cultural differences around private property.
  
−
The Marianas came under German contol for a brief period when Spain sold them to Germany, exclusive of Guam. In 1919 the Japanese invaded and occupied these islands and the [[League of Nations]], pre-cursor of the [[United Nations]], awarded them to Japan by Mandate.  The Japanese used the Islands as a military outpost.  They did not treat the native population well.  The Chamorros are the native peoples of the entire chain of the Marianas.
+
General Miguel López de Legazpi claimed Guam for Spain in 1565. Spanish colonization commenced in 1668 with the arrival of Padre San Vitores, who established the first Catholic mission.   
  
−
The Japanese captured Guam in World War II and Japanese Goverment of the Islands moved to Guam.
+
[[Image:Svitores Guam.jpg|thumb|px200|Engraving showing the death of Padre [[San Vitores]], the first missionary to Guam.]]
−
As stated before the Japanese did not treat the natives and others well who lived there. The were close supporters and allies ,in this period of the Nazi Government of Germany, as such they believed themselves to be a superior race---until they found out that Orientals were at the bottom of the inferior race heap of the Nazi's.  The Japanese tortured and killed for the fun of it residents of Guam and the Northern Marianas. This lead to certain Chamorros giving them information about Chamorros on Guam and counter.  The impact of this is that the Chamorros of Guam and Saipan bear a grudges against each other, even after some 70 years, as traitors and as the result both are territories instead of the States that they could be. Many people still hate the Japanese although Japanese tourists are a major contributor to the economy of Saipan and Guam.
 
  
−
In 1943; the United States Marines invaded Guam at great cost of lives. From the sea the Japanese fortresses (even today 2006 (they have been preserved) ) are not obvious. The Marines were mowed down as they came in by Japanese Gunfire. The Marines  were successful and also took over Saipan and Islands further Northern Islands.  The Japanese Commander wrote a letter to Emperor Hirohito apologizing for the lost of the islands and then committed Hari Kari.
+
The islands were then governed as part of the Spanish East Indies from the Philippines. Between 1668 and 1815, Guam was an important resting stop on the [[Spain|Spanish]] trade route between [[Mexico]] and the [[Philippines]]. Guam, along with the rest of the Mariana and [[Caroline islands]], was treated by Spain as part of their colony in the Philippines. The original inhabitant population dwindled significantly as a result of disease and rebellion against the Spaniards. Much of the adult male population was killed.  In 1668, the Chamorros were estimated at 40,000 to 60,000, but less than a century later only 1800 remained. They were typical Micronesians, with a considerable civilization. While the Marianas’ Chamorro culture is unique, the cultures of both Guam and the Northern Marianas were heavily influenced by Spanish culture and traditions.
−
On [[June 15]], [[1944]], during World War II, U.S. Marines landed on the islands and eventually won the bitterly fought three-week [[Battle of Saipan]]. That would have been the end of War in the Marianas except that Guam and Saipan provided the take off point for the bombing of Hiroshima.  When the Armistice was signed the War was over---well for most people. In 1990, a Japanese Soldier apparently did not get the message and had been hiding out in Guam since WWII. He was the last soldier on active military duty of WWII left in the Islands and his family thought that he had been killed in action.
 
  
−
After Japan's defeat, the islands were administered by the United States as part of the [[United Nations]] [[Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands]]; thus, defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the U.S.  The people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the [[1970s]] not to seek independence, but instead to forge closer links with the U.S. Negotiations for territorial status began in [[1972]]. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the U.S. was approved in [[1975]].  A new government and constitution went into effect in [[1978]].
+
The Marianas came under German control for a brief period when Spain sold them to Germany, exclusive of Guam.  In 1919 the Japanese invaded and occupied these islands and the League of Nations awarded them to Japan by mandate.  The Japanese used the islands as a military outpost. 
 +
 
 +
During [[World War II]], Guam was attacked and invaded by the Japanese armed forces on December 8, 194, and the Japanese government of the islands moved to Guam. The Japanese tortured and killed for the fun residents of Guam and the Northern Marianas. .  Chamorros from the Northern Marianas were taken to Guam to serve as interpreters and in other capacities for the occupying Japanese force. That, as well as information divulged under torture, caused lasting grudges between the Chamorros of Guam and Saipan.
 +
 
 +
[[Image:LVTs_attacking_Saipan.jpg|300px|LVTs heading for shore.]]
 +
 
 +
The United States returned and fought the Battle of Guam in July 21, 1944, to recapture the island. The U.S. also won the bitterly fought three-week [[Battle of Saipan]] to capture and occupy the Northern Marianas. Guam and Saipan provided the take off point for the bombing of Hiroshima. When the armistice was signed the war was over for everyone except one Japanese soldier, who continued hiding out in Guam until 1990. His family thought that he had been killed in action.
 +
 
 +
In 1947, the Northern Mariana Islands became part of the post-World War II United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Thus, defense and foreign affairs became the responsibility of the U.S.
 +
 
 +
In 1976, Congress approved a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in political union with the United States. The commonwealth government adopted its own constitution in 1977, and the constitutional government took office in January 1978. The Covenant was fully implemented on November 3, 1986, whenUnited States citizenship was conferred on legally qualified commonwealth residents.
 +
 
 +
On December 22, 1990, the Security Council of the United Nations terminated the trust territory agreement as it applied to the Northern Mariana Islands and five other [the [[Marshall Islands]] and the Federated States of [[Micronesia]] (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap)] of the trust’s original seven districts.
 +
 
 +
Federal law applies to the Northern Mariana Islands. However, the islands are outside the customs territory of the United States and, although the internal revenue code does apply in the form of a local income tax, the income tax system is largely locally determined. Federal minimum wage and federal immigration laws do not apply to the territory.
  
 
==Politics==
 
==Politics==
−
<!--Please add new information into relevant articles of the series—>
 
−
{{main|Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands}}
 
−
Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands takes place in a framework of a [[presidential system|presidential]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] system, whereby the [[List of Northern Mariana Islands Governors|Governor]] is [[head of government]], and of a pluriform multi-party system. The Northern Mariana Islands are a commonwealth in political union with the [[United States]]. Federal funds to the Commonwealth are administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the [[U.S. Department of the Interior]]. [[Executive power]] is exercised by the government. [[Legislative power]] is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament. The [[Judiciary]] is independent of the executive and the legislature.
 
  
−
The Northern Mariana Islands have also come into the news recently due to their connection to the [[:Category:Jack Abramoff scandals|scandals]] involving [[Jack Abramoff]] and allegedly former House [[Majority Leader]] [[Tom DeLay]] [http://www-tech.mit.edu/V125/N29/long3.html]. As a direct result of lobbying by Abramoff and associates, the Northern Mariana Islands received special federal subsidies. [http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Lobbyist-QA.html] As well, [[Bob Ney|Congressman Bob Ney]] allegedly received free trips to the Northern Mariana Islands from Abramoff, in violation of federal law. [http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Lobbyist-Fraud-Glance.html]
+
Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic system, whereby the Governor is head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. The Northern Mariana Islands are a commonwealth in political union with the [[United States]]. Federal funds to the commonwealth are administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior.  
 +
 
 +
Executive power is exercised by the government.
 +
 
 +
Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament. The house of representatives has 18 members, elected for a two-year term in single-seat constituencies. The senate has nine members, elected for a two-year term in single-seat constituencies. The commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in the US Congress as the other United States insular areas do.  Instead, it has an elected official or "resident representative" located in Washington, DC who speaks for the commonwealth on national issues.
  
−
==Political Status==
+
The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. It comprises the Commonwealth Supreme Court, the Superior Court, and the Federal District Court.
−
In 1947, the Northern Mariana Islands became part of the post-World War II United Nations [[Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands]] (TTPI). The United States became the TTPI's administering authority under the terms of a trusteeship agreement. In 1976, Congress approved the mutually negotiated Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in Political Union with the United States. The CNMI Government adopted its own constitution in 1977, and the constitutional government took office in January 1978. The Covenant was fully implemented on November 3, 1986, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation no. 5564, which conferred United States citizenship on legally qualified CNMI residents.
 
  
−
On December 22, 1990, the Security Council of the United Nations terminated the TTPI as it applied to the CNMI and five other [the [[Marshall Islands]] and the Federated States of [[Micronesia]] (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap)] of the TTPI's original seven districts.
+
Historically, the Northern Mariana Islands have been subject to the colonizing powers of [[Spain]], [[Germany]], [[Japan]], and the [[United States]] under a [[United Nations]] Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Agreement.  Each power contributed elements that mixed with local indigenous cultures to form the current political culture of the Northern Mariana Islands.
  
−
Under the Covenant, in general, Federal law applies to CNMI. However, the CNMI is outside the customs territory of the United States and, although the internal revenue code does apply in the form of a local income tax, the income tax system is largely locally determined. According to the Covenant, the federal minimum wage and federal immigration laws "will not apply to the Northern Mariana Islands except in the manner and to the extent made applicable to them by the Congress by law after termination of the Trusteeship Agreement" [http://www.doi.gov/oia/Islandpages/cnmipage.htm]
+
When United States citizenship was granted in 1986 to people who qualified as descendents of the Northern Marianas, few among the island's native population had been adequately prepared for democracy.  As a result, politics in the Northern Mariana Islands is often more a function of family relationships and personal loyalities where the size of one's extended family is more important than a candidate's personal qualifications.  Critics say that this is nepotism carried out within the trappings of democracy.
  
−
On [[September 23]], [[2004]], Congressman [[Richard Pombo]] of [[California]] introduced H.R. 5135 - the ''Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Act''. The bill, had it become law, would have allowed CNMI to elect a non-voting delegate to the [[United States House of Representatives]] starting with the [[U.S. House election, 2006|2006 election]]. The bill died at the end of the 108th Congress. But, on [[February 18]], [[2005]], the ''Delegate Act'' was reintroduced by Pombo with a new number, H.R. 873. [http://www.resrep.gov.mp/press%20releases/873%20drop.htm]
+
Administratively, the Northern Mariana Islands are divided into four municipalities. Islands 1 through 11 are collective known as the Northern Islands, together forming the Northern Islands Municipality. Islands 12 through 15 are collectively known as the Southern Islands, with the municipalities [[Saipan]], [[Tinian]], and [[Rota]] (uninhabited Aguijan is part of Tinian municipality). Because of volcanic threat, the northern islands have been largely evacuated, with just six people remaining on Alamagan island in 2000. The mayor of the Northern Islands Municipality resides on Saipan.
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
−
''See main article [[Economy of the Northern Mariana Islands]]''
 
  
−
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands benefits from substantial subsidies and development assistance from the federal government of the United States.  The economy also relies heavily on [[tourism]], especially, from [[Japan]], and the rapidly dwindling [[garment]] [[manufacturing]] sector.  The tourism industry is also dwindling.  Since late 2006, tourist arrivals fell 15.23 percent (73,000 potential visitors) from the 11 months prior. [http://www.mvariety.com/calendar/september/19/frontpage/front01.htm]
+
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands benefits from substantial subsidies and development assistance from the federal government of the United States.  The economy also relies heavily on tourism, especially, from [[Japan]], and the rapidly dwindling garment manufacturing sector.  The tourism industry is also dwindling.  Since late 2006, tourist arrivals fell 15.23 percent (73,000 potential visitors) from the 11 months prior.
 +
 
 +
The Northern Mariana Islands has successfully used its position as a free trade area with the U.S., while at the same time not being subject to the same labor laws. For example, the U.S. $3.05 per hour minimum wage in the Commonwealth is lower than in the U.S. and some other worker protections are weaker leading to lower production costs.  This allows garments to be labelled "Made in USA" without having to comply with all U.S. labor laws. The island's exemption from U.S. labor laws have led to many alleged exploitations including recent claims of the existence of sweatshops, child labor, child prostitution and even forced abortions. 
  
−
The Northern Mariana Islands has successfully used its position as a free trade area with the U.S., while at the same time not being subject to the same [[labor laws]]. For example, the U.S. $3.05 per hour minimum wage in the Commonwealth is lower than in the U.S. and some other worker protections are weaker leading to lower production costs. This allows garments to be labelled "Made in USA" without having to comply with all U.S. labor laws. 
+
A separate immigration system outside of federal U.S. control has resulted in a large number of Chinese migrant workers employed in the islands' garment trade. However, the lifting of World Trade Organisation restrictions on Chinese imports to the US has put the commonwealth-based trade under severe pressure, leading to a number of recent factory closures.
  
−
In the extreme, the island's exemption from U.S. labor laws have led to many alleged exploitations including recent claims of the existence of sweatshops, child labor, child prostitution and even forced abortions.  [http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2006/05/09/sex_greed_and_forced_abortions.php]
+
Agricultural production, primarily of tapioca, cattle, coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons exists, but is of relatively minor economic importance.
  
−
A separate immigration system outside of federal U.S. control has resulted in a large number of Chinese migrant workers employed in the Islands' garment trade.  However, the lifting of [[World Trade Organisation]] restrictions on Chinese imports to the US has put the Commonwealth-based trade under severe pressure, leading to a number of recent factory closures.
+
GDP per capita was $9300 in 1996.
  
−
Agricultural production, primarily of [[tapioca]], [[cattle]], [[coconuts]], [[breadfruit]], [[tomatoes]], and [[melons]] exists, but is of relatively minor economic importance.
+
The World fact Book supplied no total for exports, saying it was not applicable. Export commodities consisted of garments. The U.S. was the sole export partners. Likewise, there was no total for imports. Import commodities included food, construction equipment and materials, and petroleum products. Import partners were Japan and the U.S.  
  
−
==Transportation==
 
 
[[Image:Mpud.jpg|thumb|left|Current Northern Mariana Islands [[license plate]].]]
 
[[Image:Mpud.jpg|thumb|left|Current Northern Mariana Islands [[license plate]].]]
 
<br />
 
<br />
−
The islands have over 350 [[kilometer]]s of highways, three airports with paved runways (one some 3000 meters (9840 feet) long; two around 2000 meters (6560 feet), three airports with unpaved runways (one about 3000 meters long; two under 1000 meters (3280 feet)), and one heliport.
+
The islands have over 350 kilometers of highways, three airports with paved runways (one some 3000 meters (9840 feet) long; two around 2000 meters (6560 feet), three airports with unpaved runways (one about 3000 meters long; two under 1000 meters (3280 feet)), and one heliport.
  
−
==Islands, island groups and municipalities==
 
−
The islands total [[1 E8 m|463.63 square kilometers]]. An overview is presented next, with the individual islands from north to south:
 
−
 
−
{| border=1 rules="rows" cellpadding="5" cellspacing=0 style="border:2px solid #ffffcc;border-collapse: collapse;margin-left:3px
 
−
! No. || Island || Area (km<sup>2) || Population</br>Census 2000 || Height (m) || Highest Peak || Location
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 1 || [[Farallon de Pajaros]] (Urracas) || align="right" | 2.55 || align="right" | 0 || align="right" | 319 ||  || {{coor dm|20|33|N|144|54|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 2 || [[Maug Islands]] || align="right" | 2.13 || align="right" | occupied 1939-44 || align="right" | 227 || (North Island) || {{coor dm|20|02|N|145|19|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 3 || [[Asuncion Island|Asuncion]] || align="right" | 7.31 || align="right" | 0 || align="right" | 891 ||  || {{coor dm|19|43|N|145|41|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 4 || [[Agrihan]] (Agrigan) || align="right" | 43.51 || align="right" | evacuated 1990 || align="right" | 965 || Mount Agrihan || {{coor dm|18|46|N|145|40|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 5 || [[Pagan Island|Pagan]] || align="right" | 47.23 || align="right" | evacuated 1990 || align="right" | 579 || Mount Pagan || {{coor dms|18|08|36|N|145|47|39|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 6 || [[Alamagan]] || align="right" | 11.12 || align="right" | 6 || align="right" | 744 || Banadera || {{coor dm|17|35|N|145|50|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 7 || [[Guguan]]  || align="right" | 3.87 || align="right" | 0 || align="right" | 301 ||  || {{coor dm|17|20|N|145|51|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 8 || [[Sarigan]] || align="right" | 4.97 || align="right" | formerly inhab. || align="right" | 549 ||  || {{coor dm|16|43|N|145|47|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 9 || [[Anatahan]] || align="right" | 31.21 || align="right" | evacuated 1990 || align="right" | 787 ||  || {{coor dm|16|22|N|145|40|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 10 || [[Farallon de Medinilla]] || align="right" | 0.85 || align="right" | 0 || align="right" | 81 ||  || {{coor dm|16|01|N|146|04|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 11 || [[Saipan]] || align="right" | 115.39 || align="right" | 62 392 || align="right" | 474 || Mount Tagpochau || {{coor dms|15|11|06|N|145|44|28|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 12 || [[Tinian]] || align="right" | 101.01 || align="right" | 3 540 || align="right" | 170 || Kastiyu (Lasso Hill) || {{coor dms|14|57|12|N|145|38|54|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 13 || [[Aguijan]] (Agiguan) || align="right" | 7.09 || align="right" | 0 || align="right" | 157 ||  || {{coor dm|14|42|N|145|18|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="right" | 14 || [[Rota (island)|Rota]] || align="right" | 85.38 || align="right" | 3 283 || align="right" | 491 || Mt. Manira ||  {{coor dms|14|08|37|N|145|11|08|E|}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || [[Northern Mariana Islands|NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS]] || align="right" | 463.63 || align="right" | 69 221 || align="right" | 965 || Mount Agrihan || 14°08' to 20°33'N,<br />144°54° to 146°04'E
 
−
|}
 
  
−
Administratively, the CNMI is divided into four [[municipality|municipalities]]:
+
==Demographics==
  
−
Islands 1 through 11 are collective known as the Northern Islands, together forming the [[Northern Islands Municipality]].
+
The population of the Northern Mariana Islands grew from 16,780 in 1980 to an estimated 82,459, in 2006. Most of this nearly 500 percent growth was in the form of migration from Asia in response to unprecedented economic growth.
−
Islands 12 through 15 are collectively known as the Southern Islands, with the municipalities [[Saipan]], [[Tinian]], and [[Rota]] (uninhabited Aguijan is part of Tinian municipality).
 
  
−
Because of volcanic threat, the northern islands have been largely evacuated, with just six people remaining on Alamagan island (Census of 2000), and with the Mayor of the Northern Islands Municipality residing in "exile" on Saipan.
+
The territory has a life expectancy of 76.09 years for the whole population.
  
−
Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have the only ports and harbors, and are the only permanently populated islands.
+
Filipinos are the largest overall ethnic group in the Northern Mariana Islands, making up over 29% of the population. Both the Filipino and Chinese (22.1%) populations have surpassed the indigenous [[Chamorro]]s (21.3%) in population. The original inhabitants of the Northern Mariana Islands refer to themselves as Chamorros (“tsa-'mor-os”), according to J. Jerome Smith (http://www.everyculture.com). At the time of Magellan's arrival in 1521, the term “chamorri” designated the upper caste. By 1668, the term had changed to “chamorro” (meaning “bold"), because Chamorro men wore a topknot of hair on a shaved scalp.
 +
 
 +
While 85 percent of the population are baptized into the Roman Catholic faith or belong to another Christian denomination, animistic beliefs persist, including a respect for ancestral spirits, or “taotaomo'na,” who are believed to occupy certain trees and other areas in the forests. Chamorros believe that their ancestors have lived in the Mariana Islands since the dawn of time, that the Mariana Islands are center of the universe and all human life began in Guam. While Spanish Catholic missionaries abolished the practices of persons referred to as “makahna,” who mediated between the spiritual and physical world, many persist. There is an enduring belief in the existence of persons' spirits beyond their physical life. Every year on All Soul's Day, Chamorros remember their ancestors by holding special memorial services and decorating their graves with flowers, candles, photographs, and other mementos.
 +
 
 +
Catholicism has heavily influenced family life in the Northern Mariana Islands. Marriage is a matter of personal romantic love and is monogamous. Few adults remain unmarried, and large families are favored. Newly married couples may remain with the bride's family until children are born, when an independent nuclear household is established. Larger extended family households may develop, although the married couple and children tend to live independently
 +
 
 +
Languages were Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6%, including Carolinian, an Eastern Malayo-Polynesian language that combines dialects from the area of Truk. Chamorro is closely related to Tagalog (Pilipino). After more than four hundred years of Western (Spanish, German, and English) and Asian (Japanese) colonial domination, Chamorro is untouched in its grammar, although major portions of the vocabulary have been transformed into variants of Spanish and English.
 +
 
 +
Chamorros are used to being close together and often do not have to speak to communicate. When one encounters an older Chamorro, one is expected to at least nod with a bow or to kiss the elder's hand briefly as a sign of respect.
 +
 
 +
There are no large class differentials apart from migrant labor populations, which live in poorer economic conditions. The Northern Mariana Islands tend to be relatively homogeneous socially and economically.
 +
 
 +
==Culture==
 +
[[Image:NMC_Garden_1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|View of an area of the Northern Marianas College campus, [[2005]].  On the right is the library.  On the left are various administration offices.  In the back is National Public Radio station
 +
 
 +
A symbol of Chamorro strength, pride, resistance, and survival, is the latte stone, a megalithic structure used to elevate houses in the pre-colonial period. First built around 800 C.E., latte stones are large coral blocks composed of a trapezoidal stone pillar called a “haligi,” and a hemispherical cap called a “tasa.” Construction of these stones ceased after the onset of wars against Spanish colonizers. Jungle areas and sites in which latte stones are located are considered sacred. In pre-colonial years people buried family members beneath latte stones and thus ancestral spirits are assumed to reside there.
 +
 
 +
Rice dominates the diet, which is based of vegetables and marine resources. Most food is imported from Japan, Australia, and the United States. Normally, three meals a day are eaten at home — even for those working in towns. Families bring prepared food and additional food and drink for preparation on site for religious and secular ceremonies.
 +
 
 +
Siblings and neighbors form a network of caregivers for infants, who are rarely left alone. Chamorros value formal education. School age in the Marianas is from six to sixteen. Schools operate on the American model. There are preschool opportunities for the child under six years old. The Northern Marianas College on Saipan is a two-year school that offers degrees in education, liberal arts, and business. Students who wish continue their education attend the University of Guam or the University of Hawaii. Young people who leave the territory to complete their higher education often do not return. The literacy rate for the total population is 97%.
 +
 
 +
Chamorro folk music remains an important part of the islands' culture, though elements of music left by American, German, Spanish and Japanese colonizers can be seen.  There are both Carolinian and Chamorro traditional chant styles.  A variant of the Spanish cha-cha-chá is popular, as is a Carroline Islands "stick dance" which combines improvised percussion and foot stomping  A well-known stick dance group is the Talabwog Men Stick Dancers.
  
−
:''From the [[CIA World Factbook]] 2000.''
+
The national anthem is "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (in Chamorro language, or "Satil Matawal Pacifico" in Carolinian), which was adopted on October 1996. The song's melody comes from a German tune. Music festivals include the Fiestan Luta, an annual celebration.
−
:Land areas and population data from [[United States Census Bureau]].
 
  
−
== See also ==
 
−
*[[Micronesia]]
 
−
*[[United Nations Trust Territories]]
 
−
*[[Battle of Saipan]]
 
−
*[[Battle of Tinian]]
 
−
*[[Aguijan]]
 
−
*[[Garapan]]
 
−
*[[Demographics of the Northern Mariana Islands]]
 
−
*[[Northern Mariana Islands Territory Constitution]]
 
−
*[[Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands]]
 
−
*[[Economy of the Northern Mariana Islands]]
 
−
*[[Communications on the Northern Mariana Islands]]
 
−
*[[Music of the Northern Mariana Islands]]
 
−
*[[Scouting in the Northern Mariana Islands]]
 
−
*[[Northern Marianas College]]
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
* [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-show_geoid=Y&-tree_id=405&-_caller=geoselect&-context=dt&-errMsg=&-all_geo_types=N&-mt_name=DEC_2000_IAMP_P001&-redoLog=true&-transpose=N&-search_map_config=|b=50|l=en|t=4001|zf=0.0|ms=sel_00dec|dw=0.9528487917191559|dh=0.6838460131961157|dt=gov.census.aff.domain.map.EnglishMapExtent|if=gif|cx=-67.48042614595042|cy=18.385966173167105|zl=6|pz=6|bo=318:317:316:314:313:323:319|bl=362:393:358:357:356:355:354|ft=350:349:335:389:388:332:331|fl=381:403:204:380:369:379:368|g=04000US72&-PANEL_ID=p_dt_geo_map&-_lang=en&-geo_id=04000US69&-geo_id=05000US69085&-geo_id=05000US69100&-geo_id=05000US69110&-geo_id=05000US69120&-CONTEXT=dt&-format=&-search_results=ALL&-ds_name=DEC_2000_IAMP Northern Mariana Islands and constituent municipalities, United States Census Bureau]
+
 
 +
Thomas, James O., “Trapped With The Enemy: Four years as a civilian POW in Japan,”
 +
ISBN: 1401044131
 +
 
 +
Denfeld, D. Colt, “Hold the Marianas: The Japanese Defense of the Mariana Islands,” White Mane Publications, 1997. ISBN 1572490144
 +
 
 +
Cunningham, Lawrence J. “Ancient Chamorro Society,” 1992.
 +
 
 +
Farrell, Don A., “History of the Northern Mariana Islands,” (Unknown Binding), 1991
 +
 
 +
McPhetres, Samuel F., “Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands:” An article from “The Contemporary Pacific,” University of Hawaii Press, 2004
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
Line 198: Line 200:
  
 
'''Overviews'''
 
'''Overviews'''
 +
*[http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Commonwealth-of-the-Northern-Mariana-Islands.html]
 +
*[http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Guam.html]
 
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Oceania/Northern_Mariana_Islands/ Open Directory Project - Northern Mariana Islands] directory category
 
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Oceania/Northern_Mariana_Islands/ Open Directory Project - Northern Mariana Islands] directory category
 
*[http://www.southpacific.org/micro.html Moon Handbooks Micronesia]
 
*[http://www.southpacific.org/micro.html Moon Handbooks Micronesia]
Line 205: Line 209:
  
 
'''Other'''
 
'''Other'''
 +
*[http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Commonwealth-of-the-Northern-Mariana-Islands.html]
 
*[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/pacific/northern_mariana_islands/history.htm www.lonelyplanet.com]
 
*[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/pacific/northern_mariana_islands/history.htm www.lonelyplanet.com]
 
*[http://marshall.csu.edu.au/MJHSS/ Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences]  
 
*[http://marshall.csu.edu.au/MJHSS/ Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences]  

Revision as of 06:51, 3 December 2006

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Flag of the Northern Mariana Islands Coat of arms of Northern Mariana Islands
(In Detail) (In Detail)
LocationNorthernMarianas.png
Official languages English, Chamorro, Carolinian.
Capital Saipan
Head of State George W. Bush
Governor Benigno R. Fitial
Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Villagomez
Resident Representative Pedro Agulto Tenorio
Area
 - Total
 - % water 		Ranked 195th
477 sq km
Negl.
Population
 - Total (2005)
 - Density 		Ranked 198th
80,801 (July 2005 est.)
168/km
Independence none (in political union with the USA)
Currency Dollar
Time zone UTC+10
National anthem Gi Talo Gi Halom Tase (Chamorro)
Satil Matawal Pacifico (Carolinian)
Internet TLD .mp
Calling Code +1 670

The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), is a commonwealth in political union with the United States of America at a strategic location in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines.

Geography

The Northern Mariana Islands—together with Guam to the south—comprise the Mariana Islands. They are the southern part of a submerged mountain range that extends 2519 km from Guam to near Japan. The Marianas are the northernmost islands of a larger island group called Micronesia.

The land area of the Northern Mariana Islands is 477 square kilometres, 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC.

The southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; the northern islands are volcanic, with active volcanoes on Anatahan, Pagan Island and Agrihan. The volcano on Agrihan is the highest elevation in the islands at 965 meters.

Anatahan Volcano is a small volcanic island located 120 km (80 miles) north of Saipan Island and 320 km (200 miles) north of Guam. The island is about nine kilometers (5.6 miles) long and three kilometers (two miles) wide. Anatahan began erupting suddenly from its east crater in May 2003.. Since then it has continued to alternate between eruptive and calm periods. On April 6, 2005, approximately 50,000 cubic meters of ash and rock were ejected, causing a large, black cloud to drift southward over Saipan and Tinian. Recent eruptions have caused some commercial flights to re-route.

The islands have a tropical marine climate moderated by seasonal northeast trade winds. There is little seasonal temperature variation; the dry season runs from December to June, and the rainy season from July to October can include typhoons. The Guinness Book of World Records has cited Saipan as having the most equable temperature in the world.

Flora and fauna

The primary natural resource is fish, which causes conflict with the protection of endangered species. About one-fifth of the land is arable, another tenth is permanent pasture.

Past development has created landfills that must be cleaned up and has caused contamination of groundwater on Saipan, which may contribute to disease.

Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have the only ports and harbors, and are the only permanently populated islands.

History

Guam was first discovered by sea-faring people who migrated from Indonesia or the Philippines around 2000 B.C.E., according to legends and myths, archaeological evidence, Jesuit missionary accounts, and observations from visiting scientists.

The first European to discover the island group was Ferdinand Magellan who on March 6, 1521, observed the two southernmost islands, sailed between them. Magellan's crew called the islands “Islas de los Ladrones” (The Island of Thieves). The common account for this naming is the supposed predilection of the natives for theft, which may, in fact, have stemmed from cultural differences around private property.

General Miguel López de Legazpi claimed Guam for Spain in 1565. Spanish colonization commenced in 1668 with the arrival of Padre San Vitores, who established the first Catholic mission.

Engraving showing the death of Padre San Vitores, the first missionary to Guam.

The islands were then governed as part of the Spanish East Indies from the Philippines. Between 1668 and 1815, Guam was an important resting stop on the Spanish trade route between Mexico and the Philippines. Guam, along with the rest of the Mariana and Caroline islands, was treated by Spain as part of their colony in the Philippines. The original inhabitant population dwindled significantly as a result of disease and rebellion against the Spaniards. Much of the adult male population was killed. In 1668, the Chamorros were estimated at 40,000 to 60,000, but less than a century later only 1800 remained. They were typical Micronesians, with a considerable civilization. While the Marianas’ Chamorro culture is unique, the cultures of both Guam and the Northern Marianas were heavily influenced by Spanish culture and traditions.

The Marianas came under German control for a brief period when Spain sold them to Germany, exclusive of Guam. In 1919 the Japanese invaded and occupied these islands and the League of Nations awarded them to Japan by mandate. The Japanese used the islands as a military outpost.

During World War II, Guam was attacked and invaded by the Japanese armed forces on December 8, 194, and the Japanese government of the islands moved to Guam. The Japanese tortured and killed for the fun residents of Guam and the Northern Marianas. . Chamorros from the Northern Marianas were taken to Guam to serve as interpreters and in other capacities for the occupying Japanese force. That, as well as information divulged under torture, caused lasting grudges between the Chamorros of Guam and Saipan.

LVTs heading for shore.

The United States returned and fought the Battle of Guam in July 21, 1944, to recapture the island. The U.S. also won the bitterly fought three-week Battle of Saipan to capture and occupy the Northern Marianas. Guam and Saipan provided the take off point for the bombing of Hiroshima. When the armistice was signed the war was over for everyone except one Japanese soldier, who continued hiding out in Guam until 1990. His family thought that he had been killed in action.

In 1947, the Northern Mariana Islands became part of the post-World War II United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Thus, defense and foreign affairs became the responsibility of the U.S.

In 1976, Congress approved a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in political union with the United States. The commonwealth government adopted its own constitution in 1977, and the constitutional government took office in January 1978. The Covenant was fully implemented on November 3, 1986, whenUnited States citizenship was conferred on legally qualified commonwealth residents.

On December 22, 1990, the Security Council of the United Nations terminated the trust territory agreement as it applied to the Northern Mariana Islands and five other [the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap)] of the trust’s original seven districts.

Federal law applies to the Northern Mariana Islands. However, the islands are outside the customs territory of the United States and, although the internal revenue code does apply in the form of a local income tax, the income tax system is largely locally determined. Federal minimum wage and federal immigration laws do not apply to the territory.

Politics

Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic system, whereby the Governor is head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. The Northern Mariana Islands are a commonwealth in political union with the United States. Federal funds to the commonwealth are administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Executive power is exercised by the government.

Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament. The house of representatives has 18 members, elected for a two-year term in single-seat constituencies. The senate has nine members, elected for a two-year term in single-seat constituencies. The commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in the US Congress as the other United States insular areas do. Instead, it has an elected official or "resident representative" located in Washington, DC who speaks for the commonwealth on national issues.

The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. It comprises the Commonwealth Supreme Court, the Superior Court, and the Federal District Court.

Historically, the Northern Mariana Islands have been subject to the colonizing powers of Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States under a United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Agreement. Each power contributed elements that mixed with local indigenous cultures to form the current political culture of the Northern Mariana Islands.

When United States citizenship was granted in 1986 to people who qualified as descendents of the Northern Marianas, few among the island's native population had been adequately prepared for democracy. As a result, politics in the Northern Mariana Islands is often more a function of family relationships and personal loyalities where the size of one's extended family is more important than a candidate's personal qualifications. Critics say that this is nepotism carried out within the trappings of democracy.

Administratively, the Northern Mariana Islands are divided into four municipalities. Islands 1 through 11 are collective known as the Northern Islands, together forming the Northern Islands Municipality. Islands 12 through 15 are collectively known as the Southern Islands, with the municipalities Saipan, Tinian, and Rota (uninhabited Aguijan is part of Tinian municipality). Because of volcanic threat, the northern islands have been largely evacuated, with just six people remaining on Alamagan island in 2000. The mayor of the Northern Islands Municipality resides on Saipan.

Economy

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands benefits from substantial subsidies and development assistance from the federal government of the United States. The economy also relies heavily on tourism, especially, from Japan, and the rapidly dwindling garment manufacturing sector. The tourism industry is also dwindling. Since late 2006, tourist arrivals fell 15.23 percent (73,000 potential visitors) from the 11 months prior.

The Northern Mariana Islands has successfully used its position as a free trade area with the U.S., while at the same time not being subject to the same labor laws. For example, the U.S. $3.05 per hour minimum wage in the Commonwealth is lower than in the U.S. and some other worker protections are weaker leading to lower production costs. This allows garments to be labelled "Made in USA" without having to comply with all U.S. labor laws. The island's exemption from U.S. labor laws have led to many alleged exploitations including recent claims of the existence of sweatshops, child labor, child prostitution and even forced abortions.

A separate immigration system outside of federal U.S. control has resulted in a large number of Chinese migrant workers employed in the islands' garment trade. However, the lifting of World Trade Organisation restrictions on Chinese imports to the US has put the commonwealth-based trade under severe pressure, leading to a number of recent factory closures.

Agricultural production, primarily of tapioca, cattle, coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons exists, but is of relatively minor economic importance.

GDP per capita was $9300 in 1996.

The World fact Book supplied no total for exports, saying it was not applicable. Export commodities consisted of garments. The U.S. was the sole export partners. Likewise, there was no total for imports. Import commodities included food, construction equipment and materials, and petroleum products. Import partners were Japan and the U.S.

Current Northern Mariana Islands license plate.


The islands have over 350 kilometers of highways, three airports with paved runways (one some 3000 meters (9840 feet) long; two around 2000 meters (6560 feet), three airports with unpaved runways (one about 3000 meters long; two under 1000 meters (3280 feet)), and one heliport.


Demographics

The population of the Northern Mariana Islands grew from 16,780 in 1980 to an estimated 82,459, in 2006. Most of this nearly 500 percent growth was in the form of migration from Asia in response to unprecedented economic growth.

The territory has a life expectancy of 76.09 years for the whole population.

Filipinos are the largest overall ethnic group in the Northern Mariana Islands, making up over 29% of the population. Both the Filipino and Chinese (22.1%) populations have surpassed the indigenous Chamorros (21.3%) in population. The original inhabitants of the Northern Mariana Islands refer to themselves as Chamorros (“tsa-'mor-os”), according to J. Jerome Smith (http://www.everyculture.com). At the time of Magellan's arrival in 1521, the term “chamorri” designated the upper caste. By 1668, the term had changed to “chamorro” (meaning “bold"), because Chamorro men wore a topknot of hair on a shaved scalp.

While 85 percent of the population are baptized into the Roman Catholic faith or belong to another Christian denomination, animistic beliefs persist, including a respect for ancestral spirits, or “taotaomo'na,” who are believed to occupy certain trees and other areas in the forests. Chamorros believe that their ancestors have lived in the Mariana Islands since the dawn of time, that the Mariana Islands are center of the universe and all human life began in Guam. While Spanish Catholic missionaries abolished the practices of persons referred to as “makahna,” who mediated between the spiritual and physical world, many persist. There is an enduring belief in the existence of persons' spirits beyond their physical life. Every year on All Soul's Day, Chamorros remember their ancestors by holding special memorial services and decorating their graves with flowers, candles, photographs, and other mementos.

Catholicism has heavily influenced family life in the Northern Mariana Islands. Marriage is a matter of personal romantic love and is monogamous. Few adults remain unmarried, and large families are favored. Newly married couples may remain with the bride's family until children are born, when an independent nuclear household is established. Larger extended family households may develop, although the married couple and children tend to live independently

Languages were Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6%, including Carolinian, an Eastern Malayo-Polynesian language that combines dialects from the area of Truk. Chamorro is closely related to Tagalog (Pilipino). After more than four hundred years of Western (Spanish, German, and English) and Asian (Japanese) colonial domination, Chamorro is untouched in its grammar, although major portions of the vocabulary have been transformed into variants of Spanish and English.

Chamorros are used to being close together and often do not have to speak to communicate. When one encounters an older Chamorro, one is expected to at least nod with a bow or to kiss the elder's hand briefly as a sign of respect.

There are no large class differentials apart from migrant labor populations, which live in poorer economic conditions. The Northern Mariana Islands tend to be relatively homogeneous socially and economically.

Culture

[[Image:NMC_Garden_1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|View of an area of the Northern Marianas College campus, 2005. On the right is the library. On the left are various administration offices. In the back is National Public Radio station

A symbol of Chamorro strength, pride, resistance, and survival, is the latte stone, a megalithic structure used to elevate houses in the pre-colonial period. First built around 800 C.E., latte stones are large coral blocks composed of a trapezoidal stone pillar called a “haligi,” and a hemispherical cap called a “tasa.” Construction of these stones ceased after the onset of wars against Spanish colonizers. Jungle areas and sites in which latte stones are located are considered sacred. In pre-colonial years people buried family members beneath latte stones and thus ancestral spirits are assumed to reside there.

Rice dominates the diet, which is based of vegetables and marine resources. Most food is imported from Japan, Australia, and the United States. Normally, three meals a day are eaten at home — even for those working in towns. Families bring prepared food and additional food and drink for preparation on site for religious and secular ceremonies.

Siblings and neighbors form a network of caregivers for infants, who are rarely left alone. Chamorros value formal education. School age in the Marianas is from six to sixteen. Schools operate on the American model. There are preschool opportunities for the child under six years old. The Northern Marianas College on Saipan is a two-year school that offers degrees in education, liberal arts, and business. Students who wish continue their education attend the University of Guam or the University of Hawaii. Young people who leave the territory to complete their higher education often do not return. The literacy rate for the total population is 97%.

Chamorro folk music remains an important part of the islands' culture, though elements of music left by American, German, Spanish and Japanese colonizers can be seen. There are both Carolinian and Chamorro traditional chant styles. A variant of the Spanish cha-cha-chá is popular, as is a Carroline Islands "stick dance" which combines improvised percussion and foot stomping A well-known stick dance group is the Talabwog Men Stick Dancers.

The national anthem is "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (in Chamorro language, or "Satil Matawal Pacifico" in Carolinian), which was adopted on October 1996. The song's melody comes from a German tune. Music festivals include the Fiestan Luta, an annual celebration.


References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Thomas, James O., “Trapped With The Enemy: Four years as a civilian POW in Japan,” ISBN: 1401044131

Denfeld, D. Colt, “Hold the Marianas: The Japanese Defense of the Mariana Islands,” White Mane Publications, 1997. ISBN 1572490144

Cunningham, Lawrence J. “Ancient Chamorro Society,” 1992.

Farrell, Don A., “History of the Northern Mariana Islands,” (Unknown Binding), 1991

McPhetres, Samuel F., “Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands:” An article from “The Contemporary Pacific,” University of Hawaii Press, 2004

External links

Government

News Media

Overviews

Other


Template:Northern Mariana Islands

Political divisions of the United States Flag of the United States
States Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Federal district District of Columbia
Insular areas American Samoa | Baker Island | Guam | Howland Island | Jarvis Island | Johnston Atoll | Kingman Reef | Midway Atoll | Navassa Island | Northern Mariana Islands | Palmyra Atoll | Puerto Rico | Virgin Islands | Wake Island

Template:Pacific Islands

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Northern_Mariana_Islands&oldid=151038

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki