Northern Mariana Islands with the capital city Saipan is located in Oceania (Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean). It covers some 477 square kilometres (2.5 times the size of Washington, DC) with 80,362 citizens.

About the flag and history of Northern Mariana Islands

Blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture.

Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

National administrative regions of Northern Mariana Islands

• Northern Islands Municipality
• Rota Municipality
• Saipan Municipality
• Tinian Municipality

Geography Quick-Facts

List of current world heritage sites