<p><img src="images/NorthernMarianasflag.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="80" /></p>
<p>The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The island consists of 15 islands, yet only 3 of which are populated. They are Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. Northern Mariana has a total land mass of 475.3 square kilometers, with a population of 53,883 people. Northern Mariana Islands is an inhabited American insular area. The latitude and longitude of the Northern Mariana Islands is 15 degrees 12’0” N/ 145 degrees 45’0” E.</p>
<p>Capital Hill is considered the capital, as it the administrative center. It is located in northwestern Saipan. The official currency used in Northern Mariana Islands is the U.S dollar. The official languages are English, Chamorro, and Carolinian.  The Island has a tropical marine climate, with dry seasons from December to June. The Northern Marianas is vulnerable to Typhoons from July to November, which is also the rainy season.</p>
<p><strong><em>HISTORY</em></strong></p>
<p>The first settlers of Northern Marianas were from Southeast Asia which was around 4000 BC to 2000 BC. They were known as the Chamorro after their first contact with Spaniards. With archeological evidence, it has been indicated that Tinian may have been the first Pacific Island outside of Asia to be inhabited.</p>
<p>                                                           <img src="images/historyNM.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong><em>GEOGRAPHY</em></strong></p>
<p>The Mariana Islands archipelago is collection of both the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam to the south. Several islands on Northern Mariana are volcanic, some of which are still active. The last volcanic eruption was in May, 2003 on Anatahan Volcano.</p>
<p>                          <img src="images/northernmarianasgeography.jpg" alt="" width="607" height="230" /></p>
<p><strong><em>ECONOMY</em></strong></p>
<p>Tourism, Garment Manufacturing, and Aid from the United States are the major contributor to the economy.  Agriculture is also practiced in the island, even though it is insignificant to the economy.</p>
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<p><strong><em>EDUCATION</em></strong></p>
<p>The public schools are primarily operated by the government. There are also numerous private schools available.</p>
<p>                                                                                  <img src="images/NMschool.jpg" alt="" width="207" height="129" /></p>
<p><strong><em>CULTURE</em></strong></p>
<p>The Chamorro culture revolves around respect, which is evident in the “fani’i” tradition. The native culture was heavily influenced by Spanish, Germans, and also Japanese. This has altered the cuisines, similarities shared with Spanish, and Philippines.</p>
<p>                                                          <img src="images/NorthernMarianas.Saipan.jpg" alt="" width="456" height="318" /></p>
<p><strong><em>RELIGION</em></strong></p>
<p>Majority of the natives practice Roman Catholicism, while some are Buddhist.</p>
<p>                                                   <img src="images/Saipan_Mount_Carmel_Cathedral.JPG" alt="" width="473" height="393" /></p>
<p><strong><em>SPORTS</em></strong></p>
<p>Baseball is by far the most popular sport in Northern Mariana. Other sports played are: basketball, mixed martial arts, volleyball, tennis, soccer, sailing, softball, swimming, and American football.</p>
<p>                                                   <img src="images/baseballfield.JPG" alt="" width="474" height="268" /></p>