Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands are a chain of 14 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. They are a territory of the United States. The islands have beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a mix of cultures. Saipan is the largest and most populated island in the chain.

Land and People

About 50,000 people live in the Northern Mariana Islands. The capital is on the island of Saipan. The islands are volcanic with lush tropical plants. Only three of the fourteen islands have people living on them. The Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the ocean, is nearby.

Culture and Fun Facts

The Chamorro and Carolinian peoples are the native people of the islands. The islands were ruled by Spain, Germany, and Japan before becoming part of the United States. Tourism is important, with visitors coming to enjoy the warm water and beautiful reefs. The islands also have important World War II historical sites.

Fun Facts

• The Mariana Trench near the islands is the deepest place in the world's oceans at about 36,000 feet deep.
• The Northern Mariana Islands became a U.S. territory in 1978.
• The island of Pagan has an active volcano that erupted as recently as 1981.

Did You Know?

The Mariana Trench, located near these islands, is so deep that if you put Mount Everest at the bottom, there would still be over a mile of water above its peak.