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Mariana Islands share Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. This is a classic island arc of the Pacific Ring of Fire zone, formed by active subduction (the sinking of the edge of relatively thin oceanic crust under the base of thick continental-type crust) of tectonic plates. To the south and east of the chain of islands lies the deepest Mariana Trench in the world with a depth of up to 11,775 meters (according to other sources - 11,022 meters), which is precisely the visible expression of the plate collision zone. Geologically, Mariana is part of a chain of submarine volcanoes known as the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc, consisting of almost fifty submarine volcanoes. active volcanoes and 11 old volcanic peaks, whose peaks form the islands of the group.

The northern group of islands (Farallón de Pajaros (Uracas), Asunción, Pagan, Sarigan and others) is geologically young - most of these islands were formed over the last 5 million years and continue to grow today. The young cones of these islands are high and still active - volcanic eruptions and earthquakes up to magnitude 7 on the Richter scale are not uncommon. The steep slopes of the volcanoes run down to the virtually reefless waters of the surrounding ocean, forming typical volcanic landscapes with numerous lava fields and tongues. Vegetation and animal world are scarce, there are also few natural sources of water (with the exception of quite numerous fumaroles and mini-geysers, which annually release thousands of tons of highly mineralized water into the ocean).

The southern chain of islands (Saipan, Tinian, Agrihan, Rota, etc.) are older volcanic formations, whose age reaches 42 million years. They are also based on the tops of underwater volcanoes that fell asleep many millions of years ago. The highest point of the country is located here - the Agrikhan volcano, or Agrigan (965 m). Over the subsequent time, the underwater slopes of the once formidable volcanoes were actively “developed” by corals, the multi-meter thicknesses of which, raised by tectonic processes above sea level, formed the above-water part of the islands of the southern group. Today, almost all the islands of the southern chain are powerful massifs of coral limestone lying on a volcanic base. Numerous coastal terraces and high cliffs mark the sea level at various stages of island formation, and the shores are mostly framed by young coral reefs that form marginal lagoons.

The natural vegetation of the islands is sparse. The main plant is the coconut palm. Copra and palm oil were the most important export goods and the main source of income for many islanders. The coconut provides food and drinks (in addition to coconut milk itself, even flowers are used, ropes are made from palm fiber, wood is used for building materials, branches are used to weave baskets and mats, and charcoal is made from nut husks and cake). No less important is the fire tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), brought from other islands of Oceania (however, recently its role has been more decorative), as well as coleus (Coleus), caladium (Caladium) and philodendron (Araceae). But various fruit species brought by humans grow here in huge quantities.

The only endemic mammals on the islands are fruit bats, although they have almost disappeared due to the popularity of their meat in the cuisine of the local Chamorro people. Sambar deer can also be found on Rota, and skinks and geckos are found almost everywhere. But the bird community is quite diverse - the Mariana Islands are home to about 70 species of birds, including the grey-throated fantail (Rhipidura dahli), honeyeater (Meliphaga), Australian tern (Sterna nereis) and the endangered swiftlet (Collocalia). And the waters around the islands are literally teeming with marine life.

Official name - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands(Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

Located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. Area 477 km2, population of the Mariana Islands 80 thousand people. (2003). Official language- English. The administrative center of the Mariana Islands is the island of Saipan (over 50 thousand people, 2003). Public holiday - Commonwealth Day 8 January (1978). The monetary unit of the Mariana Islands is the US dollar.

Member of the Pacific Community (formerly UTK, since 1983).

The Mariana Islands are located between 13° and 31° north latitude and 144° and 146° east longitude on 14 islands of the Mariana archipelago, stretching 685 km from north to south. It borders on the south with Guam (the 15th island in the Mariana ridge, which turns into the deepest Mariana Trench on the planet - 10,900 m).

All islands are volcanic and mountainous. Length coastline- 1482 km. Northern Islands (9) are younger. Active volcanoes remain on Pagan and Agrihan (unnamed peak 965 m - the highest point in Micronesia). Ma-ug and Guguan - reserves wildlife, thousands of seabirds nest in the trees on the cliff tops. Sarigan is rich in tropical vegetation and home to a large colony of wild goats. The southern islands (5), including the largest (Saipan, 125 km2, Tinian, 105 km2 and Rota, 101 km2) are older. Coconut palms, heat-resistant cereals, sugar cane, etc. grow there on calcareous soils. Saipan has 6 different landscapes: from volcanic hills to wet lowlands and sandy beaches.

Natural resources: fish stocks within a 200-mile economic zone.

The climate of the Mariana Islands is tropical, even throughout the year, with an average temperature of +30°C, drier than in other places in Micronesia. The amount of precipitation is low - within 250 mm per year. Rainy season: July - November. There are typhoons at this time.

The population of the Mariana Islands is growing rapidly (3-4% per year), incl. due to immigration. The majority of the population is made up of Micronesian peoples (Chamorros, Carolinians, etc.), there are Europeans, Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos and Koreans. Chamorro (mostly oral) and Carolinian languages ​​are common. Less than 15% of the population speaks English at home. Most Chamorrans speak a little Japanese to communicate with tourists. 97% of the adult population of the Mariana Islands is literate. Life expectancy for men is 73 years, for women - 79 years. Infant mortality 5.5 people. per 1000 newborns.

Most of the population of the Mariana Islands is concentrated on the island of Saipan; 5 other islands are inhabited.

Dominates Catholic religion combined with maintaining adherence to traditional legends, beliefs and taboos.

In 1521, the Mariana Islands were discovered by F. Magellan. Their colonization in the 17th century. was accompanied by armed clashes between the Spaniards and the indigenous people - the Chamorros, most of whom were exterminated. They got their name in honor of Marianna of Austria, the widow of the Spanish king Philip IV. In 1899 Spain sold them to Germany. After World War I, under the mandate of the League of Nations, the islands came under Japanese control. In 1947, the United States received control of Mariana as one of the UN Trust Territories. Access to the islands was limited due to US military installations. Most of Tinian (from where the B-29 planes took off for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) is still reserved for use by the US Armed Forces. In 1972, negotiations began between representatives of the islands and the US government about the future status of the Marians. In 1975, they signed an Agreement on the creation of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, which are “in a political union” with the United States. Since 1978, after approval in a referendum, the Marian Constitution came into force, on the basis of which the first elections of the legislative and executive power. In 1986, the above-mentioned Agreement also came into force. In 1990, the UN Armed Forces abolished the status of a mandated territory in relation to the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands.

The Mariana Islands are a self-governing Commonwealth "in political union" with the United States, which controls foreign relations and defense. The head of state is the President of the United States. The indigenous population has American citizenship, but does not participate in American elections. Federal funding for the Marian economy is the responsibility of the US Department of the Interior.

The country has no administrative divisions, but there are 4 municipalities ( Northern Isles, Saipan, Tinian and Rota).

Executive power is exercised by the governor (Juan N. Wabauta) and the vice-governor (Diego T. Venevente), elected by direct popular vote for 4-year terms. The next elections are in 2005. The bicameral Legislative Assembly has 9 senators (elected for 4 years) and 18 members of the House of Representatives (for 2 years). The population of the islands also elects a “permanent representative” to the United States with a residence in Washington (unlike Guam, which has its own delegate to the US House of Representatives).

Political parties: by analogy with the USA - Republican (its members are the current governor and permanent representative in Washington, 4 senators and 16 deputies of the lower house) and Democratic (3 senators and a deputy), Reform Party (senator), Agreement Party (deputy).

The Mariana Islands do not have diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.

GDP per capita is 12.5 thousand US dollars. The main sectors of the economy are the rapidly growing clothing industry and tourism. About 50% of the workforce is employed in the tourism industry (25% of GDP), another 35% (mostly Chinese) in the clothing industry. The number of foreign workers is more than 4 times higher than the number of local workers, among whom unemployment is high - 30%.

The role of agriculture is small. Coconut palm, breadfruit, vegetables and fruits are grown on small farms. Cattle are raised on the ranch. Fishing and processing of fish (mainly tuna) are of particular importance.

Length highways- about 400 km. 2 sea ​​ports- on Saipan and Tinian. Of the 6 airports, 3 have paved runways and a helipad.

The islands are visited by 500 thousand or more foreign tourists per year (the Japanese predominate, Mariana is the closest Pacific island to them and memorable places battles of the 2nd World War).

US financial assistance is important for Marian's economy, but its share in the country's budget is last years declined as the local revenue base increased.

The main export item is clothing industry products. Food, fuel, construction materials and equipment are imported. The main partners are the USA and Japan.

The school education system includes public (primary and secondary schools) and private schools. You can continue your studies at Northern Marian College, as well as in educational institutions in the USA.

Mariana Islands- A group of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean, in Micronesia. They include 15 large islands (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, etc.).

The climate is tropical. The average temperature in January is +23+26°C, in July - +27°C. The islands are located in the Pacific typhoon belt, which usually pass here from August to December. The wettest months are July-October, the dry season is from December to May. Precipitation is 1800-2100 mm.

Story

Ferdinand Magellan passed South America and went out into the Pacific Ocean. The most difficult part of the journey lay before him. Although he didn’t know it, he had to cross the largest ocean in the world at the widest place! In the winter of 1520-1521, in four months he sailed 11 thousand kilometers in the open ocean. Supplies ran low and the team had to boil leather belts. Finally, Magellan's fleet reached the islands located approximately 1,900 kilometers south of Japan.

On the islands, Magellan replenished food supplies, but he was angered by the theft of the natives. Those, seeing the things of the Europeans, could not resist, so Magellan named the islands Ladrones, that is, the Islands of Thieves.

In 1667, a group of missionaries was sent to the same islands. They were sent by the Queen of Spain, who at that time was regent for her young son. The queen's name was Mariana; Having reached the islands, the missionaries renamed them in honor of the queen. Since then the islands have been called Mariana.

In 1898, after the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded to the United States the island on which Magellan had landed - Guam, the largest and most south island throughout the Mariana Archipelago. The following year, Spain sold the remaining islands to Germany. After World War I, defeated Germany gave its possessions to Japan, and after World War II, defeated Japan ceded the islands to the United States.

South of the Mariana Islands is an archipelago consisting of almost a thousand tiny islands scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean. The Portuguese were the first to discover them, but in 1686 the islands were annexed to Spain by the Spanish navigator Francisco Lazeano. He named the Caroline Islands in honor of Charles II of Spain. Charles II was the son of that same Queen Mariana. He grew up, although he was mentally retarded. The Caroline Islands also went to Germany, then to Japan, and then to the United States.

Sights of the Mariana Islands

Saipan Island part of the Mariana archipelago. In 1521, during the first trip around the world the island was discovered by Fernando Magellan. At first the island belonged to the Spanish colonialists. Then in the 19th century the islands were ceded to Germany, which brought hired Japanese to Saipan for agricultural work. Soon the Japanese colonized the Pacific, including Saipan. Today Saipan is under the protectorate of the United States of America.

There are plenty of attractions on the island and its surroundings: Suisad cliff, Saint Lourdas, Banzai cliff, Bird Island , Last command post, Calabera cave.

Saipan Island is the most visited in the entire archipelago. Most interesting place on Saipan -

Grotto, a natural cave with underground lakes up to 15 meters deep. The Grotto is a natural limestone cave with an underwater exit into the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean. Three underwater tunnels connect the cave with the open sea. The cave looks like a gaping mouth big whale. The Grotto underwater cave in the north of Saipan is declared by scuba diving specialists to be the second place in the world for its beauty.

Banzai Cliff located on top of Mount Marpi in northern Saipan. From a height of 249 m above sea level, the cliff offers an amazing view of the plateau at the foot and the ocean. At the end of the Battle of Saipan, in order to avoid being captured by the Americans, Japanese soldiers and the local Japanese population committed mass suicide. People, jumping onto the rocks into the boiling sea, shouted “Banzai”, paying their last respects to the emperor and imperial Japan. Today it was erected on this site buddhist statue and a memorial in memory of those killed.

Top of Mount Tapochao- the highest point of the island. Its height is 473 m above sea level. The mountain occupies a dominant position in the center of the island. Tapochao offers a 360-degree panorama. From here you can see the entire island at once and feel its beauty. At the top there is a statue of Jesus Christ looking down onto the island. The top of the mountain is an excellent shooting point for photographers.

Chamoli village located in the Garapan shopping center area. Built according to the rules of ancient Chamorran and Caroline villages, this village introduces tourists to local life and arts. Guests can try peeling coconuts, painting with banana stamps, making coconut oil and local sweets, as well as making Saipan beads, weaving a tropical wreath, hat or basket. There is also something for men here - to trim a real canoe and even try it in the island's lagoon. Here you can watch a Chamolin dance show, enjoy a barbecue and play local traditional games on the beach.

Bird Island got its name because of the seabirds that build their nests here. Co observation deck this reserve offers a charming view of a small bay with sandy beach, home to the white sea swallow, kingfisher and sea turtles.

American Memorial Park was opened in 1994 to honor the 3,000 American soldiers who died in the battles of Saipan and Tinian during World War II. But it's not only memorial Complex. The park also became the venue for island festivals and active rest. Activities include swimming, surfing, softball, running and tennis.

Saipan Botanical Garden occupies an area of ​​30,000 m2. It presents about 2,000 species of tropical plants - from fruits to rare exotic flowers. Here, during your visit, you can try coconut, papaya, mango, avocado, guava, star apple, and citrus fruits. Flower lovers will be inspired by the plants and trees that bloom all year round. One of the garden's attractions are green iguanas and tropical lizards.

Sanctuary of Our Lady. Legend claims that this place was revealed to a German priest in a divine vision during the Spanish rule. Later, Christians who came here to pray erected a statue of Our Lady. Near the altar under open air is the only spring on Saipan fresh water, called “the holy water of Our Lady.” Indigenous people believe in the miraculous healing properties of the water from this spring. During World War II, this place was the only one that escaped bombing.

Cuisine of the Mariana Islands

The cuisine of the Mariana Islands combines French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Thai culinary traditions.

Favorite drink local residents is coconut wine" tuba".

Among national dishes worth noting: all kinds of flatbreads; fried bananas; "lemai" - small slices of breadfruit fried in oil; all kinds of legumes; various salads; pies (especially good options with shellfish and shrimp); pancakes with meat and seafood fillings; rolls.

The hallmark of the cuisine of the Mariana Islands are sauces and seasonings that can change the taste of any product beyond recognition.

Sauce " kelagen" - a mixture of well-ground coconut with vinegar, palm oil, various spices and other ingredients. Meat in this sauce is baked, stewed, fried on coals or barbecued.

Many local dishes cannot do without sauce" finadeni" - a mixture of soy sauce, green onions, lemon juice and red pepper. This sauce is especially good in combination with soups and rice. In it, cooks marinate beef, poultry and pork, which are then fried over a fire.

Simple but very satisfying soups deserve special attention: “sutang-hu” - a hearty soup of poultry and rice; "atolin-mais" - thick stew; "chalakilis" is a soup made from poultry, onions, cloves, rice and coconut milk.

Concerning meat dishes, then they are quite traditional, and appetizing sauces give them a local flavor. Popular dishes include: fried beef or lamb ribs; " haole" - fried beef; baked chicken; venison with sauce; pork chops with young taro leaves and many other colorful dishes.

There is a lot of different seafood on the local table. Be sure to try dishes such as: “la-jo” - mussels with beans; white fish in vinegar; "capricorn fish"; favorite dish islanders "a la Chamorro" - spicy fish; oyster and shrimp pies; shark fins.

The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, a state in Micronesia - the western part of the Pacific Ocean, occupies most islands of the Mariana archipelago (14 of 15 islands. The 15th island of the chain is Guam, an overseas territory of the United States).
The islands form two chains - northern and southern, stretching almost strictly from north to south for 736 km (460 miles). Most of the islands in the northern chain are volcanic cones rising above the water (up to 965 m high), some of which are still active. Southern chain - coral and volcanic islands. The largest islands are Saipan (120 sq. km), Tinian and Rota, the smallest is Farallon de Medinilla, with an area of ​​about 0.5 sq. km. km.
The northernmost (uninhabited) island of the archipelago, Mogue, was ranked first in the National Geographic magazine's "Best Wildlife Destination" ranking.
The Mariana Islands mark the dividing line between the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. To the east of the archipelago lies Mariana Trench, the depth of which reaches 11,775 m.
total area The Northern Mariana Islands is 480 sq. km.

Administrative center - Saipan island

Time: Time relative to Moscow: ahead of Moscow by 6 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter.

Nature: Most of the islands in the northern chain are actually volcanic cones rising above the water (up to 965 m high), some of which are still active. Southern chain - coral and volcanic islands. The largest islands are Saipan (120 sq. km), Tinian and Rota, the smallest is Farallon de Medinilla, with an area of ​​less than half a square kilometer. The Mariana Islands mark the dividing line between the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. To the east of the island chain lies the world's deepest Mariana Trench, up to 11,775 meters deep.

Climate: Tropical, trade wind. Typhoons are frequent and tend to pass over the islands between August and December. Precipitation is 1800-2000 mm. per year, rainy season - from July to October. Best time to visit the Northern Mariana Islands - during the dry months from December to March.

Political system: The head of state and executive power is the governor, elected by the population. Legislative Assembly consists of two chambers: the Senate (9 members) and the House of Representatives (18 deputies), which are re-elected every two years.

Population: The population is about 45.4 thousand people (1993), mainly Micronesians-Chamorros, as well as people from the Caroline Islands and the Philippines.

Language: English (official), Chamorro and Caroline dialects are also widely spoken, Japanese and Korean are spoken in most hotels and some shops.

Religion: Roman Catholic Christianity, local religions and cults.

Economy: The basis of the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands is foreign tourism (233.3 thousand tourists in 1988, mainly from Japan) and Agriculture. Heat-resistant cereals, coconut palms, sugar cane, breadfruit, coffee, bananas, tomatoes, cotton, and citrus fruits are grown on the islands; raise cattle, pigs, goats; They catch and process fish (mainly tuna). There are deposits of phosphorites, sulfur, iron and manganese ores. The islands' exports consist of agricultural products.
The main foreign trade partners are Japan and the USA.

Currency: U.S. dollar.

Main attractions: The Northern Mariana Islands are often called "America's Best Keeping Secret", implying that the nature, abundance and historical places(especially associated with the period of the "Battle of the Pacific" in World War II) and the ease of accessibility of the islands both from the territory South-East Asia, and from America. Coral reefs, sea fishing, surfing and excellent conditions for passive recreation attract more than 240 thousand tourists a year to these tiny islands.

For some guests, the island of Saipan can turn into a nightmare when vacationing on a package deal, since it is literally overcrowded with tourists from Japan, moving in “organized columns” and constantly clicking the shutters of their cameras; the recreation infrastructure here is relatively poorly developed and is aimed more at lovers of an active lifestyle, than the pampered "shop tourist", but the island still boasts plenty of charm - still boasting turquoise waters, white sands and excellent diving, swimming, snorkeling and hiking. Saipan is the most popular "historical tourism" destination among citizens of the Japanese islands. In the recent past, this has allowed the island to achieve the fastest rate of tourism and population growth in Micronesia, with the construction of new golf courses and numerous resorts springing up around the island. Tourists and foreign workers now outnumber the natives, and the island has lost much of its Micronesian character. However, Saipan still has everything that attracts tourists here - beautiful beaches on the western and southern coasts, a wealth of scenic beauty on the rugged and rocky eastern shore, a rolling hinterland and majestic cliffs on the northern coast. The island itself has 23 km. in length and 8 km. in width.

Garapan, the most Big city in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is the fastest growing city in the region. Almost destroyed during the fighting of the Second World War and resettled in the 1960s, Garapan has now been completely restored and is completely built up with sushi bars, karaoke clubs and other establishments that are clearly aimed at tourists from Japan. The white sands and turquoise waters of Micro city beach are considered the most beautiful on the islands. Just north of the beach, American Memorial Park stretches along the coast, protecting the habitat of forest and wading birds, and also serves as a favorite place for picnics and memorial events dedicated to the memory of American soldiers killed in the US invasion of Saipan and Tinian. Also located here is the Museum of the Second World War with an exhibition of weapons, uniforms, ammunition, photographs and other military attributes of that time. Tinian is a sleepy island with a single village just 2 km away. south of Saipan, it has "luckily" escaped the main influx of tourists and therefore serves as a good place for "escape from civilization" if the bustle of Saipan seems too intrusive. It is difficult to imagine that such a peaceful place could be involved in one of the most tragic events in history: Tinian "became famous" as the landing strip for the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. San Jose, main locality islands, is the territory of an ancient Chamorro village. Those early settlers created the finest facilities that are largely what attract visitors to the area today. The main attraction of San Jose is the Taga House, which served as a place of large gatherings and the residence of Taga the Great, the legendary king. ancient state Chamorro.

There are several on Tinian good places for swimming, including Cummer Beach in San Jose and Taga Beach south of the village, which have turquoise waters and white sand. Chulu Beach on the northwestern coast of Tinian, is the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War, where American troops landed on the island, so massive battles continue here. archaeological excavations. Rota Island lies halfway between Saipan and Guam, and is only now beginning to “come out of the shadows” big islands, it is still a slowly developing place with poor recreational infrastructure. The main village, Songsong, still has no traffic lights or shopping centers . Situated on the southwestern coast of Rota, Songsong extends along a narrow peninsula, which only at its tip rises to the foot of Mount Taipingo (210 m.). The village is literally “saturated” with a variety of stones, which serve to strengthen the foundations of houses and to mark “streets” and as piers and fences. The local Franciscan Church of Borgia is proud of its hundred-year-old bell. You can travel from Songsong by foot or jeep to the northeast, where the island's shores are particularly scenic, or visit the white coral sands of Twixberry Beach or climb to the top of Mount Taipingo for superb views of the village, harbor and Sasanaya Bay. The Northern Mariana Islands are an excellent place for active holidays. On Saipan, the most interesting place is the Grotto (Grotto), a natural cave with underground lakes up to 15 meters deep and tunnels to the open sea. You can dive to WWII crash sites in Tanapag Harbor, caves and conger eel breeding grounds at Obian Beach, and huge coral formations just offshore at the Saipan Grand Hotel. The best place for snorkeling on Saipan is Managaha Island, on Tinian - Tachona Beach, and on Rota - Corell Gardens in Sasanaya Bay. All three islands have good conditions for hiking. On Saipan, the main route is the Laderana Tangka Trail through the Marpi Commonwealth Forest. There is a wonderful route along the banks of the Cammer and Taga south of San Jose on Tinian. Other recreational activities include windsurfing, which is extremely popular here (the best place is Micro Beach on Saipan), tennis, golf and short underwater excursions in the lagoon between Saipan and the Managaha Islands, where you can see on the bottom of the sea, in addition to its many inhabitants, traces of Japanese wrecks ships or American "Superfortresses" B-29. Most villages hold annual celebrations in honor of their patron saint, which are the biggest events of the year. Rota and Tinian each hold one such "festival", while Saipan has six: in San Vicente in early April, in San Antonio in mid-June, in Mount Carmel Cathedral in Chalan Canoa in mid-July, in San Rock in mid-August, Tanapag in early October and Koblerville in late October. The Tinian Festival takes place during the last weekend of April or the first weekend of May in honor of Saint José, the island's patron saint. The largest and most popular festival in the Northern Mariana Islands, however, is the Rota Festival on the first or second weekend of October. The celebration, held by the Franciscan Church of Borgia, includes a luxurious banquet, which features only traditional food and drinks of the Chamorro people, religious processions, music and dance festivals.

Most events and festivals are still held in Saipan. Popular events include the half marathon and 10 km sea race, held at the end of January. The Kintetsu Buffaloes, a professional baseball team from Japan, hold training camps and competitions here in the spring, training and playing with local teams (and at a fairly serious level) during the first two weeks of February. The annual Micronesian Open and Saipan Lagoon Regatta are international windsurfing competitions, as well as the Hobie Cat competition, held in the Micro Beach area in mid-February. International athletes swim, bike and run nearly 80 kilometers during the Tagaman Triathlon, held in mid-May. The week-long Liberation Day Festival celebrates the liberation of the islands on July 4th, US Independence Day. The festivities include pageants, a beauty pageant, a night of varied entertainment, sports games and numerous banquets. The fishing tournament takes place in August during marlin season. Each island also hosts a different fishing competition, with Rota having Labor Day on a weekend in early September and Tinian having the Fishing Prize in early November.

Historical sketch: Since the 17th century, the Mariana Islands have been a colony of Spain. In 1898 Spain sold the islands to Germany. In 1914, Japan captured the Mariana Islands, and in 1945 the Americans came here. After World War II, the Mariana Islands were part of Micronesia, a territory under US administration. In the 1970s, Micronesia was divided into four political-administrative units. One of these units was the Mariana Islands without its southern part (the islands of Guam). In 1975, the islanders voted to become a "freely affiliated" territory of the United States. In 1976, an agreement on free association between the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States was signed. On November 3, 1986, this agreement came into force, which meant the emergence of a new state - the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

National domain:.MP

Entry rules: All visitors require visas valid for up to three months and proof of no immigration intent. To obtain a visa, you must provide two completed forms, two photographs, a passport valid for at least 6 months, as well as evidence of the absence of immigration intentions (certificate of salary, certificate of real estate, etc.). Formally, an invitation is not required to obtain a visa. The consular fee is $45, in addition you need to pay the cost of the visa ($20 - one-time). The processing time - from a couple of days ("express") to one and a half months - depends on the documents provided and the appointment of the interview. The visa you receive does not guarantee entry into the United States and the Mariana Islands. Russian citizens are registered upon passing passport control. Immigration authorities at the first point of entry into the country will stamp the date of entry, permitted period of stay in the country, date of departure and visa category on the travel voucher insert.

Customs regulations: The import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. You can import any amounts in cash, traveler's checks and payment cards. Only amounts over $10,000 are required to be declared. When importing gold, declaration is required. Personal items are not subject to duty; perishable foods, weapons, and drugs are prohibited for import into the country.

The Northern Mariana Islands, which actually and legally belong to the territory of the United States of America (like the entire Mariana Archipelago), are presented here as a separate destination. This was not done by chance: the very nature of the holiday, and many of the nuances of staying here are completely different than in other American beach resorts. For a tourist, the Northern Mariana Islands offer untouched and very beautiful tropical nature, many historical sites associated with the battles for the Pacific Ocean during the Second World War, fantastic coral reefs, sea fishing with a rich and varied catch, golf, surfing, diving, snorkeling and good conditions for a beach holiday.

How to get there

There is no direct flight from Russia to the islands. You can fly to Saipan with a connection in Shanghai (China Eastern), Tokyo (Japan Airlines and Northwest Airlines) or Seoul (Asiana Air). Flight duration (excluding connections) is about 16 hours.

If flying through Tokyo, tourists will need to apply for a transit visa.

Search for flights to Saipan (the closest airport to the Northern Mariana Islands)

Visa to Northern Mariana Islands

Until October 1, 2019 To enter the territory of the Mariana Islands for a period of up to 45 days for the purpose of tourism, Russian citizens will not need a visa. From the beginning of October, you will have to obtain a B1/B2 visa, which allows multiple entries into the United States within 180 days.

Customs

The import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. You can import any amounts in cash, traveler's checks and payment cards. Only amounts over 10,000 USD are required to be declared. When importing gold, a declaration is required. Personal items are not subject to duty; the import of perishable foods (meat, vegetables, fruits, etc.), weapons and drugs into the country is prohibited. The export of corals and other local marine life is prohibited.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Useful phone numbers

All emergency services (ambulance, police, fire): 911

Roaming on the islands is not yet available to subscribers of Russian operators, but you can rent a cell phone there. Phone calls to Russia are best made using a calling card from public telephones in hotels, on the streets and in shops. Calls from hotel rooms are noticeably more expensive.

Maps of the Northern Mariana Islands

Electricity

Electrical voltage 110 V, 60 Hz. The socket standard is American.

Weather in the Northern Mariana Islands

Money

Traveler's checks in US dollars are accepted everywhere except the most remote islands. There is no need to exchange them: most hotels, restaurants and large stores accept them as cash. There are commercial banks on Saipan, Rota and Tinian. On other islands, tourists will have to carry enough cash with them to pay for goods and services, since small private shops do not accept traveler's checks. This also applies to the rental of boats and yachts, as well as payment for the services of guides and conductors. Major credit cards (especially Mastercard and Visa) are also accepted almost everywhere, but again only on the larger islands.

Tipping is optional and remains entirely at the discretion of the tourist. There is no generally accepted tip size; traditionally, in bars and restaurants, foreign tourists tip no more than 10% of the bill, and porters and maids in hotels are usually given 1 USD.

Shopping and shops

Prices in all stores are fixed; bargaining is not accepted.

Popular hotels in Northern Mariana Islands

Entertainment and attractions of the Northern Mariana Islands

The best places for snorkeling: Saipan - Managaha Island, Tiniane - Tachona Beach, Rota - Corell Gardens in Sasanaya Bay. All three main islands of the archipelago are good for hiking. The main route on Saipan is the Laderana-Tangka Trail through the Marpi Commonwealth Forest. Tinian has a wonderful route along the Cammer and Taga banks south of San Jose.

Other recreational options: windsurfing, popular here (the best place for it is Micro Beach on Saipan), tennis, golf and short underwater excursions in the lagoon between Saipan and Managaha Island, where on the bottom of the sea, in addition to its many inhabitants, you can see traces of Japanese shipwrecks and American B-29s.