Open left menu Northern Mariana Islands. Northern Mariana Islands - mysteries of the Mariana Islands

Northern Mariana Islands or Community of the Northern Mariana Islands- small Island state in Micronesia, in the western Pacific Ocean in the Mariana Islands archipelago. It has the status of a non-aligned territory freely associated with the United States. Territory - 477 km². The capital is Saipan on the island of the same name.

The Mariana Islands archipelago consists of 15 islands of volcanic origin, the largest of which are Saipan, Tinian and Rota. However, only 14 islands belong to the Northern Mariana Islands, and the fifteenth, Guam, the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands, is considered a separate territory belonging to the United States.

The Mariana Islands are an island arc located in a tectonically active region in the western Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located 2,500 km east of the Philippines and the same distance north of Papua New Guinea. The islands extend approximately 800 km.

Geologically, the islands can be divided into two groups: the older southern (Rota, Tinian, Aguihan, Farallon de Medinilla, Saipan) and the young northern (the rest of the islands of the archipelago). All islands of the northern group are stratovolcanoes. Most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs. The reefs of the southern islands are older and better developed. In the area of ​​the islands there are about 50 underwater volcanoes and 11 volcanoes form islands.

To the east of the islands is perhaps the most famous local geographical landmark - the Mariana Trench, 11,775 meters deep.

Climate of the Northern Mariana Islands

Climate of the Northern Mariana Islands- tropical, trade wind.

The rainy season lasts from July to December, the average temperature at this time is +33..+35°C. From August to November in Pacific Ocean There are tropical storms and typhoons. The “dry” months on the islands are from December to June; due to the sea breeze, the average temperature at this time is +27..+29°C. The average annual sea water temperature is +25°C.

Best time to visit the Northern Mariana Islands - from December to March, and the tourist season on the island of Saipan lasts all year.

Last changes: 05/10/2013

Population

Population of the Northern Mariana Islands- 88.6 thousand people (2009). Average life expectancy is 74 years for men, 79 years for women.

Ethnic composition: Asians (Filipinos, Chinese, etc.) 56.3%, Oceanian peoples (including Chamorros) 36.3%, mixed origin 4.8%, whites 1.8%, other 0.8%.

The majority of believers on the islands are Catholics (Roman Catholic Christianity). Part of the population considers itself to be of East Asian origin.

official languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian.

Last changes: 05/10/2013

Currency

Currency unit: US dollar (USD), 1 USD = 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, coins - penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), half dollar (50 cents), as well as 2 and 1 dollar.

Almost everywhere Japanese yen and Korean won are accepted for payment.

Bank branches are open from Monday to Thursday, from 10.00 to 15.00, on Fridays - from 10.00 to 18.00. Some bank offices on outlying islands may operate on their own schedule.

Most hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and diving centers on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota accept plastic cards. ATMs can be found in bank branches and large shopping centers. On remote islands you may encounter problems when trying to pay for something with a plastic card, because often small private shops simply do not accept card payments.

Tourist checks in US dollars are accepted everywhere, and there is no need to visit a bank branch, as most hotels, restaurants and large stores cash them on the spot. If you are going to visit small islands during your trip, we recommend that you stock up on the necessary amount of cash in advance.

VAT and Tax-Free

When paying for services in hotels, a hotel tax of 10% is charged. There are no other commercial taxes, including VAT.

Last changes: 05/10/2013

Communications

Telephone code: 1 - 670

Internet domain: .mp

Ambulance, police, fire service: 911

How to call

To call from Russia to the Northern Mariana Islands, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 1 - 670 - subscriber number.

To call from the Northern Mariana Islands to Russia, you need to dial: 011 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Landline communications

You can find pay phones everywhere. They all work using telephone cards, which are sold at post offices, newsstands and tobacco kiosks. You can make local, long-distance and international calls from any pay phone. Some phones accept credit cards.

mobile connection

cellular covers almost all the southern islands and part of the northern ones. Roaming with local networks (GSM 850/1900 standards) is available to subscribers of the largest Russian cellular companies through the networks of other operators in the region.

Internet

Internet cafes are few in number, mostly concentrated in Saipan, but almost all large hotels and business centers have their own access points, including those equipped with Wi-Fi equipment.

Last changes: 05/10/2013

Where to stay

Prices for hotel accommodation on the island of Saipan are quite high, especially during the holiday season for the Japanese (the Northern Mariana Islands are visited by up to 0.5 million tourists a year, mainly from Japan). There are few cheap hotels on the islands and no hostels.

Last changes: 05/10/2013

Sea and beaches

On the islands of the Southern group ( Saipan, Tinian and Rota)- beaches with fine white sand. The islands of the Northern group have beaches with black volcanic sand.

Last changes: 05/10/2013

Story

The Mariana Islands were discovered by Magellan's expedition on March 6, 1521. The Chamorro aborigines, who lived at the stage of the primitive communal system, stole a boat from the Spaniards, and Magellan named these islands Las Islas de los Ladrones - that is, the Islands of Thieves or the Robber Islands.

Although these islands were declared the possession of Spain back in the 16th century, the Spaniards began to establish practical control over them only in 1668. Spanish Jesuit monks landed there, renamed the islands Marianas, “Las Islas Marianas” or “Las Marianas” in honor of Marianna of Austria, and began converting the natives to the Christian faith. This caused fierce resistance from the natives, and as a result, almost the entire male population of the islands was destroyed by the Spanish soldiers accompanying the monks. Subsequently, the population of the Mariana Islands increased again due to the offspring of aboriginal women from Spanish soldiers and monks.

The Spanish colonialists practically did not develop the islands, and at the end of the 19th century Germany became very interested in the Pacific territories. As a result, under an agreement dated February 12, 1899, Germany bought the Mariana Islands from Spain for an amount equivalent to $4.5 million (except for Guam, annexed by the United States - the largest and southernmost island of the Mariana archipelago).

The Germans began to create plantations on the islands, but their rule was short-lived - in the First world war The Mariana Islands (like the neighboring Caroline and Marshall Islands, also purchased by Germany from Spain in 1899) were occupied by Japan, which received them as a League of Nations mandate under the Treaty of Versailles.

The Japanese actively developed sugarcane plantations on the islands, as well as coconut palms, tobacco and citrus fruits, and pursued a deliberate policy of settling the islands with the Japanese and forcibly assimilating the aborigines (including through the method of forced physical mixing of aborigines with Japanese settlers).

During World War II, American troops captured the Marianas and other Pacific islands, after the war, Japanese settlers were deported to Japan, and the Caroline, Marshall and Mariana Islands were transferred to US custody in 1947 by decision of the UN.

The Community of the Northern Mariana Islands was created in 1976 during the division of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Unlike the Marshall and Caroline Islands, the Marianas decided to abandon state independence, preferring only internal self-government.

On November 4, 1986, the final agreement on the political union of the Northern Mariana Islands with the United States came into force.

In 2007-08, changes were made to the treaty of political union between the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States, bringing the laws of the Commonwealth closer to US requirements. Including the gradual increase in the minimum wage to the levels established in the United States, the election of a delegate to the House of Representatives in the US Congress and changes in immigration laws (the latest changes came into effect on November 28, 2009).

Last changes: 05/10/2013

Entertainment

Popular in the Northern Mariana Islands are - diving, snorkeling, trekking, windsurfing And golf.

Diving– the main dive site of Saipan “Grotto” (underwater access to the ocean through underwater grottoes) is unique in the world in terms of the beauty of underwater architecture. The water temperature in the coastal waters of the islands is comfortable all year round and does not change depending on the time of day. Perfect transparency allows you to see all the beauty underwater world.

Snorkeling– the best places for snorkeling: Saipan – Managaha Island, Tiniane – Tachona Beach, Rota – Corell Gardens in Sasanaya Bay.

Trekking– 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.

Windsurfing– the best place for surfing is Micro Beach on Saipan.

Golf– several golf clubs are open on Saipan: Kingfisher Golf Links, Coral Ocean Point, Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort(“Lau Lay Bay Golf Club”), Marianas Country Club (“Marianas Country Golf Club”).

The island's golf courses are technically very different from each other, but have one thing in common - beautiful views of the ocean and gorgeous tropical nature. The clubs here require the same punctuality as most clubs elsewhere in the world. All clubs require that you dress appropriately for golf. Tops and flip-flops are not allowed.

The Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean attract travelers with the beauty of a tropical paradise. A chain of 15 tiny landmass located north of the equator, bordering the eastern part of the Philippine Sea. There are two independent state entities located on the territory of the archipelago. One of them is called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or simply the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), the second is Guam.

Tropical paradise

The Mariana Islands offer a warm climate, evergreen forests and picturesque lagoons. The archipelago is surrounded by fantastically beautiful surroundings and the vibrant underwater world promises exciting adventures. This part of Micronesia enjoys summer-like warmth throughout the year, with an atmosphere of warm hospitality and celebration. Tourists like to go snorkeling, diving, and surfing on the islands. Many come to bask in the whites sandy beaches. In hotels on major islands high level services, there are golf clubs, gourmet restaurants.

Where is the archipelago, how to get there?

The Mariana Islands on the map stretch between parallels 12 and 21º, they form an arc along 145° E. w. with a total length of about 810 km. In the south, the archipelago borders on the Caroline Islands, and in the north on the In this area, the time difference with Moscow is +6 hours. To travel to the Mariana Islands, Russian citizens do not need to obtain a visa if the stay does not exceed 45 days. You can get to the archipelago by plane with one transfer in cities in the southeast of the mainland. You will need an amount of 1200-1300 US dollars for a flight with 1-2 transfers on the route Moscow - Mariana Islands. Vacations and hotel prices depend on the city the tourist chooses. Air transport, ferry, boats and inflatable boats operate between the islands of the archipelago.

When is the best time to go? Climate and seasons

Tours to the Mariana Islands are organized year-round, because in all parts of the archipelago summer lasts 12 months a year. The climate is determined good location islands between the Tropic of the North and the equator. The tourist season is open all year round, but travelers should note the differences between dry and wet periods. Temperature conditions throughout the year are not very varied - +27...+29 °C (maximum +33 °C). Precipitation is about 2000 mm/year. There is a dry period, its duration is 8 months - from December to July. Then comes the wet season, which lasts until November. At this time, trade winds bring an abundance of moisture from the ocean, and the bulk of precipitation falls. In August-November there is a high probability of typhoons and storms. The water temperature on the beaches almost all year is +28...+29 °C, only in February and March it drops to +27 °C. The most comfortable months for vacation are December-March.

Government structure and population

The Northern Mariana Islands are a territory freely associated with the United States and are self-governing. Citizens are considered subjects of the United States but do not vote in national elections. The population of the island of Guam (Mariana Islands) has the same rights. Other important information for tourists about the states of the archipelago:

• The administrative center of the SMO is about. Saipan;
• the capital of Guam is Hagatna;
• English is the official language, the Chamorro aboriginal language and Caroline dialects are also used;
• Catholicism is the dominant religion;
• US dollar is a monetary unit.

The indigenous population has preserved their language and traditions associated with cultivating the land, hunting and fishing. People from other territories of Micronesia and the Caroline Islands maintain the cultural heritage of their ancestors in the form of national music, dances, crafts and handicrafts.

History of Chamorro Land

Presumably in the 3rd millennium BC. e. Catamarans brought the first inhabitants of the Mariana Islands to the outskirts of the Philippine Sea from the territory of modern Indonesia. From these ancient seafarers came the Chamorro people. The name of the archipelago was given by the Spaniards in honor of the actual head of Spain, Marianna of Austria. In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi annexed the Mariana Islands to the possessions of the Spanish crown. Large-scale colonization began 100 years later and was associated with missionary activity. The population was converted to Christianity and taught to grow cereals and raise livestock.

At the end of the 19th century, Spain ceded Guam to the United States, along with Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and sold the other Mariana Islands to Germany. Saipan became a coconut growing center for the Germans. Japan seized control of the islands of the archipelago in 1914, holding the territory until the US Navy and the American Army landed in 1944. From the airfield to the island. Tinian was the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. At the same time, the UN recognized the US protectorate over Guam, and in 1947, the United States trusteeship over Northern Isles archipelago.

Amazing nature of the islands

The relatively young Mariana Islands on the map represent a chain of land areas of volcanic and coral origin. They appeared more than 25 million years ago. In the same part of the ocean is the deepest place in the World Ocean - the Mariana Trench with the Challenger Deep (more than 11 km). On the northern island of Agrihan is the highest active volcano archipelago (965 m). Soils, flora and fauna were formed under the influence of warm humid climate, proximity to the ocean. Isolation from the mainland also had an impact. The richness of nature of the large islands consists of:

• valleys covered with fertile lands;
• rainforests;
• sandy beaches sparkling in the sun.
• majestic cones of extinct volcanoes;
• picturesque underwater caves and grottoes.

The flora includes many species of heat-loving trees, shrubs and flowers. Banana, coconut palm, hibiscus and orchids grow here. Representatives of 40 species of birds, giant crabs and lizards, whose sizes reach 1 m, live on the islands. Among the lush tropical vegetation on the island. Sarigan is a refuge for wild ungulates.

Tourism on the islands

On about. Saipan is home to 90% of the Commonwealth's population and is home to the majority of beach hotels. Inhabited picturesque islands Tinian and Rota, where many hiking trails are organized. The uninhabited parts of the archipelago are also popular due to the possibility of reaching them within one day and aquatic species sports Travelers go to the islands to watch birds and dive to coral reefs. Saipan has golf courses and excursions around the area are offered. Some of the favorite entertainments of tourists include:

• sailing on boats with a transparent bottom;
• yacht cruises;
• windsurfing;
• walks in the jungle;
• mountain biking through mountains and jungles;
• air flights and parachute jumps over the Saipan lagoon;
• attending courses at golf clubs.

Diving, snorkeling and fishing

The coastal waters of the archipelago are clean and transparent. Such conditions are favorable for different forms of living beings.

Dozens of species of coelenterates form the coral reefs that fringe the Mariana Islands. Photos of the underwater world will not leave any diver or snorkeler indifferent.

Clownfish, tuna, barracuda, and swordfish are often found. In the ocean waters near the islands there are dolphins, whales and other sea creatures (octopuses, lobsters, sea turtles).

Sights of the archipelago

Abundance natural conditions For unforgettable holiday complemented by a developed tourism infrastructure on the large islands - Saipan, Tinyan, Rota and Guam. The coral reef and Lau Lau Beach, popular among fans of water recreation, are located on the southeastern coast of the island. Saipan. Grotto is a natural cave with lakes up to 15 m deep and underwater access to the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the Mariana Islands, prehistoric latte structures are formed by two parallel rows of slabs. The height is about 1.5 m, the width is over 3.5 m, and there are stone ceilings on top. Structures 12 m long could serve as supports for religious buildings or houses. The most famous of these artifacts, called the House of Taga, is located on the island of Tinian. The eventful history of the Mariana Islands is reflected in museum exhibitions and memorial monuments.

8 mysteries of the Mariana Islands

What is interesting to see in the Mariana Islands?

Saipan Island, 23 km. in length and 8 km. in width, it is the largest of the Mariana Islands and is the administrative center of the Commonwealth. Saipan amazes with its beauty and attracts tourists all year round warm sea and bright sun. The center, Gararan, is the most…

Video from the Mariana Islands

How to get to the Mariana Islands?

From Russia to o. Saipan can be reached by flying through Seoul, South Korea, or Tokyo, Japan. There are daily flights from both countries to the Mariana Islands.

flight time: 3 hour flight from Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya),

4.5 hours flight from South Korea(Seoul, Busan),

5 hours flight from China - Shanghai (regular charters from Beijing and Guangzhou are also available)

vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to visit the Mariana Islands.

How to comfortably move around the Mariana Islands?

traffic: Traffic is on the right side, cars are left-hand drive. Rules traffic the same as in Russia with small exceptions, for example, at a red light you can turn right, allowing cars from the opposite lane turning left to pass.

Road traffic and rules are very simple. There are no huge traffic jams here like in big cities. Top speed 35 mph, some larger roads 40-45 mph. To rent a car, the age limit is 21 years or older.

Traffic Laws:

Wear a seat belt (fine starts at $50.00)

Children under 4 must be fastened in child seats, from 4 years and older - with a car seat belt

When there is a stop signal (STOP) on a school bus, you must stop

Driving into oncoming traffic is prohibited

Parking on blue (with handicapped sign) is prohibited

The middle lane (yellow solid or dotted on both sides) is allowed to be used only during a left turn or a full U-turn, but only after a complete stop.

After sunset, low beams must be turned on (18:30)

When a police officer stops your car, do not get out of the car. You need to open the window.

Driving while intoxicated is strictly prohibited.

car rental: Car brands

Toyota, Ford, Nissan, KIA

Documentation

It is enough to have your Russian license with you. You can pay by card or cash.

The car is rented with a full tank and the car must be returned with a full tank. If the agreement is violated, the amount for gasoline will be charged in triple amount.

Some car rental offices ask you to pay for gas in advance.

Insurance

Each car rental office offers several types of insurance.

It is not necessary to insure the car. You can refuse insurance, but in this case you must leave your credit card information.

Taxi: Taxis in Saipan can only be caught in hotel parking lots. Taxi services, although metered, are expensive.

buses: Saipan, Tinian and Rota do not have a public transport system. Eat free bus Duty Free from the store to the hotels and back.

hitch-hiking: It is possible to hitchhike in the Mariana Islands, but it is not a common practice.

airports: There are international/local airports on each island: Saipan, Rota and Tinian. The main airport of the Mariana Islands is international Airport on o. Saipan.

airlines: Asiana Airline (OZ)

Delta Airlines (DL)

Shanghai Airline (FM)

Continental Airline (CO)

Freedom Air (FRE)

railway: There are no railways in the Mariana Islands.

ports: The only one international port- on Saipan, and three local ones - on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Where is the best place to stay when traveling to the Mariana Islands?

Climate in the Mariana Islands

The climate is tropical. O. Saipan is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the most constant round-the-clock year-round temperature in the world of +27 degrees C. The season for tourists in the Mariana Islands is open all year round.

There are 2 seasons - dry and wet. The wet season occurs for 6 months from July to December. A special characteristic of the wet season is short rains during the day and heavy rains at night, which does not prevent tourists from enjoying the warm sea and bright sun. The average air temperature during the wet season is +33 - +35 degrees Celsius and the average precipitation is 1800-2000 mm.

The dry season occurs for 6 months from January to June. The weather this season is cool with a light breeze and the air temperature drops to +27 degrees Celsius. The average water temperature is +25 degrees Celsius, precipitation is reduced to a minimum, and droughts are possible.

Between July and November, tropical storms and typhoons are possible in the Pacific Ocean. They mainly originate in the Mariana Islands and move north, gaining strength off the coast of the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Korea or Japan.

National cuisine of the Mariana Islands

The cuisine in the Mariana Islands is international. Initially, with the development of the textile and tourism industries on the islands, a multinational population emerged. The Chinese, Filipinos, Thais, Japanese, Koreans, Americans, Australians and other nationalities have influenced the islands' diverse cuisine. Accordingly, the island has many restaurants and eateries to suit each of these nationalities.

The locals are very hospitable, and if you make friends in Saipan, you will definitely invite them to visit, where they will offer local dishes such as red rice, grilled meat or poultry or in coconut milk, corn tortillas, spicy chicken kalaguen, apigigi (young coconut with starch flour, wrapped in banana leaf), tropical fruits and many other dishes. You can sample local dishes in hotel restaurants or at the local fair in Garapan on Thursdays.

Most popular restaurants:

The restaurant “Tony Romas” is famous for ribs prepared according to traditional American recipes, and “Capriciosa” - Italian cuisine, are located not far from the Duty Free shopping center. Delicious cuisine, fast service and convenient locations and opening hours have made these restaurants very popular among Russian tourists.

The big guitar of the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant attracts the attention of every tourist. The restaurant itself is located on the second floor of the Duty Free shopping center. Homemade nachos, combo burgers, steaks, fried chicken, soups, salads and delicious desserts can all be enjoyed in an atmosphere of rock and roll relics and the music you love.

The Thai restaurant “Thai House” is a favorite place for both residents of Saipan and tourists. Seafood delicacies, papaya salad, vegetable rolls and many other dishes will be served to your table with a smile and Thai friendliness.

In the only Indian restaurant on the islands, “Test of India”, you can try the famous Indian dish “Tandori Chicken”.

Many Korean, Chinese and Japanese restaurants are scattered throughout the island of Saipan. The Hankukwan restaurant specializes in traditional Korean cuisine, making nabe (soups). Your choice of seafood, meat, mushrooms, vegetables, or all at once can be added to the prepared spicy broth. The Tori Hide and American Sushi Bar restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes, sashimi and sushi, including California rolls.

Tourist safety in the Mariana Islands

History of the Mariana Islands

The first settlers migrated from Southeast Asia to the Marina Islands 1500 BC. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer and navigator, discovered and charted the Mariana Islands in 1521, and in 1565 Spain declared the islands its territory and...

Mariana Islands: souvenirs

Coconut products Bojobo talisman dolls Products made from Bojobo tree seeds Jewelry made from shells and corals Traditional wood products Traditional bone products Wicker products from coconut palm leaves Traditional bead products Paintings Medicinal products from Noni fruit Noni ...

Mariana Islands: fun facts

The world's deepest trench, the Mariana Trench, which is more than 11,000 meters deep, is located east of the island of Saipan.

Guinness Book Records:

Temperature: The Mariana Islands have the most stable temperature in the world at +27 C.

In 2007, Marine Dive magazine put 18 categories of dive-related places around the world up for reader voting. After voting, 5 prestigious awards were determined for the Mariana Islands.

Managaha Island Lagoon took first place as “Best place for snorkeling.”

Managaha shared fourth place for “ Best beach” and the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota for “ Best Region for diving"

Fifth place was shared by Rota for “Teteto” beach as “Best Beach” and the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota as “Best Resort Area”.

The underwater cave “Grotto” is considered the second most beautiful place in the world among diving specialists. Skin Diver magazine named this place one of the top ten places for scuba diving.

For four years in a row, Managaha Island has been awarded the title of “Best Snorkeling Destination” at the Tokyo International Fair.

Saipan - Treasure Island! The Saipan Museum of History and Culture has the world's largest collection of artifacts and treasures from Spanish galleons! In 1638, off Cape Agingan in the Saipan Strait, not far from the PIC Hotel, the galley “Nuestra Señora de la Conception” with a cargo of gold crashed. Just not most of the cargo was found by an underwater expedition in the 80s of the last century. Most of the treasures still remain at the bottom of the strait. The most expensive part of the treasure is in the museum and their duplicates can be seen in one of the halls: gold jewelry inlaid with diamonds and other precious stones, necklaces, chains, fine porcelain, etc.

On the island of Saipan lived the artist Douglas Rankin, who created a unique painting technique - banana painting. Instead of a brush, he used banana tree trimmings. He cut and wrapped leaves, cut dies and rollers from trunks. Then he created unique paintings with his unusual instruments. Douglas Rankin died in 2007.

The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, a state in Micronesia - the western part of the Pacific Ocean, occupies most of the islands of the Mariana Archipelago (14 of the 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 the Mariana Trench, whose depth 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. The best time to visit the Northern Mariana Islands is during the dry months from December to March.

Political system: Head of State and executive power- a governor elected by the people. 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, historical places(especially associated with the period of the “Battle of the Pacific” in World War II) and the easy accessibility of the islands both from Southeast 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 place of "historical tourism" among citizens 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's hard 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, the island's main population center, is the site 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. Saipan has the most interesting place- 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 at which only traditional dishes 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 Mariana Islands are an archipelago of fifteen large and several small islands in the west-central Pacific Ocean. The islands form the northern part of the Western Pacific subregion of Micronesia and consist of two political and administrative entities: Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Both have the status of an unincorporated organized territory of the United States. This means that they are not part of the United States, but are their possession, and the US Constitution has limited application here. Moreover, the US Congress forms the local government.
The archipelago is divided into two chains - northern and southern, formed about 20 million years ago. The appearance of both chains above the water surface was the result of the displacement of the Pacific Plate under the Mariana Plate. Along the islands in the zone of convergence of two plates, the deepest section of the bottom of the World Ocean was formed. As of 2011, its depth is 10,994 ± 40 m below sea level.
The islands of the northern chain are represented by volcanic cones, some of which are active, up to 965 m high. In total, there are about 50 underwater volcanoes in the archipelago area; 11 stratovolcanoes form the islands. The southern chain is represented by coral and tectonic volcanoes.
The Mariana Islands are in an area of ​​tectonic activity, and earthquakes are not uncommon here. In addition, the archipelago is located in a tropical climate zone, so typhoons often pass here.
Unlike many Pacific islands, the Mariana Islands are covered in dense rainforest; There are also areas of savannas, the vegetation of which is represented by flowerless cryptogamous plants: ferns, horsetails.

History of discovery

Mariana Islands, located on the edge of the abyss Mariana Trench, were inhabited, presumably, no later than 1500-1400. BC e. The first inhabitants of the islands of the archipelago were immigrants who arrived from the Philippine Islands.
The islands were discovered by Europeans in the 16th century. The discoverer of the archipelago was Ferdinand Magellan himself (1480-1521), a Spanish-Portuguese navigator. During its famous - and the very first in history - trip around the world On March 6, 1521, Magellan saw a chain of islands in the ocean. It is believed that the great explorer landed on the island of Guam, but it could have been a small island near Guam.
Magellan tried to start exchange and trade with local residents, who called themselves Tao-Tao-Tano, or “people of the earth,” and from the Europeans received the name Khachamori (Chamorro). They were typical Micronesians, and even managed to create a semblance of civilization. Its remains are preserved on the island of Tinian in the form of limestone latte columns dating back to the 9th century.
But Magellan failed to establish a dialogue with the natives: they stole a ship’s boat from the Europeans, thus provoking a serious conflict. As a result, the sailors killed seven Chamorros, returned the boat, replenished food supplies and left the island. Magellan in memory of tragic events named the archipelago the Robber Islands (Islas de los Ladrones).
The Mariana Islands stretch from north to south. The island of Guam, which is a separate administrative unit, is the largest and most south island archipelago. Its area is 541.3 km 2 - 77.7 km 2 more than the total area of ​​​​the remaining land areas called the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Mariana Islands served as a transit point for Spain's Manila galleons for many years, and in the 20th century. acquired military importance. It was from here that the bombers that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki took off.
The islands received their current name in 1667, when Spain officially claimed rights to them. In Spanish it sounded "Las Marianas", in honor of the Spanish Queen Marianna of Austria (1634-1696).
From the second half of the 17th century. The colonization of the islands began, missionaries were sent here. Local leaders prevented the spread of Catholicism, and attacks on mission members led to a war between the Spaniards and the natives, which broke out in 1672 and lasted 25 years.
In just one hundred years of colonization, most of the Chamorros died from diseases brought to the islands by the Spaniards. Those who managed to survive mixed with the Spaniards. Mestizos - descendants of mixed marriages - still live in the Mariana Islands.
For the Spaniards, the islands served as a stopover for the so-called Manila galleons, which sailed between the Mexican and Philippine islands. The islands remained a Spanish colony until the Spanish-American War (1898), following which the Spanish transferred Guam to the Americans. This year began the political separation of Guam from the other islands of the archipelago. Under the treaty of 1899, the Spaniards sold the remaining Mariana Islands to Germany, which annexed them to its protectorate of New Guinea.
In 1914, Japan occupied the Northern Mariana Islands, creating large sugar cane plantations there. Later, during the Second World War, the archipelago became the scene of fierce battles between the Japanese and Americans. 1944 was especially bloody for the islands, when the Americans lost more than 2 thousand people killed and wounded, and over 40 thousand Japanese were killed or committed hara-kiri. At first, the Japanese even managed to capture American Guam.
However, the Americans regained Guam and captured the Northern Mariana Islands, subsequently using them as an airfield for bombing Japan. Both planes with atomic bombs (Enola Gay and Boxcar), which dropped their cargo on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, took off from the “Northern Airfield” of Tinian Island in the Mariana Islands.
After the end of the war, all of the Mariana Islands came under full US control. America did not merge them with Guam, but created a separate administrative territory, the Northern Mariana Islands, where the head of state is a US-appointed governor.
On the island of Guam, the largest of the Mariana Islands, the Americans established the largest Pacific naval and air force bases, including Andersen and Apra Harbor. They are served by the majority of the island's population. Here, on Guam, is the city of Hagatna, the main passenger and fishing port of the archipelago.
Currently, the Mariana Islands have become a tourist center in the western Pacific Ocean. Actually, it was thanks to American military personnel that the Mariana Islands earned fame as one of the best resort areas in the Pacific Ocean.
The most ancient landmark of the archipelago is the preserved stone latte pillars. The origin and purpose of the pillars are unknown; there are only assumptions that they served for some mysterious religious purposes. There are about 500 of them in total, and they are often compared to the stone sculptures on Easter Island.

general information

Location: West Pacific.

Islands: 15 large islands (Agihan, Agrihan, Alamagan, Anatahan, Asuncion, Guam, Guguan, Maug, Pagan, Rota, Saipan, Sarigan, Tinian, Farallon de Medinilla, Farallion de Pajaros) and several small islands and reefs .
Origin of the islands: tectonic, volcanic, coral.

Administrative affiliation: unincorporated organized territories of the United States.

Administrative division: Guam island, Northern Mariana Islands.

Administrative center: Hagatna (Guam Island) - 1051 people, 2010; Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands) - 48,220 people, 2010

Languages: Guam island - English (official), Chamorro, Filipino languages; Northern Mariana Islands - Chamorro, English (official), Filipino languages, Chinese.

Ethnic composition: Guam Island: Chamorro - 37.1%, Filipinos - 26.3%, other Oceanians - 11.3%, whites - 6.9%, other Asians - 6.3%, other ethnic groups - 2.3%, mestizos - 9.8%, 2000; Northern Mariana Islands: Asians - 56.3%, Oceanians - 36.3%, mestizos - 4.8%, whites - 1.8%, others - 0.8%, 2000

Religions: Catholicism, local beliefs.

Currency unit: U.S. dollar.
The most important port: Hagatna (Guam island).

Major airports: international airport Antonio B. Won Pata (Guam Island), Saipan International Airport. Francisco Sea Ada (Saipan Island, Northern Mariana Islands).

Numbers

Area: 1004.9 km2.

Length: 2519 km.

Distance: 2500 km from the Philippine Islands, 2500 km from the island of New Guinea.
Guam Island

Area: 541.3 km2.

Population: 160,378 people. (2013).

Population density: 296.3 people/km 2 .

Urban population: 93% (2010).

125.5 km.
The most high point: Lam Lam Peak (406 m).
Northern Mariana Islands

Area: 463.6 km2.

Population: 51,170 people. (2013).

Population density: 110.4 people/km 2 .

Urban population: 91% (2010).

Length of coastline: 1482 km.
Highest point: Agrikhan volcano on the island of the same name (965 m).

Climate and weather

Tropical sea. The influence of trade winds.
Average annual temperature:+24 - +30°С.

Rainy season: July-October.

Average annual precipitation: 1800-2300 mm.
Relative humidity: 78-82%.

Frequent typhoons.

Economy

GDP: Guam ($4.6 billion, per capita - $28,700, 2010), Northern Mariana Islands ($733 million, per capita - $13,600, 2010).

Agriculture: crop farming (sugar cane, bananas, coffee, cotton, taro, citrus fruits, copra, vegetables, breadfruit), livestock farming (poultry farming, pig farming, dairy and meat farming).
Maintenance of US Air Force and Navy bases (Guam Island).
Industry: construction, food, textile.
Minerals: phosphorites, sulfur, iron and manganese ores.
Fishing (tuna).
Services: tourism, trade, financial.

Attractions

■ Guam Island: Pati Point Nature Reserve, ruins of Kaca-Gobierno (Hagatna, Governor's Palace, 1736), statue of Pope John Paul II (Hagatna), mini-Statue of Liberty in Paseo de Susanna (Hagatna), Dolce Nombre Cathedral de Maria Agana (Hagatna), Plaza de Espain (Hagatna), Latte Stone Park (Hagatna), Fort Santa Agueda (Hagatna), World War II Memorial Park (Fonte Plateau Unit), Tailfuck Bridge (1785), Guam Museum (Adelup Point Peninsula), WWII Japanese Coastal Gun Exhibit, University of Guam Naval Laboratory, Ty Lovers Point Limestone Cliffs, Cashing Zoo, China Park, Gef Pago Inalahan Village , Gadao Cave, Talofofo Falls, Guam Historical Museum, Yokoi Caves, Merizo Bell Chapel (1910), Spanish Fort Nuestra de La Soledad,
■ Northern Mariana Islands: latte columns, Catholic Church San Jose (Tinian, 1956), Sugar King Park (Saipan), American Memorial Park (Saipan), Banadero Limestone Cave (Saipan), Laderan Tangke Cliffs (Saipan), Korean Peace Park (in memory of Korean women taken by the Japanese to work on Saipan, 1981), natural Grotto Cave, Taga House (residence of Taga the Great, king of the ancient Chamorro state, Tinian).

Curious facts

■ The area of ​​the island of Guam is only three times larger than the area of ​​the US capital, Washington.
■ In addition to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands.

■ The limestone latte columns on Tinian Island are massive columns made of fossilized coral and limestone, up to 2 m wide and up to 4.5 m high, with a rounded top. Ancient Spanish sources report that funeral urns of the Chamorro people were embedded in the columns. Images of the latte column are present on the flag and coat of arms of the Northern Mariana Islands.
■ In 1899, the Spaniards sold the northern part of the Mariana Islands to Germany for 837,500 German gold marks, which is approximately $4.1 million at today's exchange rates.
■ During World War II, the island of Guam became the first American territory to be occupied by the Japanese. Japan captured the island by attacking it on December 8, 1941, the same day as the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese actually attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7th, but the date line in the Pacific must be taken into account.
■ Residents of Guam are recognized as US citizens without the right to participate in national elections. Guam has one nonvoting, two-year delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.