none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order; Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian.
Population:
74,612 (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
US dollar (USD)
Languages:
English, Chamorro, Carolinianbr>i>note
Elevation:
highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural hazards:
active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)
Climate:
tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
Agricultural:
coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle.
Economy:
The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with employment of 12,000 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.
Industry:
tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts
Ethnicgroups:
Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean
Vaccination requirements:
No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
