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| Country Guide > Australia and South Pacific > Northern Mariana Islands |
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General Information Area 457 sq km (176.5 sq miles). Population 74,151 (official estimate 2002). Population density 162 per sq km (official estimate 2002). Capital Saipan. Population: 67,011 (2002). Geography Located to the south of Japan and to the north of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands comprise 14 islands, the main ones being Rota, Saipan and Tinian. The group is compact, consisting of a single chain 736km (460 miles) long. The islands have high volcanic cones. Government Self-governing US Commonwealth Territory (incorporated). Gained internal autonomy in 1986. Head of State: President George W Bush since 2000. Head of Government: Governor Juan Babauta since 2002. Language English, Chamorro and Carolinian are the official languages. Japanese and Korean are widely spoken. Religion Mostly Roman Catholic. Time GMT + 10. Communications Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 1 670. Outgoing international code: 00. There are payphones in Saipan and most hotels; restaurants and other public facilities have telephones which visitors can use. Mobile telephone A GSM 1900 service is scheduled for launch soon by Wave Runner LLC Mariana Islands. Fax A service is available. Internet Main ISPs include IT & E, MTC and Saipan Data Com (website: www.saipan.com). Availability and reliability is limited. Telegram Telegrams can be sent from Micronesia Telecommunications, PO Box 306, Saipan; opening hours 0800-1700. Post There are post offices on the three main islands, as well as private postal companies in Saipan. US postal rates apply. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-160, Sat 0900-1200. Press The English-language newspapers include the Pacific Daily News, Pacific Star (weekly), Saipan Tribune (twice weekly) and the Marianas Variety News and Views (weekdays). |