Where are the Northern Mariana Islands located?

The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is a commonwealth in political union with the United States of America at a strategic location in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines.

What happened to the Mariana Islands?

The Marianas came under German control for a brief period in the late nineteenth century when Spain sold them to Germany, exclusive of Guam. In 1919 the Japanese invaded and occupied the islands; the League of Nations then awarded them to Japan by mandate. The Japanese used the islands as a military outpost.

How big are the Northern Mariana Islands?

The land area of the Northern Mariana Islands is about 184 square miles (477 square kilometers), roughly 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. The southern islands are limestone with level terraces and surrounding coral reefs. The northern islands are volcanic, with active volcanoes on Anatahan, Pagan Island, and Agrihan.

How many municipalities are there in the Northern Mariana Islands?

Administratively, the Northern Mariana Islands are divided into four municipalities. Islands one through 11 are collective known as the Northern Islands, together forming the Northern Islands Municipality.

Are there any factories in the Northern Mariana Islands?

However, when World Trade Organization restrictions on Chinese imports to the U.S. were lifted, a number of garment factories closed in the Northern Mariana Islands. Agricultural production, primarily of tapioca, cattle, coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons exists, but is of relatively minor economic importance.

Why is the Northern Mariana Islands a free trade area?

The Northern Mariana Islands has capitalized on its position as a free trade area with the U.S., while not being subject to U.S. labor laws. This allows garments to be labeled "Made in U.S.A." without having to comply with all U.S. labor laws.