Northern Mariana Islands

The population of Northern Mariana Islands is approximately 42.6K (2024).

The capital of Northern Mariana Islands is Saipan.

Northern Mariana Islands's GDP per capita is $44K (2022).

Life expectancy in Northern Mariana Islands is 78.95 years (2024).

Northern Mariana Islands covers 464 km² (179 sq mi).

Northern Mariana Islands has a moderate population density of 92 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Northern Mariana Islands's population is shrinking at 1.9% per year — one of the few countries seeing sustained decline.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Northern Mariana Islands falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $44K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Northern Mariana Islands has 3 official languages: Carolinian, Chamorro, English.

Northern Mariana Islands uses the United States dollar ($) as its sole official currency.

Northern Mariana Islands is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Northern Mariana Islands are January, February, March, April, May, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates project a population of approximately 43,000 residents across the archipelago. The Northern Mariana Islands currently ranks 204 of 215 globally and 15 of 19 in the Oceania region by population size. This small population is highly concentrated in urban centers, which account for over 92% of the total residency.

No, the Northern Mariana Islands is a Commonwealth in political union with the United States. It is not an independent country or a UN member, but it operates with a republican form of government and a separate executive, legislative, and judicial branch. Residents are US citizens, though the territory maintains its own distinct political identity.

Recent data indicates a projected GDP per capita of $44,030 for the territory. This economic performance places the Northern Mariana Islands at a GDP per capita rank of 65 of 212 globally and 5 of 19 within Oceania. The economy has recently demonstrated a robust annual growth rate of 16.6%.

The official languages of the Northern Mariana Islands are Carolinian, Chamorro, and English. English is the primary language used in government, business, and education, while Chamorro and Carolinian are vital to the indigenous culture. This linguistic variety reflects the islands' heritage and its significant Asian and Pacific Islander populations.

The life expectancy at birth is approximately 78.9 years, reflecting high standards of healthcare and living conditions relative to the region. This figure places the islands at a life expectancy rank of 57 of 215 globally. Demographic data also shows a fertility rate of 2.3 births per woman and a crude birth rate of 12.1 per 1,000 people.

The Northern Mariana Islands rely primarily on its arable land and fish as its main natural resources. The territory encompasses a total land area of 464 km² (179 sq mi) and a coastline stretching 1482 km (921 mi). These resources support local agriculture and a fishing industry that contributes to the island's economic and food security.

The highest point in the territory is an unnamed elevation on the island of Agrihan, reaching 965 m (3,166 ft) above sea level. This volcanic peak is the tallest in the archipelago and highlights the dramatic topography of the northern islands. In contrast, the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at 0 m (0 ft).