Northern Mariana Islands General Information Area: 457 sq km (176.5 sq miles). Population: 69,216 (1999). Population density: 151.5 per sq km (1999). Capital: Saipan. Population: 52,846 (1999). GEOGRAPHY: Located to the south of Japan and to the north of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands comprise 14 islands, the main ones being Saipan, Tinian and Rota. 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 2001. Language: English, Chamorro and Carolinian are the official languages. Japanese and Korean are widely spoken. Religion: Mostly Roman Catholic. Time: GMT + 10. Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 670. Outgoing international code: 00. There are payphones in Saipan and most hotels; restaurants and other public facilities have telephones which visitors can use. Fax A service is available. Internet Main ISPs include Saipan Data Com (website: www.saipan.com), MTC, and IT & E. 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. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-160, Sat 0900-1200. Press The English-language newspapers include the Pacific Daily News, Pacific Star (weekly), Saipan Tribune (two a week) and the Marianas Variety News and Views (weekdays). Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes 2 Yes Australian Yes 2 Yes Canadian Yes 2 Yes USA No/1 No No OtherEU Yes 2 Yes Japanese Yes/1 2 Yes Restricted Entry and Transit: See below. PASSPORTS: 1. Passports valid for at least 60 days after date of entry are required by all except nationals of the USA with proof of citizenship, and holders of a re-entry permit issued by the Japanese Government. VISAS: 2. Not required for touristic visits of less than 30 days; Entry Permits are issued on arrival. For longer stays, advance permission is required. Types of visa and cost: Various. Validity: Various. Working days required: By post: applications are dealt with on receipt. In person: ten to 15 minutes. Application requirements: All visitors require a passport valid for at least 60 days after entry date, proof of adequate funds (US$100 per day or a valid credit card), return or onward tickets and a visa to next destination if not going home. Application to: Department of Labour and Immigration (see Contact Addresses section). Note: Nationals of the following countries must apply for a transit or entry visa in advance from the Dept of Labor and Immigration by post of fax stating the nature of visit; return address; fax and telephone number; copy of travel itinerary from booking agent, including proposed entry and departure dates and names of hotel or address while in the Northern Mariana Islands: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (PR), CIS, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran Iraq, Jordan, Korea (Dem Rep), Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine National Authority, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), unless having a US Visa in their passport, which should be valid for a minimum of 60 days after entry. Temporary residence: Apply to Department of Labour and Immigration (see Contact Addresses section). Money Currency: The US Dollar is used. For further details of currency, credit & debit cards, traveller’s cheques, exchange rate indicators and banking hours see main Pacific Islands of Micronesia section. Currency exchange: There are several Asian and US banks in the Mariana Islands where currencies from some foreign countries can be exchanged. ATMs are available at most banks and major shopping centres. Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import and export of local and foreign currency. Amounts exceeding US$10,000, however, must be declared. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into the Northern Mariana Islands without incurring customs duty: 600 cigarettes or 454g of cigars or tobacco; 2.3l of alcoholic beverage; 3.8l of wine and Japanese sake; a reasonable quantity of perfume. Note: Alcohol for passengers over 21 years of age only. Prohibited items: Narcotics and certain cooked and uncooked foods. Enquire at Immigration Office for details (see Contact Addresses section). Firearms require a licence. Public Holidays Dec 9 Constitution Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 9 Commonwealth Day. Feb 17 President’s Day. Mar 24 Covenant Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. May 26 Memorial Day. Jul 4 US Independence Day. Sep 1 Labour Day. Oct 13 Columbus Day. Nov 4 Citizenship Day. Nov 11 Veterans Day. Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day. Dec 9 Constitution Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 9 Commonwealth Day. Feb 16 President’s Day. Mar 24 Covenant Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. May 24 Memorial Day. Jul 4 US Independence Day. Sep 6 Labour Day. Oct 11 Columbus Day. Nov 4 Citizenship Day. Nov 11 Veterans Day. Nov 25 Thanksgiving Day. Dec 9 Constitution Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Note: Variations occur from island to island. Health There are no vaccination requirements. Hepatitis A and B, dengue fever and TB occur. Rare outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis have been reported. Health care: There is a major, modern hospital on Saipan and routine facilities on Rota and Tinian. Full medical facilities are available but are not free of charge; health insurance is advisable. Travel - International AIR: Airlines serving the Northern Mariana Islands include Asiana Airlines (OZ), Continental Airlines (CO), Japan Airlines (JL), Korean Airlines (KE), China Southern Air (CZ) and Northwest Airlines (NW). International airports: Saipan (SPN), situated 3 miles (5km) south of Chalan Kanoa. Taxis are available to the town (travel time – 15 minutes) and tour buses may meet some flights. Airport facilities include bureau de change, refreshments and car hire (Budget and Hertz). There are smaller airports at Tinian (TIQ) and Rota (ROP). Departure tax: None. SEA: The international port of the Northern Mariana Islands is Saipan. The following lines sail there: Nauru Pacific Line, Royal Shipping Co (PO Box 238, Saipan), Daiwa Navigation Co, Oceania Line Inc, P&O, Saipan Shipping Co and Tiger Line. ROAD: There are good roads in and around major island centres. Bus: There is a public shuttle bus service to major shopping facilities from hotels. Taxi: Available in all main centres. Car hire: Self-drive cars are available in towns; US driving laws are followed. Documentation: International Driving Permit or national licence accepted. Travel - Internal AIR: Commuter aircraft (from Pacific Island Aviation and Freedom Air) are available to take visitors from Saipan to Tinian (travel time – 12 minutes) and Rota (travel time – 30 minutes). SEA: There is a ferry from Tinian to Saipan (travel time – 55 minutes). Accommodation Hotels in the Northern Mariana Islands vary in standard from luxury to basic. They cater mainly for Japanese and Korean markets. Contact the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands (HANMI), PO Box 501983, Saipan, MP 96950 (tel: 234 3455; fax: 234 3411; e-mail: rds@itecnmi.com; website: www.marianashotels.org). Introduction The Northern Marianas consist of a chain of 14 islands nearly 55 miles in length. Volcanic in origin, they host a variety of scenery including beautiful bays, spectacular cliffs, caves and mountains. Because of their location they played a significant part in World War II, and the many shipwrecks around the coast bear witness to this. These, the numerous coral reefs and the clear water make them particularly good for diving. Saipan: The largest island, Saipan, is relatively developed, with good amenities and shopping facilities. Its western shore is encircled by a barrier reef, creating a lagoon with white sand beaches. Attractions on Saipan include the last command post of the Japanese Imperial Army known as Banadero, with World War II cannons, tanks and artillery preserved in a limestone cave. Japanese and Korean peace memorials commemorate the islands’ central role in the war. Spectacular views can be had from the Puntan Sabaneta (also known as Banzai Cliff) and Laderan Banadero (also known as ’Suicide Cliff’ because of the thousands of Japanese soldiers and their families who jumped to their deaths from it in order to avoid capture). Tinian: The island of Tinian, 3 miles south of Saipan, has a rugged coastline with tiny coves. At Abbas on the northern shore, there are blow holes where incoming waves shoot 20ft into the air. The House of Taga, a temple or meeting house associated with the legendary chief Taga, consists of magnificent stone pillars, carved in the traditional way and transported from nearby coastal areas. Rota: Rota is a small and friendly island with a variety of natural attractions. In the main village of Songsong, life is conducted at a leisurely pace. Outside Songsong, sights include Toga Cave, a huge limestone cavern with stalactites and stalagmites, so large it was used as a wartime hospital. Wedding Cake Mountain, resembling a layered cake, is a fascinating sight. An interesting collection of artefacts can be viewed at the Rota Cave Museum, located in a gigantic limestone cave. At the Taga Stone Quarry, huge ancient stone remains carved by the Chamorros can be seen. Elsewhere: Managha Island and Isleta Maigo Fahang (also known as Bird Island) are beautiful, unspoilt islands, set aside as nature reserves. The former can be visited in a glass-bottomed boat. Sport & Activities Watersports: These are popular, with many suitable diving and snorkelling locations; windsurfing is popular on Saipan. Parasailing is available. Local fishing competitions are held in several places. Those not wishing to dive to see wrecks and underwater scenery can go on submarine cruises. For details, contact Submarine Saipan (tel: 322 7734; fax: 322 7735; e-mail: submarine@saipan.com). Other: San Jose has a bowling alley and there are 9- and 18-hole golf courses. Good hiking is available on all three main islands. Hunting, bird- and volcano-watching may also be possible. Social Profile Food & Drink: Local specialities include kelaguin, a chewy mixture of diced chicken and shredded coconut and thin slices of raw coconut dipped in a peppery sauce. A wide choice of food is on offer, including Japanese, French, Italian, Chinese, Thai and US. Nightlife: There are several popular bars in Garapan and a few nightclubs and discos. Shopping: Special purchases here include wishing dolls, coconut masks, coconut-crab decorations and woodcarvings, plus numerous duty-free items. Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 0800-2100. Special Events: Village fiestas in honour of local patron saints are among the principal annual celebrations. The Flame Tree Festival takes place during the month of March; it consists of a variety of cultural entertainments and exhibitions of local arts. On Rota, the second weekend in October sees the largest annual event in the islands in honour of San Francisco do Borja, patron saint of Songsong village; it is a lively extravaganza of feasting, drinking, music, dancing and processions which attracts visitors from many neighbouring Micronesian islands. Accommodation during this period is hard to find. For further information on special events in the Northern Marianas contact the Marianas Visitors’ Authority (see Contact Addresses section), which produces an annual listing. Social Conventions: The Chamorro culture of the original inhabitants can still be traced, although it is overlaid by strong American influences. Western conventions are well understood. Business Profile Economy: Fruit, vegetables, beef and pork are produced in commercial quantities, with some being exported. Fisheries and copra are other important industries in the agricultural sector. Manufacturing is dominated by textile production. The economy is dominated overall, however, by the service sector, of which tourism is the principal component. The establishment of an air link with Japan gave a major boost to this sector. However, the lack of available workers led to the recruitment of large numbers of foreign workers (which accounts for the huge growth in the islands’ population). Bilateral aid from the USA is an important source of income for the Government, particularly monies earmarked for the development of the islands’ infrastructure, the poor condition of which is currently holding back further economic growth. The Northern Marianas is a member of the Pacific Community. Commercial Information: For further information contact the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 500806 CK, 96950, Saipan MP (tel: 233 7150; fax: 233 7151; e-mail: saipanchamber@saipan.com; website: www.saipanchamber.com). Climate Tropical climate, tempered by trade winds. The rainy season is July to November. Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens, with light rainwear advisable all year. History and Government History: Formerly a Japanese colony, the Northern Marianas became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the USA under a mandate granted by the United Nations in 1947. Following a referendum in 1975, the Northern Marianas Islands became internally self-governing with a bicameral legislature (see Government below). In 1984, President Reagan extended the American civil and political rights available to the residents of the Northern Marianas and two years later, after the end of the UN mandate, the territory acquired US Commonwealth status. At this point, the residents were granted US citizenship. Domestic politics mirror the Republican–Democrat duopoly of the USA. At the most recent elections held in November 2001, the Republican candidate, Juan Babauta, won with 43 per cent of the poll. The Republicans also convincingly won legislative elections for the Senate in 2001, as well as for the House of Representatives in 1999. The islands face significant social and economic problems that are largely attributable to the rapid growth of the population in the last two decades and the lack both of adequate employment opportunities and social infrastructure. Government: The constitution, which came into operation in January 1978, allows for an executive governor and a bicameral legislature consisting of an 18-seat House of Representatives and a nine-member Senate. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.