Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Country Brief – May 2009
Introduction
Situated in the north Pacific adjacent to the Marshall Islands between 13 and 22 degrees latitude, the CNMI comprises 14 island with a total land area of 477 sq km and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles. Saipan (the capital), Rota, and Tinian are the main islands. There are active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan.
Political Overview
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a self-governing US territory. US President Barack H. Obama is Head of State. The Head of Government is Governor Benigno R. Fitial (since 9 January 2006).
The people of the Northern Mariana Islands (population 88,662 - July 2009 est.) decided in the 1970s not to seek independence from the US but instead to forge closer links. Negotiations to gain territorial status began in 1972. A Covenant to establish a Commonwealth in Political Union with the United States, conferring US citizenship on the islands' residents, was approved by the US Congress in 1975 and came into force on 24 March 1976. The Covenant became fully effective 4 November 1986. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) became self-governing under its own constitution in 1978 with a locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature.
CNMI has a bicameral legislature consisting of an 18 member House of Representatives and a nine-member Senate. The Governor and Senators serve four-year terms and the Representatives serve for two years.
Under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories such as the CNMI do not vote in elections for the US President and Vice President. The Northern Mariana Islands does not have a non-voting delegate in the US Congress, as Guam does; instead, it has an elected resident representative in Washington.
Economic Overview
The CNMI economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US but this has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. Tourism employs about 50 per cent of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. The agricultural sector consists of cattle farms and small traditional farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production employs 17,500, mostly Chinese, workers and sends sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.
Bilateral Relationship
Australia's relations with CNMI are cordial. The Government of the CNMI is well disposed towards Australia and is eager to see bilateral contacts expanded, especially in trade and tourism. Australia has no formal representation in CNMI. The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei is responsible for the conduct of the full range of diplomatic business with CNMI.
Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship
Australian exports to CNMI in 2007-08 totalled $1 million in 2007-08 (principally refined petroleum, milk and cream). Australian imports from CNMI in the same period totalled $66,000 (principally textile clothing).
Visitor Information
Australians entering the CNMI for a stay of up to 30 days do not require a visa provided they have a valid passport, sufficient funds and onward air tickets. Intending visitors should contact their travel agent or the US Embassy for full information on visa and other requirements. Further visitor information is available from the Marianas Visitors Authority web site.
The CNMI's principal relationships are with Guam and the US, and also with Japan, Taiwan and China. The CNMI is an active member of the Pacific Community (SPC).
Australians travelling to Samoa are advised to consult the Smartraveller travel advice.