457 sq km (176.5 sq miles).

74,151 (official estimate 2002).

162 per sq km (official estimate 2002).

Saipan. Population: 67,011 (2002).

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.

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.

English, Chamorro and Carolinian are the official languages. Japanese and Korean are widely spoken.

Mostly Roman Catholic.

The Chamorro culture of the original inhabitants can still be traced, although it is overlaid by strong American influences. Western conventions are well understood.