Saipan:
The island is about 12.5 miles long and 5.5 miles wide and has a total land area of 46.5 square miles which is about the size of San Francisco. Saipan is slightly larger than Hong Kong but smaller than the District of Columbia. Mt. Tapotchau on Saipan at 1,554 feet is the highest point. Saipan's 54 mile coast line is irregular except on the western side where there is a fringing reef. Saipan has 14 miles of beach. Of the 8 communities on Saipan, Garapan and Chalan Kanoa may be considered the principal urbanized areas. Saipan is a modern well developed island with all the amenities of a tropical resort area. The island of Managaha off Saipan western shore is preserved for cultural and recreational purposes. Saipan's lagoon is strewn with the weapons of war. Shipwrecks, aircraft, rifles, bottles, helmets and other artifacts of the World War Two battle can be found on the lagoon floor.

The 17th century Manila Galleon, Nuestra Senora De La Concepcion under sail from Manila to Acapulco, Mexico struck a reef off Saipan's Agingan Point on September 20, 1638. In 1684 the vessel was partially salvaged by Spaniards from Guam and in 1988 more artifacts were recovered. The remaining contents of the ship remain scattered on the sandy ocean floor swept by sea currents to locations yet unknown. (15 degrees - 15 N. X 145 degrees - 45 E.)

Saipan Lagoon:
Saipan Lagoon encompasses about 20 square miles of mostly shallow water and is separated from the Philippine Sea by a long barrier reef about 2 miles off shore at the entrance to Tanapag Harbor. The lagoon, with its flora and fauna, is the principal recreational resource of the Commonwealth. The width of the lagoon created by the reef varies from less than 300 feet to over 1.5 miles. The depth of the lagoon varies and in many areas it is possible to wade across to the reef. The Tanapag Harbor area ranges from 20 to 50 feet in depth.

Managaha Island is the only island within the lagoon. This small ,10 acre island , is 1.5 miles offshore on the barrier reef on Saipan's west coast. The lagoon takes on beautiful hues of green and blue, changing by the hour as the clouds move overhead and the rays of the sun change the angle at which they strike the surface of the water.

The sea foams white as it breaks upon the fringing coral reef and washes over into the warm, jade colored lagoon. Marine biologists have determined that portions of Saipan's reef are dying as a result of pollution contained in run-off from rain and other island sources, sediments from erosion and increased fecal coliform bacteria. The reef protects Saipan' s western shoreline from the destructive force of ocean wave action.

Lau Lau Bay(Magicienne Bay) on the windward side (east side) of Saipan is one of the most beautiful areas and the largest natural bay in the Northern Marianas. It is deep blue with reefs and white narrow beaches with rocky outcrops upon which waves crash.

The cliffs are steep with caverns. Upland from shore, dense tropical vegetation flourishes on soil which gently slopes toward the cliffs. At its deepest points the bay is from 2,400 to 3,000 feet. The current within the bay is circular flowing from the southern portion and following the inside contours around the bay and exiting at the northeast.

Generally, the coast line is some-what protected from typhoon-driven waves particularly when the direction is from the southeast or east. However, prevailing winds and waves create rough offshore conditions as a normal occurrence. Lau Lau Bay is too deep to be considered a suitable anchorage. The bay was named in 1858 after the British survey vessel HMS Magicienne.

Tinian
Tinian is located 6 miles south of Saipan and is 10.5 miles long by 5 miles at its widest point and has a total area of 39.2 square miles and a coastline 38 miles in length. The highest point,Puntan Carolinas, is 583 feet above sea level. The principal community is San Jose. A large portion of Tinian has been leased to the U.S. military. (14 degrees - 58 N. X 145 degrees - 37 E.)

Aguijan (Goat Island)
Located south of Tinian has an area of 2.7 square miles and is uninhabited. There are steep cliffs on all sides making access to the interior difficult. (14 degrees-53 N. X 145 degrees-35 E.)

Rota
Rota is 69 miles south of Saipan and 47 miles north of Guam. It is approximately 10.5 miles long and 3 miles wide with a 38.3 mile coastline encompassing an area of 32.8 square miles. The highest elevation is Mt. Manira at 1,625 feet. The principal community is Songsong. The Spanish Galleon Santa Margarita sailing from the Philippines bound for Acapulco, Mexico in the late 17th century wrecked on the reef off Teteto Beach, Rota. Its wreckage was discovered in 1995. (14 degrees - 08 N. X 145 degrees - 12 E.)

General Description of the Commonwealths Northern Islands (uninhabited except for small populations on Anatahan and Pagan). The Northern Mariana Islands are part of an elongated, dismembered island arc system. Island arcs generally are associated with active volcanoes and form above zones where oceanic lithosphere is sliding under an adjacent overriding crustal plate. The U.S.G.S. National Earthquake Information Center recorded 324 events between latitude 11 - 21 degrees north and longitude 144 - 150 degrees east between 1991 and 1994. Most of these earthquakes were larger than 4.5 in magnitude.

Farallon De Pajaros (Uracas)
Approximately 315 nautical miles north of Saipan, the island has an active volcano which keeps its steep slopes smooth by frequent flows of lava and ash. The summit is crowned with white sulphur and at times dense clouds of yellow smoke and fire issue from the crater. The north, south and west shores are precipitous and bare. The island is uninhabited and used by the United States military for bombing practice. (20 degrees- 32 N. X 144 degrees - 54 E.)

Maug
Located approximately 280 nautical miles north of Saipan, the three islands are the remains of a partly submerged volcano which surrounds a deep and spacious harbor. The islands are bordered by steep cliffs. On the north and west islands there are columns resembling tombstones which crown the ridges, ( out-crops of basaltic veins ). The island is uninhabited. (20 degrees -02 N. X 145 degrees - 14 E.)

Asuncion
An island of approximately 13 square miles located about 260 nautical miles north of Saipan. The volcano, last active in 1906, rises steeply as an almost perfect cone. White smoke occasionally emerges from the top and slopes. Lava has streamed down the mountain sides giving it a black surface. Shrubs and a few trees can be seen in some places. A landing beach is situated on the southwest end of this uninhabited island. (19 degrees -40 N. X 145 degrees - 24 E.)

Agrihan
Situated some 205 nautical miles north of Saipan, the volcano was active in 1917. There are areas of gentle slopes near the shore on the southeast and southwest sides and the crater entrance on the north side. The remaining island consists of steep slopes and deep gorges. The coast is rocky and steep with a landing beach on the southwest coast. (18 degrees -46 N. X 145 degrees - 40 E.)

Pagan
Located 173 nautical miles north of Saipan, the island has three active volcanoes one of which is separated from the others by a narrow plain. One volcano in the south emits steam and the north volcano is frequently veiled by a heavy sulfurous cloud. The slopes of Mount Pagan are covered by brown ash and at the base of the mountain there are two curious lakes. A series of vertical cliffs cut the island into two sections. The coast is rocky and unapproachable except on the shores of the eastern road stead and at Apaan Bay on the west coast.(18 degrees-07 N. X 145 degrees - 46 E.)

Alamagan
Located 146 nautical miles north of Saipan, the island has an extinct volcano with a large crater at the summit. The west side is cut by deep gorges covered with high savanna grass. The southeast side is a steep slope of bare lava. There are deep valleys with caves. Coconut palms grow on the gradual slopes. Warm fresh water springs are located on the northern part of the west coast. (17 degrees -36 N. X 145 degrees - 51 E.)

Zealandia Banks
Situated between Alamagan and Guguan are 66 feet below the surface of the sea.

Guguan
Located 130 nautical miles north of Saipan, the west wall of the active volcano has collapsed and a new cone has built up above the wall of the old one. There are deep ravines between the two peaks. Smoke and large quantities of sulphur sometimes erupt from the volcano. The sulphur has given the mountain the appearance of a snow cap from a distance. The coast is bordered by steep basaltic rock with gables of high ridges with deep rain eroded gorges. At times a lake forms within the crater. The island is uninhabited. (17 degrees -19 N. X 145 degrees - 51 E.)

Sarigan
The island is 95 nautical miles north of Saipan and is an extinct volcano. The island has numerous ravines and valleys with dense tropical vegetation. It is surrounded by perpendicular cliffs which make landing difficult. (16 degrees -42 N. X 145 degrees - 47 E.)

Anatahan
Located 75 nautical miles north of Saipan. The crater within the large extinct volcano has two peaks with a grass covered flat field. The islands steep slopes are furrowed by deep gorges covered by high grass. The coast line is precipitous, landing beaches are on the northern part and western shore and at a small sandy beach on the southwest shore. The wreckage of a World War II B-29 Superfortress lies on the north side edge of the craters flat lands. The last formal surrender of World War Two occurred on Anatahan. On June 30, 1951, 18 Japanese castaways, all survivors of a convoy sunk on June 12, 1944, finally surrendered five years and 8 months after the conclusion of hostilities. (16 degrees -22 N. X 145 degrees - 40 E.)

Farallon De Medinilla
Situated 45 nautical miles north of Saipan, this is a coral island with deep caves. It is less than one square mile in area and is table-land with low vertical sides covered by bush and savanna grass. The shores of this uninhabited island have low cliffs with caves on the south and west sides. (16 degrees - 01 N. X 146 degrees - 05 E.)

Esmeralda Banks
24 miles west of Tinian, is the southern most active volcano in the Izu - Volcano - Mariana Arc and is one of the most active vents in the western Pacific. It rises to within 100 feet of sea level and is considered to be an area of potential eruption or a "hot spot". In the early part of the 20th century the banks were reported to be above sea level but disappeared below water as a result of an earthquake.

Northern Islands Sanctuary
The islands of Asuncion, Guguan, Maug, Managaha, Sarigan and Uracas (Farallon De Pajaros) are maintained as uninhabited places. No permanent structures can be built and no persons can live on the islands except as necessary for the purposes for which the islands are preserved. The islands are preserved as habitats for birds, fish, wildlife and plants. The permanent status given the preserve on Maug is based on a survey of the botany, ornithology, terrestrial biology, marine biology and ichthyology of the three islands that are collectively known as Maug.

GOLF
Saipan:

Coral Ocean Point Resort Club
P. O. Box 1160
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel.(670) 234-7000
Fax.(670) 234-7005
18 holes

Kingfisher Golf Links
P. O. Box 5232
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel.(670) 322-1100
Fax.(670)322-2200
18 holes

Lau Lau Golf Resort
P. O. Box PPP 10000
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel.(670) 256-8888
Fax.(670)256-8000
18 holes

Mariana Country Club
P. O. Box 527
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel.(670) 322-2235
Fax(670)322-3057
18 holes

Whispering Palms Country Club
P. O. Box PPP 130 Box 10000
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel.(670) 234-7300
Fax.(670) 235-4053
9 holes

Rota:

Rota Resort & Country Club
Rota, M. P. 96951

Tel.(670) 532-1155
Fax.(670) 532-1156
18 holes

Several other golf courses are planned.

LANGUAGE:
English, Chamorro and Carolinian are the official languages of the Commonwealth, Chamorro being one of the Malayo-Polynesian languages. Saipan is a polyglot of foreign tongues as the island is host to many varied cultures and nationalities. One hears Trukese, Palauan, Ponapean and other languages of the Pacific islands among a cultural mix of Filipinos, Koreans, Chinese, Thai and thousands of transient and several hundred resident Japanese. Many people in the Commonwealth do not speak English or Chamorro particularly those of Asian ancestry. Pidgin English is not spoken.

LATTE STONES:
These are mysterious monuments many of which lie hidden in the jungle near the shore line. These markers, built by Chamorros, were known as the "houses of the ancients". The sites are respected and carefully avoided. The stones usually occur in double rows of 8 to 12 stones and are believed to have once supported structures of some sort and are found throughout the Marianas' chain of islands. There are many unanswered questions about these strange pillars standing as lonely sentinels in the jungle.

LEGENDS:
Many interesting legends abound throughout the Marianas and it is not possible to recount them all in the space available. However, one of interest concerns the Taotaomonas said to be the spirits of ancient Chamorros which lurk at night among jungle burial sites, in Banyan trees and around Latte sites. Translated as "the people before time", belief in these ghosts has persisted despite more than 300 years of Catholic teaching. When affected by the spirit of a Taotaomona, a Suruhana (female witch doctor) or a Suruhano (male witch doctor) is sometimes consulted for secret cures of various herbs, coconut bark and leaves of certain trees. It is believed that forgiveness for displeasing spirits can sometimes be obtained by chanting, "Elders please forgive me for all the evil I have done". There are good Taotaomonas which are called "Gachong".

Another popular belief holds that the famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart (Mrs. George P. Putnam) and her navigator Fred Noonan were imprisoned by the Japanese on Saipan after their Lockheed Electra-10 disappeared on July 1, 1937 during a flight from Lea , New Guinea to Howland Island. In spite of many theories no evidence exists that they were picked up by the Japanese and transported to Saipan. Japanese authorities have consistently denied any knowledge of their disappearance.

LOCATION:
The islands are about as far west of the United Stated as Tokyo or Melbourne and about the same distance north of the equator as Mexico City or Manila. The Mariana Islands are 9 time zones west of Washington D.C.; 6 zones west of San Francisco and 4 zones west of Honolulu. Saipan is located at 15 degrees 15 minutes North Latitude, 145 degrees - 45 minutes East Longitude,120 miles north of Guam. The Mariana Islands and the Philippines are the only western oriented societies in the Eastern Hemisphere.

To provide some appreciation of the size of the Pacific the flying time between Guam or Saipan and Honolulu is about seven hours. This portion of the Pacific alone is about equal in distance to the Atlantic Ocean between the United States east coast and Europe.

MAIDS:
The family on Saipan without a maid is rare. A portion of the alien labor force consists of domestic help, primarily from the Philippines. Recruitment agencies are available.

MAPS:
World War II Historical Maps & Books of the Mariana Islands & Western Pacific:

Economic Service Counsels division of Pacific Historical Maps publishes special purpose, regional historical maps in an unusual cartographic style that both informs and captivates with compelling anecdotes and pictorial sketches relating to World War II. The maps contain information of historical, geographic, military and cultural interest and have been designed by a military historical cartographer. Pacific Historical Maps does not distribute these cartographic products on an individual basis. Interested parties should contact the address sources listed below for the various maps and books in print concerning the publications.

Saipan, Mariana Islands: "Tourist Map Of Saipan" Free Map - A pictorial map with interesting notes on World War Two, oceanographic information and descriptions of various attractions of interest to the visitor. Published in English and Japanese. Contact:

Marianas Visitor's Bureau
P. O. Box 861
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel. (670) 234-8325
Fax. (670) 234-3596

Specify English or Japanese language.

Saipan: "Saipan Battlefield Map -1944" Describes the 25 day battle, the U. S. route of advance and the Japanese defense of the island. Quite a different map from that of the above. Contains a large amount of formerly classified military intelligence. Contact:

Marianas Visitor's Bureau
P. O. Box 861, Saipan, M. P. 96950

Price $3.50

Tel. (670) 234-8325
Fax. (670) 234-3596

Tinian, Mariana Islands: World War Two - Free Map - Historical map of a Pacific island with the somber distinction of being forever linked with the Atomic Bomb and the destruction of Hiroshima as a result of the air raid of the B-29 bomber Enola Gay. Contact:

Marianas Visitor's Bureau
P. O. Box 861
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel. (670) 234-8325
Fax. (670)234-3596

Rota, Mariana Islands: Free Map - A tourist map of a little known island in the Marianas archipelago with notes and sketches on the ocean and sea life as well as the mysterious stone mushroom-capped pillars known as "Latte Stones". Contact:

Marianas Visitor's Bureau
P. O. Box 861
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel. (670) 234-8325
Fax. (670) 234-3596

Guam, Mariana Islands: "Pacific Explorer's Map Of Guam" - Free Map - Pictorial, with interesting notes on history, geography and culture. Guam was the only populated American soil ever to be occupied by Japanese forces. Published in English and Japanese. Contact:

Guam Visitor's Bureau
P. O. Box 3520
Agana, Guam 96910

Specify English or Japanese language.

Palau & Peleliu, Western Caroline Islands: "Tourist Map Of Palau" and "Battlefield Map Of Peleliu". Pictorial, with description of history, geography and culture of the last remaining Trust Territory to evolve out of World War Two with inset maps of remote outer islands. The Peleliu Map describes American attack of 1944 and Japanese defense tactics and cave warfare. Contact:

Western Caroline Trading Company
P. O. Box 280
Koror, Palau W. C. I. 96940

Price: $4.50

Tel. (680) 488-1551
Fax (680) 488-1783

Truk, Eastern Caroline Islands: "Dive Map Of The Ghost Fleet Of The Truk Lagoon". Pictorial map, describing history, geography and U. S. Navy Task Force 58's aircraft carrier raid on the Japanese fleet in 1944, (Japan's equivalent of Pearl Harbor). Contact:

S. S. Thorfinn
P. O. Box DX
Chuuk, F. S. M. 96942

Price Unknown

Fax (691) 330-4253

The Mystery of Amelia Earhart A map with notes surrounding The Disappearance of the Lockheed Electra & The Flight to Howland Island - an unusual cartographic presentation combining history, geography, cartography and navigation to present the mysterious disappearance in the vicinity of Howland Island of the famous aviatrix attempted flight around the world in 1937. Consists of maps of the western Pacific and the former Japanese Mandated Islands with inset maps of Saipan, Truk Lagoon, Jaluit Atoll and Howland Island. Includes a polar projection explaining Time Zones and describes the method of calculating time (GMT) and compass directions with text explaining the announced and possible alternate flight path which, if taken, could have involved an act of espionage. Also includes testimony of several Saipanese who, in the late nineteen thirties, claim to have seen an American female rumored to have been a pilot. Details of the flight and pertinent messages received aboard the Itasca are provided along with sketches. A very different, detailed chart and technical presentation of events. A must for aviation history buffs, admirers of Earhart and those interested in examining the intricacies of navigation, Greenwich Mean Time, compass headings, etc., all shown visually on a single sheet. 30 x 20, color. Contact:

Economic Service Counsel
P. O. Box 5201(CHRB)
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Currently out of print

"Ghost Fleet Of The Truk Lagoon", (Book) Describes the U. S. aircraft carrier attack on Japan's Pacific Gibraltar, Trukese culture, Japanese war crime trials. 129 pages, illustrated, 4th printing. Contact:

Pictorial Histories Publishing Co.
713 South Third West
Missoula, Mont. 59801

Price: $11.50

"Saipan In Flames", (Book) An account of the 1944 invasion of Saipan and "Operation Forager" which was the turning point in the Pacific war. Produced in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the invasion, the book is based on declassified "Top Secret" military documents and plans. The research effort has drawn upon extensive holdings of World War Two microfilm of military intelligence reports, aerial photographs, diaries of the combatants and other rare historical documents from each of the opposing forces.

The publication contains documents rarely seen before, photographs and letters offering an interesting insight into the battle are also presented. A translated dairy of a Japanese soldier stationed on Saipan and the chilling, eyewitness account of a German Catholic Priest who lived through the holocaust of Hiroshima are among the authentic accounts published for the first time. Also included is an analyses of the Japanese defense of the island and the Japanese military's assessment of the American soldier along with an analysis of "Fear In Combat". A special map has been included, never before designed, which depicts the names, locations and date of sinking of all major war ships of the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy lost during the conflict in the Pacific.

The book is not a novel - but rather a "study" of the invasion and a description of events occurring after the war up to the present time. Produced in color, 93 pages, (8-1/2" x 11" format - color - softbound) with more than 40,000 words. Available from:

J. M. Guerrero Associates
P. O. Box 1292
Saipan, M.P. 96950

(via USA)
Tel. (670) 234-3533
Fax. (670) 234-2138

Price $25 Airmail

Specify English or Japanese language.

"Business Reference And Investment Guide To The Commonwealth Of The Northern Marianas Islands": (Book) A form of economic atlas in full color, 100,000 words, 232 pages 76 maps, 57 charts, 44 statistical data tables and many other illustrations describing the history, geography and economy, 3rd edition. Contact:

James H. Grizzard
P. O. Box 330 (CHRB)
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Price: $40. ($45.airmail)

Tel. (670) 234-9351
Fax. (670) 234-3230

Topographic Maps of Saipan, Tinian and Rota may be purchased from:

United States Geological Survey
Western Distribution Branch
Box 25286
Federal Center
Denver, Colorado, 80225

Color Aerial Photographs at a scale of 1:10,000 (1"=833 feet) may be purchased from:

Aerial Photography Field Office (APFO)
USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)
2222 West 2300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
(801) 975-3503
Public: www.apfo.usda.gov
Customer Service: sales@apfo.usda.gov

These photographs measure 107quot; x10" and sell for about $5.00 Flight date is 1986

MEDICAL,DENTAL,VETERINARIAN SERVICE:
The Commonwealth Health Center is a 110, 000 square foot unit which accommodates 74 beds, auxiliary services, extensive outpatient facilities, public health offices and clinics. The government also operates a dental clinic in the health center. There are private Seventh Day Adventist dental and eye clinics which charge higher rates than the government. A private medical care system, Family Health Planning, (FHP) maintains a facility on Saipan.

MOVING:
There are several moving companies. Saipan Stevedore Company provides a hauling service with chassis for distributing containers on the island.

Shipment of household effects or other goods from the United States' east coast by surface carrier to the Northern Marianas can require up to three months for delivery. Air freight shipments require much less time - from 7 to 10 days. This method is much more expensive. One inexpensive way to move certain items is to use the U. S. Postal System and ship by taking advantage of lower surface rates. Items so transported should be carefully boxed and must meet postal requirements by not exceeding 70 pounds in weight or 110 inches in girth. While large, heavy items such as furniture and certain appliances can not be shipped in this manner, lighter items such as linens, cooking utensils, clothing, etc., can be accommodated quite adequately by the Post Office. The Northern Marianas is in U. S. Postal Zone 8.

Those new to the islands may find the frequent yard sales, (dates and locations announced on the Post Office bulletin board), interesting places to purchase or replace inexpensive household items either left behind or not shipped during the move to the islands.

NATURAL DISASTERS (Force Majeure):
Except for earthquakes, Tsunami and volcanism - which have not recently affected Saipan, Tinian and Rota - tropical storms, fires, floods and droughts can happen at any time within a particular season of the year. By far the most frequent threat is from typhoons. All agencies of the CNMI government have contingency plans to implement during a disaster and are particularly adept at mitigating loss of life during these storms. Each event mentioned above is discussed in some part of this publication.

The government maintains an Emergency Operations Center on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio (WXM86 Saipan) is monitored continuously. Storm and typhoon information is received from the U.S. Navy Oceanographic Command Detachment on Guam.

NEWSPAPERS:
There are several newspapers on Saipan: The Saipan Tribune and the Marianas Variety are two daily papers and there are several weekly publications. The Pacific Daily News published on Guam is available the same day on Saipan. Addresses:

Marianas Variety
P. O. Box 231
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel (670) 234-6341
Fax.(670) 234-9271

Saipan Tribune
P.O. Box 10001, AA 34
Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel. (670) 235-6397
Fax (670) 235-3733

Pacific Daily News
P. O. Box 822
CK, Saipan, M. P. 96950

Tel (670) 234-9340
Fax (670) 234-5986

NIGHT LIFE (Saipan):
Several hotels offer dinner shows with Pacific island dancers, cocktail lounges with views as well as discos and piano bars. Elsewhere on island various types of night clubs and bars can be experienced ranging from pleasant, locally owned beach bars to the more raucous Asian type where hostesses solicit expensive drinks. Bar hopping usually starts shortly after sundown at which time the highway patrol is quite active.

POLITICS:
The two major political parties, Republicans and Democrats, are well organized and candidates campaign vigorously in the islands. During a typical secession of the Legislature it is not unusual for as many as 200 bills or more to be introduced into both houses. A future voter is not required to specify his or her political preference when registering to vote with the Board Of Elections.

POPULATION: (1990)
Saipan: 14,420 indigenous & 24,476 all others, Total 38,896

Rota: indigenous 1,508 & all others 787, Total 2,295

Tinian: indigenous 1,226 all others 1,069

Grand Total: 43,345

The population of the CNMI increased 158 percent to 3,345 over the 16,780 enumerated in 1980. In both 1980 and 1990 males represented 53 percent of the population. In 1980 the median age was 19.6 years, by 1990 it had increased to 27.4 years largely due to the introduction of large numbers of alien workers. In 1990 the average number of persons per household was 4.63 while the average family size was 4.83, the comparable size in 1980 was 5.36 for households and 5.67 for families, (a household consists of non-related members). In 1990 among the CNMI's population 25 years of age or over, 66 percent were at least high school graduates and 16 percent had at least a bachelor's degree. Ninety five percent of those five years of age and over spoke a language other than English at home and 72 percent spoke this language more frequently than English. Sixty one percent of those living in the Commonwealth were born outside the area. Of these people, 78 percent were born in Asia.

The median household income for the islands in 1989 was $20,644 as compared with $15,009 in 1989, an increase of 38 percent. Thirty two percent of families with income in 1989 were below the U. S. poverty level. Eighty two percent of people aged 16 and over were in the labor force with only 2.3 percent of these unemployed.

HOUSING:
The 1990 census counted 8,210 housing units in the Commonwealth, an increase of 4,778 units from 1980 for an increase of 139 percent during the decade. The owner occupancy rate which was 43 percent was down from the 60 percent recorded in 1980. Renter occupied units rose by 219 percent over the ten year period. The average household size in the CNMI was 4.63 persons down from 5.36 in 1980. About 72 percent of all housing units in the Northern Marianas had complete plumbing facilities up from 49 percent in 1980 reflecting an increase in the quality of living. The proportion of housing units with air - conditioning increased from 24 percent in 1980 to 52 percent over the decade. Median household income rose about 43 percent over the ten year period, from $14,425 to $20,644.

Median income for owner households increase by 94 percent up from $13, 353 to $25,960 while income for renter households increased only 5 percent from $16,403 to $17,149. (1989 dollars). In 1980 only 25 percent of the households had telephones compared with 60 percent in 1990. Seventy eight percent of the households had television while 85 percent had a vehicle available for use. Single family houses increased 119 percent over the decade while units in buildings of 5 or more units increased by 426 percent.

The median value of owner- occupied one - family houses in the Northern Marianas increased by 1,525 percent throughout the 1980s, from $10,400. to $169,000. This increase was 22 times as great as the increase in the continental United States which rose 68 percent from $47,200, to $79,100. It should be noted that these figures were not based on actual appraisals, rather they represent the opinion of the owners when asked by the census enumerator as to their opinion of the value of the structure if it was to be offered for sale.

Median contract rent rose 207 percent over the decade from $125. to $384. In the United States median contract rent rose 89 percent from $198. to $374. These figures are expressed in constant U. S. dollars - both the median value of housing and rent rose much faster than inflation in the United States during the decade.

OTHER POPULATION DATA (1)
Birth Rate: 35 births / 1,000 population

Death Rate: 5 deaths / 1,000 population

Infant Mortality: 38 deaths / 1,000 live births

Life Expectancy At Birth: 66 years for males / 69 years for females

Total Fertility Rate: 2.7 children born of women

Literacy :96% male / 97 % Female age 15 years and over can read and write (1980)

Suffrage: Universal at age 18 for U. S. citizens

(1)Source: The World Fact Book, Central Intelligence Agency

RESOURCE: "Business Reference And Investment Guide To The Commonwealth Of The Northern Marianas Islands": A form of economic atlas in full color, English, 100,000 words, 232 pages 76 maps, 57 charts, 44 statistical data tables and many other illustrations describing the history, geography and economy, 3rd edition. By William H. Stewart.