FACTS

Location: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Area (only Total) total: 477 sq km

Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October

Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Population: 86,616 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Philippine languages

Government type: commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Capital (Name): Saipan

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+10

Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)