The Northern Mariana Islands, officially called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), celebrates its Commonwealth Day today. This holiday commemorates the recognition of the Island's full commonwealth status on November 3, 1986, in its relationship with the United States of America.

The Commonwealth has a total land area of 179 square miles in 15 islands. The island's population is around 54,000, around 90% of which lives on the island of Saipan, the country's capital. The population of the island has been decreasing due to the recession, declining tourists, and the closing of some garment companies which employed some local residents. Saipan is located in Western Micronesia; together with Guam, they compose the Mariana Islands.

The official languages of the Northern Mariana Islands are English, Chamorro, and Carolinian although Japanese and Korean languages are widely spoken. The main religion is Roman Catholic.

The commonwealth's economy depends mostly on Japanese tourists and earnings from the garment manufacturing sector. The economy is also dependent on the government of the United States for development assistance and subsidies to the Commonwealth.

We congratulate the people and government of the Northern Mariana Islands led by Their Excellencies, United States of America President Barack H. Obama, Governor Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Governor Eloy S. Inos, Department of Labor Secretary Gil M. San Nicolas, and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao, on the occasion of its National Day. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

Continued here:

Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Day