Map of Northern Mariana Islands and Flag | Northern Mariana Islands Map

Northern Mariana Islands Flag
Northern Mariana Islands Flag

Map of Northern Mariana Islands

 

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BOOK HOTEL IN ANY PART OF NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS AT GREAT PRICES

Dreading for an island vacation after a long period? Us too! We know how difficult it can be to choose a place that ticks all the boxes for a perfect vacation. The right amount of isolation from the usual city life but not too much because that gets you too out of your comfort zone. Well, if that sounds like something that you struggle with when looking for the perfect city to country balance, we have got you perfectly covered! Experience breathtaking beaches, stunning nature and friendly people with a rich culture and history at the Mariana Islands.

Is the Northern Mariana Islands a country?

The Mariana Islands are politically divided into two parts; Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The islands were discovered by a Portuguese navigator back in 1521. These islands were colonized in 1668. After the American-Spanish War, the Mariana Islands were divided into two with the Northern Mariana Island being sold to Germany which was later occupied by Japan whereas Guam was given to the United States. The Northern Mariana Island was later seized by the US. Both the parts of the Mariana Islands were under a trust territory that was dissolved which led to the formation of the self-government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

How many islands make up the Northern Mariana Islands?

The Mariana Islands are a crescent-shaped archipelago (a group of islands) and has summits of fifteen dormant volcanic mountains. Several islands are a part of the Mariana Islands like Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Pagan, Aguijan, Anatahan, Farallon De Pajaros, Sarigan, Guguan, Alamagan, Asuncion Island, Farallon De Medinilla and Agrihan.

Where is the Northern Mariana Islands located?

Often mistaken for being a part of Europe, Mariana Islands are located in Oceania towards the north of the Pacific Ocean. It lies towards the southeast of Japan and the southwest of Hawaii. Towards the south of the Mariana Islands lies New Guinea whereas the Philippines lies towards the west of Mariana Islands. When it comes to the subregions of Oceania, it lies in Micronesia.

Northern Mariana Islands Flag 

Northern Mariana Islands Flag
Northern Mariana Islands Flag

With the Mariana Islands suffering colonization and frequent change of rule, the Marians truly suffered the battles of other countries. The original design of the flag was given by Taga in 1985 and it went through some refinements and the final flag was adopted in 1985, the same year. The flag of Northern Mariana Island looks very unique and different from any other flag that you might have seen before.

Colors and Meaning of the flag of Northern Mariana Island

The flag with its unconventional design has several colors on it. The middle of the flag contains a white star with a black border, it represents the United States and its past relations with the Northern Mariana Islands. The latte stone represents the Chamorros, the inhabitants whereas the decorative wreath, mwarmwar symbolizes Carolinians. The blue field of the flag represents the Pacific Ocean and the Mariana Trench.

Northern Mariana Islands Population

The Mariana Islands have a long history dating back to ancient times. It was one of the very first islands to be inhabited by humans in Oceania. These islands have had people from Austronesian and Polynesian descendents and people from the Philippines settling here during 1500 to 1400 BC, later people from the Caroline Islands migrated to these lands and then ultimately people from Southeast Asia came to the Mariana Islands. With people from diverse backgrounds, the culture was equally as diverse and eventually, the people of the Mariana Islands became known as Chamorros. The total population is around 54 thousand and is greatly diverse but the largest ethnic group found here is Filipino.

Northern Mariana Islands Language

There are three official languages of the Northern Mariana Islands with English being one of them. Carolinian is also one of the commonly spoken official languages of the Mariana Islands. It is an Austronesian language which is spoken in the Caroline Islands but it made its way here due to mass migration. Ultimately, the Chamorro language is known to be the native language of the people. Chamorro is also an Austronesian language and the language is very unique in Oceania since it is not classified as Polynesian or Micronesian. 

Interesting Facts about the Northern Mariana Islands

Interesting history and location pack a lot of interesting facts that will leave you amazed. The Northern Mariana Islands are a similar place of wonderful, and unique things that will leave you surprised. Here are some of the facts about these islands that will leave your jaw dropped!

  • Ever thought about experiencing the most of nature all at once? Well, here you can! The island has volcanic mountain peaks, flat limestone platforms and coastal coral reefs. 
  • The islands obtained its name from the Spanish Queen, Queen Mariana who was the mother of Charles II.
  • The atomic bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki were loaded in one the Mariana Islands, Tinian.
  • The Suicide Cliff acquired its name during the war between the US and Japan, as several Japanese soldiers gave their lives to avoid capture by the US army.

Places to Visit and Experience in the Northern Mariana Islands

Let’s get to the real deal, things to do and places to visit on your trip here. With the place covering so many islands, you will need several priorities no matter how long your stay is because the list can always go on. Following are a few places to visit to get the perfect experience of these islands

  • Mount Tapochau – It is the highest point in Saipan, the capital of Northern Mariana Islands. It holds great historic significance since it was used by troops during the Second World War.
  • Banzai Cliff – Another cliff off of which the Japanese civilians and soldiers threw themselves off after losing the war to Americans to avoid capture. People who jumped off of this cliff didn’t die and were eventually captured.
  • The Grotto – Just like out of the movies, it is an underwater limestone cavern with clean water and a spectacular view!

BOOK HOTEL IN ANY PART OF NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS AT GREAT PRICES

See Also

MAP AND FLAG OF COUNTRIES IN OCEANIA

Hi and welcome to my travel blog! Based in London, I work in investment banking in a quantitative field and although I am not part of the travel industry, I have a ton of passion for travel. My blog is a reference guide for my fellow travelers with the same passion as me. Hopefully the blog is easy to navigate and my aim is to bring the most relevant and interesting information before you begin your journey!