Ladera International School of Saipan

Location and Enviroment

Nestled close to the Asian continent, the Northern Marianas Archipelago, a chain of 14 tropical islands located in the Western Pacific, has played a significant role in the affairs of major world powers for many years given its strategic location. Since the age of the galleon, powerful nations have recognized its military value and until recently was one of the United States best kept secrets. Since then, many business investors have followed their military predecessors and now also see the potential these islands possess. For not only is it a strategic site for military planners but also a key point to do business as well, given its location and political status. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is the youngest member of the American Political family and for all intents and purposes a gateway for trade and commerce to and from Asia.

Living in the Northern Marianas, one can experience year-round summer temperatures with all of the sophisticated amenities of a tourist resort area with a “small town?appeal, traditional family values, and friendly inhabitants. The CNMI encourages a free competitive marketplace in which businesses operate with minimal of constraints. To do business here means working in a multi-cultural community of local and international businesses. The NMI is quickly growing as a major player in the Pacific Rim.

With the beautiful, unspoiled environment as the key attraction, tourism has been a driving force that has helped develop the Northern Marianas.

 

Common Wealth Profile

Number of Islands 14 Official Language English,Chamorro,Carolinian Number of Inhabited Islands 6 Currency U.S. Dollar CNMI Land Area 176.5 sq. miles Gross Island Product $948,000,000 CNMI Water Area 264,000 sq. miles Per Capita GIP $12,638 Average Temperature 85 F Primary Industries Tourism & Garment Mfgt Average Monthly Rainfall 5.4 inches Total Labor Force 44,471 Population 69,221 U.S. Citizens in Labor Force 8,621 Population Growth rate 3.24% Non U.S. Citizens in Labor Force 34,132 ?/TD> ?/TD> Employed Labor Force 42,753

Sources: CNMI Department of Commerce; Census 2002, 2002 CNMI Statistical Yearbook, 2005 GIP Estimate