Micronesia Blog. We intent to bring you updates on the islands of Micronesia with travel offers provided by various travel partners around the world.
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[Tarawa Island ]
Tarawa is an atoll and the capital of the Republic of Kiribati. Tarawa has a large lagoon, 500 square kilometres (193 sq mi) total area, and a wide reef. The lagoon has abundant fish and shellfish of all kinds.
[Saipan]
Saipan is the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands. In 2017 Saipan’s population was 47,565. The legislative and executive branches of the Commonwealth government are located in the village of Capitol Hill on the island. But the judicial branch is located in the village of Susupe. Most publications designate Saipan as the Commonwealth’s capital.
Coconuts, papayas, and Thai hot peppers are among the fruits that grow wild, while Mango, taro root, breadfruit, and bananas are cultivated.
There are 4 local television stations in Saipan. Local music consists of Chamorro, Carolinian, Micronesian Hawaiian Reggae, and Palauan music. Asian music consists of Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Philippine music. Mainland American music consists of much of the same music that can be found on U.S. radio.
[Scuba diving in North Mariana ]
Tourists for this island nation mainly consist of Filipino, Japanese, American, Korean, Taiwanese, and Chinese tourists. There are several large tour operators in Saipan that cater to Asian tourists coming into the island. By far, the majority of tourism in the Northern Marianas is in Saipan. Several flights a day land in Saipan. Tourism has grown slowly and is now a major part of the economy.
Near the Saipan beach, there are themed cafes and the American Memorial Park with a historical museum, where you can see the artifacts of World War II.
American chain establishments from Pizza Hut to the Saipan Hard Rock Café abound on the Northern Mariana Islands. There are also several independently owned restaurants whose menus include traditional island favorites like chicken kelaguen.
Karaoke and hostess bars are the most common nightlife options. But Western-style bars are also common and are safe to party to. Some bars have live music.
[ Map of Northern Mariana]
Northern Mariana covers an area of just 464 square kilometers and is inhabited by over 55,000 people. Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Pagan are some of the main islands.
Saipan has an international airport. There are smaller airports on Rota and Tinian.
The country’s official languages are English, Chamorro, and Carolinian.
The people on the island lead a Spanish Roman Catholic way of life but strongly influenced by the American culture.
There are two active volcanoes on the islands of Pagan and Agrihan.
People born in the Northern Mariana Islands are both citizens of the United States and citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands. US citizens can live and work in the country without a visa.
Saipan is the center of all activity and the main tourist destination. The island is also home to the country’s capital, the city of Capitol Hill.
Tinian is likely to have been the first island in Oceania to have been settled by humans.
