The Northern Mariana Islands is a U.S. commonwealth located in the western Pacific Ocean. The archipelago consists of 15 islands, including the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The islands cover a total area of approximately 179 square miles, and they are located to the northeast of Guam. The islands are a popular tourist destination, known for their beautiful beaches and thriving coral reefs. The indigenous people of the Northern Mariana Islands are known as the Chamorro people, and they have a rich cultural heritage with a history that stretches back thousands of years. The Northern Mariana Islands have a unique political status as a U.S. commonwealth. This means that the islands are self-governing, but they still maintain a close relationship with the United States. The islands have their own government, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which has its own constitution and system of laws. The islands also have a representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, but they do not have voting representation in the U.S. Senate. The economy of the islands is largely driven by tourism, as well as by the garment industry and agriculture. The islands also have a significant military presence, with strategic locations and bases on the islands.