forests and woodland: 0%

other: 60%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Environment - current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geography - note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

Northern Mariana Islands People

Population: 74,612 (July 2001 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 23.55% (male 8,929; female 8,639)

15-64 years: 74.72% (male 26,242; female 29,509)