Mariana Islands on the map. Mariana Islands: photo. Mariana Islands. Information for tourists Where is the Mariana Islands on the world map

Mariana Islands- A group of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean, in Micronesia. They include 15 large islands (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, etc.).

The climate is tropical. average temperature January +23+26°С, July - +27°С. The islands are located in the Pacific typhoon belt, which usually pass here from August to December. The wettest months are July-October, the dry season is from December to May. Precipitation is 1800-2100 mm.

Story

Ferdinand Magellan passed South America and went out to Pacific Ocean. The most difficult part of the journey lay before him. Although he didn’t know it, he had to cross the largest ocean in the world at the widest place! In the winter of 1520-1521, in four months he sailed 11 thousand kilometers in the open ocean. Supplies ran low and the team had to boil leather belts. Finally, Magellan's fleet reached the islands located approximately 1,900 kilometers south of Japan.

On the islands, Magellan replenished food supplies, but he was angered by the theft of the natives. Those, seeing the things of the Europeans, could not resist, so Magellan named the islands Ladrones, that is, the Islands of Thieves.

In 1667, a group of missionaries was sent to the same islands. They were sent by the Queen of Spain, who at that time was regent for her young son. The queen's name was Mariana; Having reached the islands, the missionaries renamed them in honor of the queen. Since then the islands have been called Mariana.

In 1898, after the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded to the United States the island on which Magellan had landed - Guam, the largest and most south island throughout the Mariana Archipelago. The following year, Spain sold the remaining islands to Germany. After World War I, defeated Germany gave its possessions to Japan, and after World War II, defeated Japan ceded the islands to the United States.

South of the Mariana Islands is an archipelago consisting of almost a thousand tiny islands scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean. The Portuguese were the first to discover them, but in 1686 the islands were annexed to Spain by the Spanish navigator Francisco Lazeano. He named the Caroline Islands in honor of Charles II of Spain. Charles II was the son of that same Queen Mariana. He grew up, although he was mentally retarded. The Caroline Islands also went to Germany, then to Japan, and then to the United States.

Sights of the Mariana Islands

Saipan Island part of the Mariana archipelago. In 1521, during the first trip around the world the island was discovered by Fernando Magellan. At first the island belonged to the Spanish colonialists. Then in the 19th century the islands were ceded to Germany, which brought hired Japanese to Saipan for agricultural work. Soon the Japanese colonized the Pacific, including Saipan. Today Saipan is under the protectorate of the United States of America.

There are plenty of attractions on the island and its surroundings: Suisad cliff, Saint Lourdas, Banzai cliff, Bird Island, Last command post, Calabera cave.

Saipan Island is the most visited in the entire archipelago. Most interesting place on Saipan -

Grotto, a natural cave with underground lakes up to 15 meters deep. The Grotto is a natural limestone cave with an underwater exit into the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean. Three underwater tunnels connect the cave with open sea. The cave looks like the gaping mouth of a large whale. The Grotto underwater cave in the north of Saipan is declared by scuba diving specialists to be the second place in the world for its beauty.

Banzai Cliff located on top of Mount Marpi in northern Saipan. From a height of 249 m above sea level, the cliff offers an amazing view of the plateau at the foot and the ocean. At the end of the Battle of Saipan, to avoid being captured by the Americans, Japanese soldiers and the local Japanese population committed mass suicide there. People, jumping onto the rocks into the boiling sea, shouted “Banzai”, paying their last respects to the emperor and imperial Japan. Today it was erected on this site buddhist statue and a memorial in memory of those killed.

Top of Mount Tapochao- the highest point of the island. Its height is 473 m above sea level. The mountain occupies a dominant position in the center of the island. Tapochao offers a 360-degree panorama. From here you can see the entire island at once and feel its beauty. At the top there is a statue of Jesus Christ looking down onto the island. The top of the mountain is an excellent shooting point for photographers.

Chamoli village located in the Garapan shopping center area. Built according to the rules of ancient Chamorran and Caroline villages, this village introduces tourists to local life and arts. Guests can try peeling coconuts, painting with banana stamps, making coconut oil and local sweets, as well as making Saipan beads, weaving a tropical wreath, hat or basket. There is also something for men here - to trim a real canoe and even try it in the island's lagoon. Here you can watch a Chamolin dance show, enjoy a barbecue and play local traditional games on the beach.

Bird Island got its name because of the seabirds that build their nests here. Co observation deck This reserve offers a charming view of a small bay with a sandy beach, home to the white sea swallow, kingfisher and sea turtles.

American Memorial Park was opened in 1994 to honor the 3,000 American soldiers who died in the battles of Saipan and Tinian during World War II. But it's not only memorial Complex. The park also became the venue for island festivals and active rest. Activities include swimming, surfing, softball, running and tennis.

Saipan Botanical Garden occupies an area of 30,000 m2. It presents about 2,000 species of tropical plants - from fruits to rare exotic flowers. Here, during your visit, you can try coconut, papaya, mango, avocado, guava, star apple, and citrus fruits. Flower lovers will be inspired by the blooming all year round plants and trees. One of the garden's attractions are green iguanas and tropical lizards.

Sanctuary of Our Lady. Legend claims that this place was revealed to a German priest in a divine vision during the Spanish rule. Later, Christians who came here to pray erected a statue of Our Lady. Near the altar under open air is the only spring on Saipan fresh water, called “the holy water of Our Lady.” Indigenous people believe in miracles medicinal properties water from this spring. During World War II, this place was the only one that escaped bombing.

Cuisine of the Mariana Islands

The cuisine of the Mariana Islands combines French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Thai culinary traditions.

Favorite drink local residents is coconut wine" tuba".

Among national dishes worth noting: all kinds of flatbreads; fried bananas; "lemai" - small slices of breadfruit fried in oil; all kinds of legumes; various salads; pies (especially good options with shellfish and shrimp); pancakes with meat and seafood fillings; rolls.

The hallmark of the cuisine of the Mariana Islands are sauces and seasonings that can change the taste of any product beyond recognition.

Sauce " kelagen" - a mixture of well-ground coconut with vinegar, palm oil, various spices and other ingredients. Meat in this sauce is baked, stewed, fried on coals or barbecued.

Many local dishes cannot do without sauce" finadeni" - a mixture of soy sauce, green onions, lemon juice and red pepper. This sauce is especially good in combination with soups and rice. In it, cooks marinate beef, poultry and pork, which are then fried over a fire.

Simple but very satisfying soups deserve special attention: “sutang-hu” - a hearty soup of poultry and rice; "atolin-mais" - thick stew; "chalakilis" is a soup made from poultry, onions, cloves, rice and coconut milk.

Concerning meat dishes, then they are quite traditional, and appetizing sauces give them a local flavor. Popular dishes include: fried beef or lamb ribs; " haole" - fried beef; baked chicken; venison with sauce; pork chops with young taro leaves and many other colorful dishes.

There is a lot of different seafood on the local table. Be sure to try dishes such as: “la-jo” - mussels with beans; white fish in vinegar; "capricorn fish"; the favorite dish of the islanders “a la Chamorro” is spicy fish; oyster and shrimp pies; shark fins.

The Mariana (Ladron) Islands are an archipelago located in Micronesia, in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of 15 large and several small islands and reefs. Guam Island and Northern Mariana Islands have the status of unincorporated organized territories of the United States. The Mariana Islands have maritime boundaries with the Philippines, Japan, Marshall and Caroline Islands.

In the archipelago area there are about 50 underwater volcanoes and 11 volcano islands. The highest point is 965 meters. The Mariana Trench is the most deep point fault earth's crust depth 11,775 meters.

Total area – 1018 sq. km, the population is about 215,000 people, of which 56% are Asians, 36% are peoples of Oceania, the rest are of mixed origin. Of the religions, Roman Catholic Christianity predominates; local religions and cults are widespread. official languages– English, Chamorro, Caroline.

The administrative center is Garapan (Saipan Island).

Cities of the Mariana Islands

Saipan Island is most suitable for historical tourism. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are golf courses, conditions for diving and swimming. Saipan has the most even weather in the world - +27 degrees all year round.

Garapan is the administrative center of the Mariana Islands, where popular tourist places are Sugar – King – Park and shops Duty Free. Not far from Garapan, the American Memorial Park and the World War II Museum are interesting. In the park, in addition to historical attractions, you can see natural mangrove forests with big amount rare birds, as well as sports and stage venues (where festivals and concerts of local importance are held).

Managaha Island is the oldest and most picturesque island with beautiful coral reefs and exotic fish. Historically memorable places on the island are the cliffs of Banzai - Cliff and Suiside - Cliff, Korean Peace Park.

Tinian Island is the calmest, with one village, San Jose. IN measured life The islands harmoniously accommodate a fashionable hotel, casino, shops and restaurants. The attraction here is the accumulation of ritual stones of ancient peoples – Latte – Stone – Site.

The highest point of the island of Rota rises almost 500 meters above the sea. Tourist attractions here include the limestone Toga Cave, replete with stalactites and stalagmites, Mount Taipingo, an old Japanese locomotive, Chugai rocks with ancient petroglyphs and a bird sanctuary.

Agrikhan Island is the peak of a young volcano almost 1000 meters above sea level and the most high point in Micronesia. There is almost no vegetation or wildlife on the island, and perhaps only extreme sports enthusiasts – divers and fishermen – come here.

The most popular islands of the Northern group are Anatahan volcano, Asuncion volcano, Pagan, Farallon de Pajaros, and the Maug Islands.

How to get to the Mariana Islands

There are no direct flights between Belarus and the Mariana Islands.

The best option would be to fly from Moscow with a connection in Tokyo, Shanghai or Seoul. Travel time excluding connections will be about 16 hours.

Climate of the Mariana Islands

The territory of the Mariana Islands is influenced by a tropical trade wind climate.

Throughout the calendar year, the air temperature on the archipelago averages +27 degrees, water temperature - +25 degrees.

Annual precipitation is 1800 – 2000 mm per year. Air humidity can reach 82%. The rainy season generally falls between June and November. And from August to December are possible strong winds and storms.

The best time to travel around the archipelago is from December to March and from May to June.

The hotel base of the Mariana Islands is represented by both hotels belonging to world-famous chains and local hotels 3* - 4*, providing guests with decent service and comfortable accommodation. The average cost of accommodation is from 90 to 300 US dollars per night.

Economy accommodation options include private boarding houses and motels. An overnight stay here will cost from 35 to 65 US dollars. There are no hostels on Mariany.

Beaches of the Mariana Islands

The islands of the Southern group have beaches with fine white sand, while the Northern ones have black volcanic sand.

The best and most beloved beaches of the Mariana Islands are Micro Beach, Lao Lao Bay, Ladair Beach, Paupau Beach. But lovers of secluded relaxation will always find nearby wild beach to fully enjoy the sea, sun and beautiful nature.

On the island of Tiniana, Tachona Beach attracts attention, on Rota - Corell - Gardens, Teteto Beach.

On the island of Saipan on Micro Beach there are excellent conditions for windsurfing.

Be careful when swimming in the open sea.

Banks, money, exchange offices

The Marian currency is the US dollar, equal to 100 cents. There are paper bills in circulation in denominations of 1,2,5,10,20,50,100 dollars and coins in denominations of 1 dollar, penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), half-dollar (50 cents). On most islands, Japanese yen and Korean won are also accepted for payments.

Banking hours:

From Monday to Thursday – from 10.00 to 15.00

Fridays – from 10.00 to 18.00

Credit cards from the world's major payment systems (preferably Master Card and Visa) are accepted for payments almost everywhere. ATMs are located in many banks and shopping centers. Travel checks (preferably in US dollars) are also accepted for payments almost everywhere except the most distant islands.

There are no commercial taxes on the islands, hotel tax is 10%.

Tips on the archipelago amount to 10–15% of the total cost of services.

Tourist safety

The Mariana Islands are a safe zone for tourists. Only basic rules should be followed:

It is advisable to leave valuables, large sums of money and documents in the hotel safe
In crowded places it is not recommended to leave personal belongings unattended
It is not recommended to walk alone at night in deserted places
You should not take photographs of local residents without their permission.
Before going outside, be sure to use sunscreen, wear UV-blocking sunglasses and light, long-sleeved clothing
Before departure, you should take preventive measures against hepatitis B and dengue.
It is recommended to use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice
It is recommended to consume meat, fish and seafood only when thermally processed.
Vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed, vegetables should be pre-heated, fruits should be peeled first
When swimming in the sea, you should be careful because of the so-called "rip currents"
When moving along many shores, special shoes are required due to coral rubble and volcanic rocks

Transport

The most common mode of transport in the Mariana Islands is airplane and helicopter.

There is no railway connection, public transport Not very well developed, but tourist buses run between hotels, shops and restaurants.

You can also use taxi services.

The service of renting a car (from 20 US dollars per day with an international driver's license and credit card), a motorcycle (from 10 US dollars per day), and a mountain bike (from 2 US dollars per day) is popular in the archipelago. Traffic is on the right.

Entertainment, excursions, attractions

The main attraction of the island of Guam is its the main street– Chamorro, where every evening you can watch locals singing and dancing, who also prepare dishes national cuisine. By the way, Chamorro is the name of the local people. There is plenty for divers to do in Guam - Fort Apugan is fraught with many mysteries.

Trekking enthusiasts come to the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota - hiking.

The island of Saipan also has interesting cave Grotto with underground lakes 15 meters deep and tunnels leading directly into the sea.

Cuisine and restaurants

The national cuisine of the Mariana Islands is a mixture of traditions of many peoples.

Shopping and shops

Store opening hours:

On weekdays – from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00

On Saturdays – from 8.00 to 13.00

Private – on an individual schedule

Closed on Sunday (except for large supermarkets and Duty stores Free)

Most often, souvenirs made from sea shells and coconuts, hats and bags made from the leaves of tropical plants, textiles, jewelry made from agate, coral and pearls are brought from the Mariana Islands.

Mariana is famous for its duty-free shops, the prices of which are quite reasonable.

Customs

You can import and export national and foreign currencies without restrictions in cash, travel checks, credit cards. Amounts exceeding US$10,000 and gold must be declared.

Allowed to import:

Up to 600 cigarettes made in the USA or up to 200 cigarettes from other manufacturers, up to 454 g cigars
Up to 1 bottle of strong alcohol, up to 1 bottle of wine, up to 1 case of beer (for persons over 21 years old)
Perfumes and personal items - in reasonable quantities

It is prohibited to import:

Perishable food
Drugs and narcotic-containing medications
Mangoes from the Philippines
Meat and meat products (except those manufactured in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii)
"dry" foods (such as instant noodles)
parrots

When importing pets, an international veterinary certificate is required. For cats and dogs, a rabies vaccination certificate is required, made no less than 30 and no more than 90 days before departure.

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The Northern Mariana Islands, which actually and legally belong to the territory of the United States of America (like the entire Mariana Archipelago), are presented here as a separate destination. This was not done by chance: the very nature of the holiday, and many of the nuances of staying here are completely different than in other American beach resorts. For a tourist, the Northern Mariana Islands are untouched and very beautiful tropical nature, many historical places related to the battles for the Pacific during the Second World War, fantastic Coral reefs, sea fishing with a rich and varied catch, golf, surfing, diving, snorkeling and good conditions for a beach holiday.

How to get there

There is no direct flight from Russia to the islands. You can fly to Saipan with a connection in Shanghai (China Eastern), Tokyo (Japan Airlines and Northwest Airlines) or Seoul (Asiana Air). Flight duration (excluding connections) is about 16 hours.

If flying through Tokyo, tourists will need to apply for a transit visa.

Search for flights to Saipan (the closest airport to the Northern Mariana Islands)

Visa to Northern Mariana Islands

Until October 1, 2019 To enter the territory of the Mariana Islands for a period of up to 45 days for the purpose of tourism, Russian citizens will not need a visa. From the beginning of October, you will have to obtain a B1/B2 visa, which allows multiple entries into the United States within 180 days.

Customs

The import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. You can import any amounts in cash, traveler's checks and payment cards. Only amounts over 10,000 USD are required to be declared. When importing gold, a declaration is required. Personal items are not subject to duty; the import of perishable products (meat, vegetables, fruits, etc.), weapons and drugs into the country is prohibited. The export of corals and other local marine life is prohibited.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Useful phone numbers

All emergency services(ambulance, police, fire): 911

Roaming on the islands is not yet available to subscribers of Russian operators, but you can rent a cell phone there. Phone calls to Russia are best made using a calling card from public telephones in hotels, on the streets and in shops. Calls from hotel rooms are noticeably more expensive.

Maps of the Northern Mariana Islands

Electricity

Electrical voltage 110 V, 60 Hz. The socket standard is American.

Weather in the Northern Mariana Islands

Money

Traveler's checks in US dollars are accepted everywhere except the most remote islands. There is no need to exchange them: most hotels, restaurants and large stores accept them as cash. There are commercial banks on Saipan, Rota and Tinian. On other islands, tourists will have to carry enough cash with them to pay for goods and services, since small private shops do not accept traveler's checks. This also applies to the rental of boats and yachts, as well as payment for the services of guides and conductors. Major credit cards (especially Mastercard and Visa) are also accepted almost everywhere, but again - only on large islands.

Tipping is optional and remains entirely at the discretion of the tourist. There is no generally accepted tip size; traditionally, in bars and restaurants, foreign tourists tip no more than 10% of the bill, and porters and maids in hotels are usually given 1 USD.

Shopping and stores

Prices in all stores are fixed; bargaining is not accepted.

Popular hotels in Northern Mariana Islands

Entertainment and attractions of the Northern Mariana Islands

The best places for snorkeling: Saipan - Managaha Island, Tiniane - Tachona Beach, Rota - Corell Gardens in Sasanaya Bay. All three main islands of the archipelago are good for hiking. The main route on Saipan is the Laderana-Tangka Trail through the Marpi Commonwealth Forest. Tinian has a wonderful route along the Cammer and Taga banks south of San Jose.

Other recreational options: windsurfing, popular here ( the best place for him - Micro Beach on Saipan), tennis, golf and short underwater excursions in the lagoon between Saipan and the island of Managaha, where on the bottom of the sea, in addition to its many inhabitants, you can see traces of the wrecks of Japanese ships and American B-29s.

The Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean attract travelers with the beauty of a tropical paradise. A chain of 15 tiny landmass located north of the equator, bordering the eastern part of the Philippine Sea. On the territory of the archipelago there are two independent public education. One of them is called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or simply the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), the second is Guam.

Tropical paradise

The Mariana Islands offer a warm climate, evergreen forests and picturesque lagoons. The archipelago is surrounded by fantastically beautiful and vibrant undersea world promises exciting adventures. This part of Micronesia enjoys summer-like warmth throughout the year, with an atmosphere of warm hospitality and celebration. Tourists like to go snorkeling, diving, and surfing on the islands. Many come to bask in the whites sandy beaches. Hotels on the large islands have a high level of service, there are golf clubs and gourmet restaurants.

Where is the archipelago, how to get there?

The Mariana Islands on the map stretch between parallels 12 and 21º, they form an arc along 145° E. w. with a total length of about 810 km. In the south, the archipelago borders on the Caroline Islands, and in the north on the In this area, the time difference with Moscow is +6 hours. To travel to the Mariana Islands, Russian citizens do not need to obtain a visa if the stay does not exceed 45 days. You can get to the archipelago by plane with one transfer in cities in the southeast of the mainland. You will need an amount of 1200-1300 US dollars for a flight with 1-2 transfers on the route Moscow - Mariana Islands. Vacations and hotel prices depend on the city the tourist chooses. Air transport, ferry, boats and inflatable boats operate between the islands of the archipelago.

When is the best time to go? Climate and seasons

Tours to the Mariana Islands are organized year-round, because in all parts of the archipelago summer lasts 12 months a year. The climate is determined by the favorable location of the islands between the Tropic of the North and the equator. The tourist season is open all year round, but travelers should note the differences between dry and wet periods. Temperature conditions throughout the year are not very diverse - +27...+29 °C (maximum +33 °C). Precipitation is about 2000 mm/year. There is a dry period, its duration is 8 months - from December to July. Then comes the wet season, which lasts until November. At this time, trade winds bring an abundance of moisture from the ocean, and the bulk of precipitation falls. In August-November there is a high probability of typhoons and storms. The water temperature on the beaches almost all year is +28...+29 °C, only in February and March it drops to +27 °C. The most comfortable months for vacation are December-March.

Government structure and population

The Northern Mariana Islands are a territory freely associated with the United States and are self-governing. Citizens are considered subjects of the United States but do not vote in national elections. The population of the island of Guam (Mariana Islands) has the same rights. Other important information for tourists about the states of the archipelago:

The administrative center of the SMO is about. Saipan;
the capital of Guam is Hagatna;
English is the official language, the Chamorro aboriginal language and Caroline dialects are also used;
Catholicism is the dominant religion;
US dollar is a monetary unit.

The indigenous population has preserved their language and traditions associated with cultivating the land, hunting and fishing. People from other areas of Micronesia and Caroline Islands support cultural heritage their ancestors in the form of national music, dances, crafts and handicrafts.

History of Chamorro Land

Presumably in the 3rd millennium BC. e. Catamarans brought the first inhabitants of the Mariana Islands to the outskirts of the Philippine Sea from the territory of modern Indonesia. From these ancient seafarers came the Chamorro people. The name of the archipelago was given by the Spaniards in honor of the actual head of Spain, Marianna of Austria. In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi annexed the Mariana Islands to the possessions of the Spanish crown. Large-scale colonization began 100 years later and was associated with missionary activity. The population was converted to Christianity and taught to grow cereals and raise livestock.

IN late XIX century, Spain ceded Guam to the United States, along with Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and sold the other Mariana Islands to Germany. Saipan became a coconut growing center for the Germans. Japan seized control of the islands of the archipelago in 1914, holding the territory until the US Navy and the American Army landed in 1944. From the airfield to the island. Tinian took off the plane that dropped atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. At the same time, the UN recognized the US protectorate over Guam, and in 1947, the United States trusteeship over Northern Isles archipelago.

Amazing nature of the islands

The relatively young Mariana Islands on the map represent a chain of land areas of volcanic and coral origin. They appeared more than 25 million years ago. In the same part of the ocean is the deepest place in the World Ocean - the Mariana Trench with the Challenger Deep (more than 11 km). The highest active volcano in the archipelago (965 m) is located on the northern island of Agrihan. Soils, flora and fauna were formed under the influence of a warm, humid climate and the proximity of the ocean. Isolation from the mainland also had an impact. The richness of nature of the large islands consists of:

valleys covered with fertile lands;
rainforests;
sandy beaches sparkling in the sun.
majestic cones of extinct volcanoes;
picturesque underwater caves and grottoes.

The flora includes many species of heat-loving trees, shrubs and flowers. Banana, coconut palm, hibiscus and orchids grow here. Representatives of 40 species of birds, giant crabs and lizards, whose sizes reach 1 m, live on the islands. Among the lush tropical vegetation on the island. Sarigan is a refuge for wild ungulates.

Tourism on the islands

On about. Saipan is home to 90% of the Commonwealth's population and is home to the majority beach hotels. Inhabited picturesque islands Tinian and Rota, where many pedestrians are organized tourist routes. The uninhabited parts of the archipelago are also popular due to the possibility of reaching them within one day and aquatic species sports. Travelers go to the islands to watch birds and dive to coral reefs. Saipan has golf courses and excursions around the area are offered. Some of the favorite entertainments of tourists include:

sailing on boats with a transparent bottom;
yacht cruises;
windsurfing;
walks in the jungle;
mountain biking through mountains and jungles;
air flights and parachute jumps over the Saipan lagoon;
attending courses at golf clubs.

Diving, snorkeling and fishing

The coastal waters of the archipelago are clean and transparent. Such conditions are favorable for different forms of living beings.

Dozens of species of coelenterates form the coral reefs that fringe the Mariana Islands. Photos of the underwater world will not leave any diver or snorkeler indifferent.

Clownfish, tuna, barracuda, and swordfish are often found. In the ocean waters near the islands there are dolphins, whales and other sea creatures (octopuses, lobsters, sea turtles).

Sights of the archipelago

Abundance natural conditions For unforgettable holiday complemented by a developed tourism infrastructure on the large islands - Saipan, Tinyan, Rota and Guam. The coral reef and Lau Lau Beach, popular among fans of water recreation, are located on the southeastern coast of the island. Saipan. Grotto is a natural cave with lakes up to 15 m deep and underwater access to the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the Mariana Islands, prehistoric latte structures are formed by two parallel rows of slabs. The height is about 1.5 m, the width is over 3.5 m, and there are stone ceilings on top. Structures 12 m long could serve as supports for religious buildings or houses. The most famous of these artifacts, called the House of Taga, is located on the island of Tinian. The eventful history of the Mariana Islands is reflected in museum exhibitions and memorial monuments.

8 mysteries of the Mariana Islands

Perhaps one of the most mysterious places on a map of the Earth – Mariana Islands. This is a place that is sometimes considered one of the best remaining mystical corners of America and which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists with its unique nature and many historical sites.

Mariana Islands on the world map

Distance of the Mariana Islands from " big land» makes them a unique place, where an atmosphere of peace and absolute carefree reigns. Real paradise for lovers of magnificent panoramas, unique sunsets and crystal clear air.

Where are they located?

The Mariana Islands are a small Island state, whose territory covers 15 islands of the archipelago of the same name. They are located at the western tip of the Pacific Ocean, in a region called Micronesia.

Most travelers come here in search of solitude from the noise of big cities and to see with their own eyes the monuments from the Battle of the Pacific during World War II.

The islands of the archipelago are located in such a way that they form two chains with a total length of more than 700 kilometers.

Due to the characteristics of its geographical location The Mariana archipelago does not have clear boundaries with neighboring states. To the south of it are Caroline Islands (Federated States Micronesia). The conditional natural boundary separating the Philippine Sea from the Pacific Ocean passes at the location of the Mariana Islands.

Relief

Mariana Archipelago consists of two chains located from the north and south. In the northern chain most of The islands are cones formed as a result of volcanic activity over 900 meters high. It is noteworthy that some of them are small active volcanoes. The islands in the southern chain are partly volcanic in nature and partly formed by corals.

The nature of the Mariana Islands is typical for the tropical region; there are many places where no one has set foot. The coral reefs of the Mariana Islands amaze with their splendor and fantastic forms, and deepest place on the planet - 11 km Mariana Trench is located just a few tens of kilometers from the archipelago.

Coastal waters abound with fish, beaches stretch for thousands of meters, and the rich underwater world strives to show all its splendor to lovers of diving and snorkeling.

Climate

The climate of the Mariana Islands is characterized as humid, tropical ocean.

The average air temperature during the day fluctuates around +28/+33 degrees Celsius, and at night drops only a few degrees to +23/+25 degrees.

Humidity quite high and reaches 75-85%. Two seasons are clearly distinguished: from to to the windy season begins in this area, and from to to the time of typhoons begins.

How to get there from Russia?

The easiest way to get here is from some countries in Asia (, Japan, South Korea) or from , therefore, among vacationers in the Mariana Islands, Japanese And Americans.

Due to the great remoteness of the Mariana Islands from no direct flights in this direction.

To the airport of the main island of the archipelago - Saipan– can be reached by plane of Asian airlines. Transfers for flights in this direction are made in Shanghai, Tokyo or. The duration of such a flight will be about 16 hours, and this does not take into account flight connections.

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State structure

Picturesque coral reefs, offshore fishing opportunities, surfing and diving are all available in abundance today. But not all the time life seemed like a fairy tale to the residents of the Mariana Islands.

Story

The development of the Northern Mariana Islands occurred many centuries ago - around 500 AD the first settlers appeared here - Chamorro tribes, having some kinship with the modern peoples of Polynesia. They were experienced sailors and actively explored pacific islands and left behind memorial signs - the famous “latte” stones, the height of which could reach 6 meters.

It is curious that some historians see in the latte stones some analogy with the mysterious statues of Easter Island.

European influence on the Mariana Islands began with the legendary navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who was the first European to discover these lands during his circumnavigation of the world in 1521. On his ship he passed through the southern group of islands of the archipelago and named them "Isla de los Ladrones", which translated meant “Islands of Thieves.”

The name was changed to "Las Marianas" in the middle XVII century, when the Spanish priest Luis Diego Sanvitores, who found himself in these parts, named them in honor of Queen Anna Maria of Austria.

In 1668, missionaries of the Jesuit order, led by Sanvitores, organized the first mission on the islands, with the advent of which between local population and European colonists began conflicts. The war lasted two decades and resulted in the removal of most of the natives to the island of Guam.

In the 19th century resettlement has begun Spaniards and settlers from the Caroline Islands came to the Mariana Islands, and gradually began to show interest in the archipelago. In 1899, Spain sold the Northern Mariana Islands to the German government, which hoped to organize the industrial production of coconut pulp here. However, these plans were adjusted by the outbreak of the First World War, and Japan, which turned out to be stronger and more interested, captured the islands.

The Japanese began to grow sugar cane on the islands, cutting down tropical forests and thickets of coconut palms. In the 1930s, Mariana cane plantations guaranteed the lion's share of Japan's profits.

Dramatic events unfolded in the archipelago area during the years Second World War, when the archipelago became the site for one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles in the Pacific basin. In the summer of 1944, US armed forces landed on the coast of Saipan and simultaneously attacked the Japanese flotilla.

Thousands of soldiers from both armies became victims of the battle, but the civilian population of the islands suffered the maximum damage.

Subsequently, the United States set up a military airfield here, which was destined to go down in history. It was from this base that two heavy bombers took to the skies, dropping atomic charges on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With the end of the war, peace came to the islands, they were subject to the United Nations, and since 1947 they have been under US influence.

Policy

The Mariana Islands are a self-governing community. Since 1986, the status of a state has been in force, "freely joined" to the United States, thanks to which the islands gained local self-government. United States trusteeship ended in 1993. The state and government are simultaneously headed by a governor elected by the population.

Valid on the islands representative presidential democratic system. The main person in the state is the governor. The Mariana Islands are in a political union with the United States, and general funds are administered by a special department within the US Department of the Interior.

Most likely, such an unpleasant illness as acclimatization will overtake you in the Mariana Islands. Be prepared for it with help.

Population

The population of the Mariana Islands archipelago is approximately 700 thousand people. Among them are representatives different nationalities:

The vast majority of residents are representatives Filipino — 34%;
Nationality takes second place Chamorro -30%;
On the third Chinese — 12%;
Bringing up the end of the list Micronesians — 8%;
And people from Caroline Islands — 5%.

In addition, on the islands of the archipelago live Americans, Japanese, Koreans, Australians.

Religion and language

The official language of the Commonwealth is English. In second place is Chamorro language, and also an important role is assigned Caroline, Filipino, Japanese, Korean And Chinese languages.

In the Mariana Archipelago, representatives of each religious group have their own organization and premises for performing rituals.

Main religious movements:

Catholicism;
Protestantism;
Islam;
Local religions and cults.

There are numerous activities here sects, ranging from Mormons to Seventh-day Adventists.

Map of the Mariana Islands with cities

Of the 17 islands of the archipelago, only 4 are inhabited: Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam.

Capital

The capital of the Mariana Islands is city of Susupe, which is located on the island of Saipan. It is very popular among tourists from Japan, who come here in large numbers.

Susupe attracts with its unhurried, measured rhythm, the absence of cataclysms and shocks, which is so important for modern people.

In Susupa you can enjoy the warm summer all year round and completely forget about all your worries.

Big cities

The largest city in the archipelago is Garapan, located in the western part of the island of Saipan. Most of the administrative buildings on the islands are concentrated here. The city is unique in that its borders are not clearly defined, and in almost everything west coast The island is lined with a chain of small villages and residential buildings surrounded by farms and lush gardens.
Big village Songsong- the biggest locality on the island of Rota. It is located in the southwestern part of the island. The usual city rules do not apply here - residents cope just fine without traffic lights and shopping centers. At almost every step here you can see all kinds of stones, which are used not only for construction, but also serve as markings.
City Hagatna is the administrative center of the island of Guam. It lies on a narrow isthmus separating the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The city was founded in 1668 by the Spaniards, who created the first Jesuit mission on the island. Here you can admire beautiful landscapes and vibrant historical monuments.

Watch an educational video about the Mariana Islands: