(Pedro A. TENORIO)

Judicial branch:
Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders:
Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S.
CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:
NA

International organization participation:
Interpol (subbureau), SPC, UPU

Flag description:
blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on the gray
silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in
building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath

Economy Northern Mariana Islands

Economy - overview:
The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from
the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated
government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs
about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of
GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have
exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial
difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The
agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms
producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment
production is by far the most important industry with the employment
of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US
under duty and quota exemptions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$900 million
note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy (2000 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):
$633.4 million (2000)

GDP - real growth rate:
NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$12,500 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Labor force:
44,470 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed; 28,717
foreign workers (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:
3.9% (2001)

Population below poverty line:
NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
-0.8% (2000)

Budget:
revenues: $193 million
expenditures: $223 million; including capital expenditures of $NA
(FY01/02 est.)

Agriculture - products:
coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle

Industries:
tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:
NA%

Electricity - produ