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Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.
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Country
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Surface Area: 477 square km
Population: 77,311 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean
Capital City: Saipan
Head of State: George W. BUSH
Prime Minister: Governor Juan N. BABOUTA
Independent since: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
Currency: US dollar (USD)
Flag (image): 
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