Northern Mariana Islands
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -1.93%
As a microstate in Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands is home to just 44.3k people, making it one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 464 km², the territory records a density of 95 people per km². Its capital is Saipan, and official languages include Carolinian, Chamorro, and English, while the United States dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
44,278
Area
464 km²
Density
95/km²
World Rank
#214
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Births occur at 12.9 per thousand against deaths at 4.7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 22% of residents under 15 and 9.8% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Saipan
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Micronesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- Carolinian, Chamorro, English
- Currencies
- United States dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +1670
- Top-Level Domain
- .mp
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- No
- Timezones
- UTC+10:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 44,278
- Land Area
- 464 km²
- Population Density
- 95 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -1.93%
- Annual Growth
- -855 people
- Daily Growth
- -2 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 15.20°, 145.75°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $23.8k, Northern Mariana Islands sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards.
Life Expectancy
78.8 years
GDP per Capita
$23,786
Birth Rate
12.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
4.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
92.1%
Fertility Rate
2.35 births/woman
Internet Users
0.0%
Under 15
22.0%
Over 65
9.8%
Age Distribution
0-14 years
10K
15-64 years
30K
65+ years
4K
Urbanization
Northern Mariana Islands is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 92.1% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Saipan serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 963.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
40,767
92.1%
3,511
7.9%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 78.8 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Internet penetration of 0% is well below the global average, influencing access to information, education, and digital services.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Northern Mariana Islands's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. The territory's governance arrangements will influence how effectively it adapts to evolving population dynamics.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 44,278 |
| 2030 | 41,168 |
| 2035 | 37,980 |
| 2040 | 35,392 |
| 2045 | 33,266 |
| 2050 | 31,498 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Northern Mariana Islands?
The population of Northern Mariana Islands is approximately 44,278 as of 2026, making it #214 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Northern Mariana Islands?
The capital of Northern Mariana Islands is Saipan.
What languages are spoken in Northern Mariana Islands?
The main languages spoken in Northern Mariana Islands are Carolinian, Chamorro, English.
How big is Northern Mariana Islands?
Northern Mariana Islands covers an area of 464 km² with a population density of 95 people per km².
Is Northern Mariana Islands growing or shrinking?
Northern Mariana Islands's population is declining at a rate of -1.93% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Northern Mariana Islands?
The average life expectancy in Northern Mariana Islands is 78.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Northern Mariana Islands?
The GDP per capita of Northern Mariana Islands is $23,786.