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Location:
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Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
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Geographic coordinates:
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13 28 N, 144 47 E
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Map references:
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Oceania
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Area:
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total: 541.3 sq km
land: 541.3 sq km
water: 0 sq km
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Area - comparative:
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three times the size of Washington, DC
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Land boundaries:
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0 km
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Coastline:
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125.5 km
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Maritime claims:
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territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
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Climate:
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tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation
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Terrain:
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volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in center, mountains in south
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m
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Natural resources:
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aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely undeveloped)
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Land use:
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arable land: 3.64%
permanent crops: 18.18%
other: 78.18% (2005)
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Irrigated land:
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NA
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Natural hazards:
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frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (June - December)
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Environment - current issues:
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extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species
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Geography - note:
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largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean
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