Tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from July to December; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain
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-rising hills in center, mountains in south
Commerical fishing (mostly servicing and unloading of long line fleets and commerical vessels), sport fishing of blue marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, yellow fin tuna, and deep water reef fish, tourism (especially from Japan but increasingly from China and Korea)
Land use
Arable land: 11%
Permanent crops: 11%
Permanent pastures: 15%
Forests and woodland: 18%
Other: 45% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land
NA km²
Natural hazards
Frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (typhoons are possible in any season but most common from August through December)
Environment--current issues
Extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic species. Island also supports feral populations of introduced deer, pigs and water buffalo.
Geography--note
Largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean
