Guam vs. Northern Mariana Islands: Distinct U.S. Territories

Separate Political Entities

No, Guam is not part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Guam

• Unincorporated U.S. territory.
• Located in the western Pacific.
• Capital: Hagåtña.
• Population: ~170,000.

Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)

• U.S. Commonwealth (closer integration than territory).
• 14 islands north of Guam.
• Capital: Saipan.
• Population: ~50,000.

Shared History, Different Status

Both were Spanish colonies, then Japanese-occupied, then U.S.-administered post-WWII. They chose different political paths in the 1970s.