MARIANA ISLANDS Meaning and
Definition
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The Mariana Islands refer to a geographically dispersed archipelago situated in the western Pacific Ocean. Comprising a total of 15 islands, the Mariana Islands are located east of the Philippine Sea and south of Japan's Ogasawara Islands. The archipelago stretches over 1,500 kilometers, and the islands are of volcanic origin.
Politically, the Mariana Islands are divided into two major jurisdictions. The northern region is known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), whereas the southern section is an organized unincorporated territory of the United States, referred to as Guam. CNMI consists of 14 islands, the largest of which is Saipan, and operates under a commonwealth status with the U.S., while Guam stands as the largest and most populated island, functioning as a strategic military outpost.
The Mariana Islands possess unique characteristics, including diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. The archipelago is renowned for its stunning tropical landscapes, coral reefs, and underwater features, attracting tourists from around the globe. Additionally, the islands hold historical significance as remnants of World War II battles. During this period, Guam notably experienced occupation and subsequent liberation by the United States.
Economically, the Mariana Islands rely on a combination of industries, including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Although each island exhibits distinct cultural elements, Chamorro, a Micronesian indigenous language, serves as a common denominator among the region's inhabitants, reflecting the islands' shared heritage.
Common Misspellings for MARIANA ISLANDS
- nariana islands
- kariana islands
- jariana islands
- mzriana islands
- msriana islands
- mwriana islands
- mqriana islands
- maeiana islands
- madiana islands
- mafiana islands
- matiana islands
- ma5iana islands
- ma4iana islands
- maruana islands
- marjana islands
- markana islands
- maroana islands
- mar9ana islands
- mar8ana islands
Etymology of MARIANA ISLANDS
The term Mariana Islands is derived from the Spanish name Islas Marianas. It was given to the islands by the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he reached the archipelago during his circumnavigation of the globe. Magellan named the islands after Queen Mariana of Austria, who was the widow of King Philip IV of Spain. The name Mariana itself is a feminine form of the Roman name Marius, derived from the Latin word mas meaning male.
