The Northern Mariana Islands are located in the North Pacific Ocean. The Commonwealth encompasses 14 islands, which are home to more than 80,000 people. Spain, Germany and Japan administered the area until the end of World War II, when the United Nations (UN) granted trusteeship of the Marianas to the United States.

In 1975, residents of the Northern Marianas rejected independence in a plebiscite and opted instead to pursue a closer political relationship with the U.S. A negotiated covenant was signed by both entities in 1978.

In 1986, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands were granted U.S. citizenship, but are not allowed to vote in American presidential elections.