War & Paradise: The Territories Of The U.S.

Northern Mariana Islands

The culture of the Northern Mariana Islands is just as varied as its background implies. Once occupied by the Spanish, then the Germans, Japanese, and finally controlled as a U.S. territory, these islands have slowly created a completely unique culture in their region. The island of the indigenous Chamorro people are extremely religious, with most identifying as Catholic in accordance to their Spanish heritage. The cuisine is varied between savory Spanish empanadas, Filipino pancit noodles, and the all-too-American Spam. But as you dig deeper into the island’s culture, there are aspects that not only have driven deceit, but human rights abuse as well.