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Better known for its sandy beaches and Second World War wrecks, the tropical Pacific island of Saipan will soon host the final act of Julian Assange’s 14-year legal odyssey.
Where is Saipan?
- Saipan is the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), a US commonwealth in the western Pacific which begins roughly 70 km (44 miles) north of Guam and stretches across 14 islands.
- Like territories such as Guam or Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands are part of the US without the full status of a state.
- The roughly 51,000 residents are US citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections.
- Crucially, some, like Saipan, also host US district courts.
- Saipan is one of the main homes of the Chamorro, the Indigenous people of the Mariana Islands.
- It hosts many resorts, golf courses, beaches, nature sites, and WW2 historical sites. The legislative and executive branches of Commonwealth government are located in the village of Capitol Hill on the island while the judicial branch is headquartered in the village of Susupe.
Source: IE
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Britannica
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